Description
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a comforting, vibrant, and delicious plant-based dish combining smoky turkey bacon, fresh colorful vegetables, creamy plant-based cheese, and wholesome grains. Easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners, it offers all the charm of traditional stuffed peppers in a convenient baked casserole format.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded or sliced
Vegetables
- 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium fresh tomatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or oregano), chopped
Grains
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
Binders and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables and Protein: Dice the bell peppers, onion, and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Chop the smoked turkey bacon and sauté it in a large skillet until slightly crisp. Remove and set aside. In the rendered fat, sauté the onions and garlic until aromatic.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the diced bell peppers and tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they are tender but still vibrant. Stir in the cooked rice or quinoa, cooked smoked turkey bacon, fresh herbs, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Toss gently to combine evenly.
- Add Cheese (Plant-Based) and Natural Gelling Agent: Sprinkle the plant-based cheese evenly into the mixture, then add the natural gelling agent. Stir well until incorporated, creating a creamy and consistent texture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread evenly. Top with additional slices or shreds of plant-based cheese for a golden, melted finish.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbling and lightly browned on top. Let rest for a few minutes before serving to set perfectly.
Notes
- Use fresh vegetables and herbs for the best flavor.
- Do not overcook the vegetables to retain slight crispness and texture.
- Layer the plant-based cheese inside the mixture and on top for melty, creamy results.
- Season generously and adjust flavors before baking.
- Allow the casserole to rest after baking to hold together well.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: stuffed pepper casserole, plant-based casserole, turkey bacon casserole, gluten free casserole, vegetarian friendly casserole