Introduction

If you’re on a ketogenic diet and craving a hearty, satisfying, and flavorful dish, look no further than this Keto Stuffed Pepper Casserole. A twist on the traditional stuffed peppers, this casserole eliminates the need for the time-consuming task of stuffing individual peppers while still packing all the delicious flavors you know and love.

This dish combines savory ground beef, tender bell peppers, flavorful spices, and a creamy, cheesy sauce to create a meal that’s not only keto-friendly but also an excellent choice for anyone on a low-carb, gluten-free, or WW (Weight Watchers) plan. It’s easy to make, customizable to your taste, and will leave you feeling full and satisfied without the guilt. What makes this casserole even more amazing is that it’s full of healthy fats, protein, and low-carb veggies, all while being low in SmartPoints on the WW program.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the Keto Stuffed Pepper Casserole recipe with all the details, including ingredient measurements, preparation instructions, nutritional breakdown, and SmartPoints calculations for those on the WW program. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

To create a low-carb, keto-friendly stuffed pepper casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients. These ingredients are packed with flavor, nutrition, and healthy fats, which will keep you in ketosis while still satisfying your comfort food cravings.

For the Casserole:

  • 1 lb ground beef (80% lean or leaner, depending on your preference)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 medium bell peppers (red, yellow, or green, or a combination), diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (no added sugar or salt)
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce (sugar-free)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier texture)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

For Optional Garnishes:

  • Sour cream (optional for topping)
  • Sliced avocado (optional)
  • Fresh lime wedges (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Dish Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare your baking dish. Choose an oven-safe casserole dish that can hold about 6 cups of ingredients. A 9×9-inch square dish or similar-sized casserole dish will work perfectly.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Brown the beef for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the beef and transfer the meat to a plate or bowl.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if necessary and sauté the chopped onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the onion becomes translucent. This step will bring out the natural sweetness of the bell peppers and onions, which will complement the richness of the beef.

Step 4: Combine Beef and Vegetables Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir everything together until well combined. Now, it’s time to add the canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir to combine, then add in the chili powder, paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 5-10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together and thicken slightly.

Step 5: Add the Cheese Once the beef and vegetable mixture is fully cooked and seasoned to your liking, add the mozzarella cheese and cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated into the mixture. This will create a creamy, cheesy base for your casserole.

Step 6: Add Heavy Cream for Extra Creaminess (Optional) For a richer, creamier casserole, add 1/4 cup of heavy cream. Stir it into the beef and vegetable mixture, allowing it to melt into the sauce. The heavy cream will enhance the texture and provide an extra layer of richness that’s both keto-friendly and indulgent.

Step 7: Transfer to the Casserole Dish Once everything is fully combined and creamy, transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to your prepared casserole dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula, ensuring that the mixture is level in the dish. If you like your casserole extra cheesy, you can sprinkle a little more mozzarella or cheddar on top before baking.

Step 8: Bake the Casserole Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and lightly golden brown. If you want an even more golden, crispy top, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes, but make sure to keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve Once the casserole is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to set. Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness. You can also top it with a dollop of sour cream, a few slices of avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice to elevate the flavor.

Serve this casserole hot, and enjoy the cheesy, flavorful goodness!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings):

  • Calories: 335 kcal
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Net Carbs: 5g
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 430mg
  • Potassium: 525mg
  • Vitamin A: 15% of the Daily Value (DV)
  • Vitamin C: 110% of the DV
  • Calcium: 20% of the DV
  • Iron: 15% of the DV

SmartPoints (WW Freestyle):

This Keto Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a perfect option for those following the WW (Weight Watchers) program, as it is low in SmartPoints while still being filling and flavorful. Based on 6 servings, here are the SmartPoints:

  • Green: 8 SmartPoints per serving
  • Blue: 6 SmartPoints per serving
  • Purple: 5 SmartPoints per serving

These SmartPoints may vary depending on the exact ingredients you use (e.g., different types of cheese or ground meat). The key to keeping the SmartPoints low is choosing lean cuts of meat and using full-fat cheese for a satisfying meal without adding unnecessary carbs.

Why This Keto Stuffed Pepper Casserole is Perfect for Your Diet

  1. Low in Carbs, High in Healthy Fats
    This casserole is a keto dream come true. It’s low in carbohydrates, with only 5g of net carbs per serving, making it the perfect meal for anyone following a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle. The high-fat content, primarily from the cheese and olive oil, helps keep you in ketosis while also keeping you satisfied.
  2. Packed with Flavor and Nutrients
    Not only is this casserole packed with delicious flavors from the ground beef, bell peppers, and spices, but it’s also loaded with essential nutrients. Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, while the beef provides a good source of protein and iron. With the added healthy fats from cheese and olive oil, this casserole is a well-rounded meal.
  3. Perfect for Meal Prep
    This casserole is great for meal prepping. It stores well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days and can be reheated for a quick and easy meal. If you want to make a larger batch, you can freeze individual portions for a future meal. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven for a delicious, low-carb dinner.
  4. Customizable to Your Taste
    Feel free to make this casserole your own by experimenting with different spices, ground meats, or adding extra veggies. You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage. You can also add in other low-carb veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion

This Keto Stuffed Pepper Casserole is the perfect dish for anyone following a keto, low-carb, or WW diet. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and fully customizable to suit your tastes. Whether you’re cooking for a family or prepping meals for the week, this casserole is sure to become a go-to recipe in your meal rotation.

With just 5g of net carbs per serving and the option to tailor the ingredients to your preferences, this dish is not only a healthy choice but also a comforting one. Whether served with a side salad, topped with avocado, or enjoyed on its own, this keto casserole will be a hit at your table. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness that is sure to satisfy your hunger and your cravings—without the carbs!