Spicy Stuffed Banana Peppers Casserole: A Fiery, Flavor-Packed Comfort Dish
Few dishes bring together comfort, spice, and satisfaction quite like a casserole bubbling with flavor. The Spicy Stuffed Banana Peppers Casserole is a culinary masterpiece that turns the mild tang of banana peppers into a fiery, cheesy delight. Imagine tender banana peppers stuffed with a savory filling of seasoned ground meat, rice, and gooey cheese, then baked in a zesty tomato sauce that ties everything together. The aroma alone can make anyone’s mouth water.
This casserole isn’t just for spice lovers—it’s for anyone who craves a dish that’s hearty yet fresh, bold yet comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a potluck, or meal prep, it’s an all-in-one dish that never disappoints. The combination of heat, creaminess, and tangy sweetness creates a balance that makes each bite unforgettable. What’s even better? You can easily adjust the spice level and ingredients to match your taste preferences.
Ingredients Needed
Below is a complete list of ingredients along with their approximate calorie count per serving. These values can vary slightly depending on brand and portion size.
| Ingredient | Amount | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Banana peppers (large) | 8–10 pieces | 60 |
| Ground beef or turkey | 1 lb (450 g) | 680 |
| Cooked rice | 1 cup | 200 |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium | 45 |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves | 15 |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 1 cup | 320 |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup | 400 |
| Crushed tomatoes | 1 can (15 oz) | 150 |
| Tomato sauce | 1 can (8 oz) | 70 |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | 240 |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste | 5 |
| Crushed red pepper flakes | ½ tsp (optional) | 5 |
| Italian seasoning or oregano | 1 tsp | 5 |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | For garnish | 5 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Peppers
- Wash the banana peppers thoroughly and slice off the tops.
- Carefully remove the seeds and membranes using a small spoon or paring knife.
- Set them aside while you prepare the filling.
- Make the Filling
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant and translucent.
- Stir in the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned.
- Mix in the cooked rice, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Add half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Stir to combine.
- Stuff the Peppers
- Gently fill each banana pepper with the prepared meat and rice mixture.
- Place the stuffed peppers in a lightly greased baking dish.
- Add the Sauce and Cheese
- In a bowl, mix crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce together.
- Pour this mixture evenly over the stuffed peppers.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for a gooey, golden crust.
- Bake to Perfection
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Garnish and Serve
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Adjust the Heat: Want it milder? Replace banana peppers with sweet bell peppers. Prefer extra heat? Mix in diced jalapeños or hot sauce into the filling.
- Go Vegetarian: Swap the meat with black beans, lentils, or a mix of mushrooms and quinoa for a hearty plant-based version.
- Add More Layers: Incorporate corn, diced tomatoes, or sautéed spinach for extra texture and flavor.
- Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack or smoked gouda to give your casserole a twist.
- Make It Creamy: Mix in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or sour cream into the filling for a richer taste.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Spicy Stuffed Banana Peppers Casserole hot, straight from the oven. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, crusty garlic bread, or roasted potatoes. For a refreshing contrast, try serving it with a side of cool ranch dip or Greek yogurt to balance the spice. If you’re hosting a gathering, this dish makes an excellent centerpiece alongside roasted vegetables and a glass of chilled white wine.
Spicy Stuffed Banana Peppers Casserole: A Fiery, Flavor-Packed Comfort Dish
6
servings25
minutes45
minutes380
kcalIngredients
IngredienttAmount
Banana peppers (large)t8–10 pieces
Ground beef or turkeyt1 lb (450 g)
Cooked ricet1 cup
Onion (chopped)t1 medium
Garlic (minced)t3 cloves
Olive oilt2 tbsp
Crushed tomatoest1 can (15 oz)
Tomato saucet1 can (8 oz)
Shredded mozzarella cheeset1 cup
Shredded cheddar cheeset1 cup
Italian seasoning or oreganot1 tsp
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)t½ tsp
Salt and black peppertTo taste
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)tAs needed
Directions
- Prep the Peppers:
- Wash banana peppers and remove the tops, seeds, and membranes. Set aside.
- Make the Filling:
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned.
- Stir in cooked rice, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Mix in half of the shredded cheese blend.
- Stuff the Peppers:
- Carefully fill each banana pepper with the prepared mixture. Arrange them in a greased baking dish.
- Add Sauce & Cheese:
- Combine crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Pour evenly over stuffed peppers.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Let cool for a few minutes, then top with chopped parsley and enjoy!
Recipe Video
Notes
- Choosing the Peppers: Look for firm, glossy banana peppers with smooth skin. Slightly larger ones are easier to stuff and hold their shape during baking.
Balancing the Heat: Banana peppers vary in spiciness — taste one before cooking so you can adjust the amount of chili flakes or cheese accordingly.
FAQs
1. What kind of peppers work best for this casserole?
Banana peppers are perfect because they have a mild-to-medium heat level that balances beautifully with the cheesy, savory filling. If you prefer something less spicy, you can substitute sweet bell peppers. For extra heat, go for jalapeños or Hungarian wax peppers.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole up to one day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then bake as directed.
3. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Definitely. Once baked and cooled, portion the casserole into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2–3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
4. Can I make this casserole vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the ground meat with lentils, quinoa, or plant-based crumbles. Use dairy-free cheese and swap the olive oil for a vegan butter alternative if desired. You’ll still get that rich, comforting texture with a plant-based twist.
5. How do I reduce the spiciness of the dish?
To tone down the heat, remove all seeds and membranes from the banana peppers before stuffing them. You can also use a mild tomato sauce and skip the red pepper flakes. Adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top can also help mellow the spice.
Conclusion
A Spicy Stuffed Banana Peppers Casserole isn’t just another casserole—it’s a bold fusion of comfort and kick. Each bite delivers layers of flavor, from the savory filling to the tangy peppers and bubbling cheese on top. It’s the kind of dish that warms you up from the inside out, leaving you completely satisfied. Whether you make it for a cozy family dinner or a festive weekend meal, this casserole promises to impress every guest at your table.
