Bell Pepper Casserole Recipe
If you’ve found yourself with an abundance of fresh bell peppers and are looking for a quick and delicious way to use them, this Bell Pepper Casserole is an ideal solution. It’s an easy-to-make dish that combines the sweet and savory flavors of bell peppers with the richness of cheddar cheese and margarine, making it a comforting side dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying. Whether you’re a bell pepper enthusiast or just looking for a creative way to use up your harvest, this recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the vibrant vegetable. It’s also a great way to use pre-chopped bell peppers from your freezer, making it a handy and convenient recipe to whip up any time.
Bell Pepper Casserole Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6
- Recipe Category: Under 60 minutes
- Keywords: bell pepper casserole, oven-baked, side dish, cheesy casserole
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bell pepper (chopped) | 1 |
| Milk | 1 1/2 cups |
| Cheddar cheese (shredded) | 1 cup |
| Margarine | 1 tablespoon |
| Optional: Additional seasonings (like salt, pepper, or garlic powder) | As desired |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 203.6 kcal |
| Fat Content | 13.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 28.3 mg |
| Sodium | 317 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 12.5 g |
| Fiber | 0.8 g |
| Sugar | 0.7 g |
| Protein | 8 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Bell Peppers:
Begin by chopping the bell peppers into small, bite-sized pieces. If you’re using fresh peppers from your garden, be sure to wash them thoroughly before chopping. If you have frozen chopped bell peppers on hand, that works just as well, saving you time. If you prefer, you can cook the chopped bell peppers in the microwave to soften them. To do so, place the chopped peppers in a glass measuring cup, microwave on high for about 1 minute, stir, and continue to cook in 30-second increments until the peppers are tender and have released some of their juice. This will infuse the casserole with even more flavor. -
Assemble the Casserole:
Grease a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish with a small amount of margarine or cooking spray. Then, combine the cooked bell peppers with the remaining ingredients—milk, shredded cheddar cheese, and margarine. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined. If you’d like, you can add salt, pepper, or garlic powder at this stage to enhance the flavor. -
Bake:
Place the casserole dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. The cheese should be melted and the casserole should be heated through. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Scoop it into servings and enjoy the cheesy, comforting flavors of this simple but delicious bell pepper casserole.
Pro Tips:
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Freezing Bell Peppers: If you have a surplus of bell peppers, chop and freeze them in 1-cup portions for easy future use. This way, you’ll always have bell peppers on hand for this casserole or any other recipe.
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Add More Veggies: Feel free to get creative and add other vegetables like onions, mushrooms, or even a bit of spinach to the casserole for added texture and flavor.
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Make It Creamier: For an even richer casserole, try substituting the milk with heavy cream or half-and-half.
This Bell Pepper Casserole is a great addition to any meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a side dish at your next family gathering. With its simplicity and depth of flavor, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!
