This Arrabbiata Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a tasty mix of bell peppers filled with spicy Italian ingredients, baked to perfection in a comforting sauce. It’s colorful and super flavorful!
You’ll love how easy it is to make this dish! Just throw everything together and let the oven do its magic. Plus, who can resist that warm, cheesy topping? It’s a cozy dinner winner! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bell Peppers: Green bell peppers work great here for their slight bitterness that balances the sauce’s sweetness. You can replace them with red, yellow, or orange peppers for a sweeter flavor. Just choose what appeals to you!
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: I often use Italian sausage for extra flavor, but ground turkey or chicken can be leaner alternatives. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try lentils or beans mixed with veggie crumbles.
Crushed Tomatoes: A 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes brings moisture and flavor. You could swap this with diced tomatoes or fresh tomatoes; just crush or blend them before adding. A splash of tomato sauce also works if needed.
Cheese: Mozzarella gives that gooey texture, while Parmesan adds saltiness. You can substitute mozzarella for provolone or gouda, and any hard cheese can work for Parmesan. Dairy-free cheese options are available if needed!
How Do I Make Sure My Casserole Is Well-Flavored?
The secret to a delicious casserole is layering flavors during cooking. Start with sautéing the onions and garlic in olive oil for a fragrant base. Then cook your meat until browned, allowing those flavors to develop. Adding dried herbs like oregano and basil early helps release their flavors, while the crushed tomatoes simmer and thicken, creating a rich sauce.
- Always season your sauce with salt and pepper. Taste it before filling the peppers!
- Let the sauce simmer long enough for a deeper flavor – about 10-15 minutes should do the trick.
Arrabbiata Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 6 large green bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 1 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste for heat)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, sliced (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Arrabbiata Stuffed Pepper Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 35 minutes to cook, totaling about 50 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend a little time chopping, sautéing, and assembling the ingredients, and then just let the oven do the work!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Sauté:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that heats up, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
2. Cook the Meat:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s nice and fragrant. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. You want it to be browned and fully cooked, which should take about 6-8 minutes. If there’s extra fat, drain it out.
3. Make the Sauce:
Now it’s time for the sauce! Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red chili flakes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors blend and thicken up a bit.
4. Prepare the Peppers:
While the sauce is simmering, prepare your bell peppers. Wash them, then cut each one in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Place the pepper halves cut side up in a large casserole dish.
5. Fill the Peppers:
Once your sauce is ready, it’s time to fill those bell peppers! Spoon the spicy meat sauce generously into each half. Don’t be shy; fill them up!
6. Cheese It Up:
Sprinkle a lovely layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the filled peppers, then finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top. Yum!
7. Bake and Serve:
Cover the casserole dish with foil and place it in your preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Once done, take it out, garnish with sliced fresh basil leaves, and serve hot.
Enjoy this deliciously spicy and cheesy Arrabbiata Stuffed Pepper Casserole as a hearty main dish. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or some crusty bread! Happy eating!
Can I Use Different Types of Peppers?
Absolutely! While green bell peppers are classic for this dish, you can use red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for a sweeter flavor. Just pick whichever variety you prefer!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the meat sauce and stuff the peppers a day in advance. Just cover them tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready, bake them directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time as they might need to thaw a bit.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
What Can I Substitute for Meat?
If you want a meatless option, try using lentils, quinoa, or a plant-based meat substitute. Just season them well to ensure the same savory flavor profile!