Description
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a vibrant and comforting dish combining fresh bell peppers, savory smoked turkey, hearty brown rice, and creamy plant-based cheese. With minimal prep and wholesome ingredients, it offers a nutritious and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Baked until bubbly and golden, this casserole brings the classic stuffed pepper flavors into a cozy, layered casserole that’s easy to customize and enjoy.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Proteins
- Bell Peppers (red, yellow, and green) – diced, about 3 cups
- Smoked Turkey – shredded or cubed, 2 cups
- Onion – finely chopped, 1 medium
- Garlic – minced, 3 cloves
- Diced Tomatoes – 1 can (14 oz)
Grains and Bases
- Brown Rice – cooked, 1 1/2 cups
Dairy and Cheese
- Plant-Based Cheese – shredded, 1 1/2 cups
Condiments and Flavorings
- Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce (natural) – 2 tablespoons
- Apple Cider Vinegar (natural) – 1 tablespoon
Spices and Herbs
- Smoked Paprika – 1 teaspoon
- Cumin – 1 teaspoon
- Oregano – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – 1 teaspoon or to taste
- Pepper – 1/2 teaspoon or to taste
Other
- Natural Gelling Agent – 1 teaspoon
- Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon for sautéing
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse and dice the bell peppers into bite-size pieces. Finely chop the onion and garlic. Shred or cube the smoked turkey for layering. Cook the brown rice following package instructions until tender but still slightly firm.
- Sauté Aromatics and Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté the onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant. Add the diced bell peppers and cook for a few minutes until tender-crisp. Stir in diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture to blend the flavors.
- Combine the Layers: Grease a casserole dish lightly. Layer the cooked brown rice evenly at the bottom, then add the sautéed vegetable mixture followed by smoked turkey. Sprinkle plant-based cheese evenly between layers to create creamy texture throughout. Add natural gelling agent evenly to help bind layers after baking.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Cover the casserole dish loosely. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and casserole is heated through. Uncover during the last 10 minutes of baking for a golden top.
- Let It Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. This helps flavors meld and makes slicing easier. Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or basil and a side of plant-based yogurt.
Notes
- Cook rice until tender but firm to prevent mushy casserole.
- Distribute layers evenly for balanced flavor in every bite.
- Use fresh bell peppers and herbs for vibrant taste and color.
- Allow casserole to rest after baking for better slicing and flavor development.
- Customize with your choice of plant-based cheese for preferred meltiness and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: stuffed pepper casserole, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey casserole, easy dinner, gluten free casserole, healthy casserole, weeknight meal
