Keto Unstuffed Pepper Casserole

Stuffed peppers have always been one of my favorite comfort foods, but taking the time to hollow out each pepper can be a bit annoying on busy weeknights.

That is why I love this keto unstuffed pepper casserole so much. You get all the classic flavors baked in one dish without any of the extra work.

Instead of using white rice, I use riced cauliflower to keep the entire dish low carb and keto friendly.

Swapping out the grain helps you enjoy a hearty dinner while keeping your daily carbs in check.

Everything gets topped with plenty of melted cheese, making it a warm and cozy meal anyone can enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Stuffed Pepper Flavor – You get all the traditional stuffed pepper goodness without any high carb grains.

Ultra Creamy Texture – Melted cream cheese creates a luxuriously rich sauce that coats every single bite.

Cheesy Golden Top – A double layer of cheddar and mozzarella bakes into a bubbly, irresistible crust.

Faster Than Stuffed Peppers – Chopping the peppers saves prep time because you never have to hollow them out.

Recipe Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb Ground Beef
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1/2 Medium Onion, Diced
• 3 Bell Peppers (Mixed Colors), Diced
• 3 cloves Garlic, Minced
• 3 cups Riced Cauliflower
• 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes, Drained
• 1/2 cup Tomato Sauce
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
• 4 oz Cream Cheese, Cubed
• 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, Chopped

How To Make

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 2

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 8 to 10 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain the fat and transfer the beef to a bowl.

Step 3

Add the olive oil to the skillet and cook the onion and bell peppers for 5 to 6 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and riced cauliflower and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the cauliflower is tender and any moisture has evaporated.

Step 4

Return the beef to the skillet and add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, then stir in the cream cheese until melted and creamy.

Step 5

Spread the mixture into the baking dish and top with the mozzarella and cheddar.

Step 6

Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Tips

Cook Out the Cauliflower Moisture

Riced cauliflower holds a lot of hidden water that can make your casserole runny. I recommend cooking it in the skillet until you see the bottom of the pan turn completely dry.

If you are using frozen cauliflower rice, thaw it completely first and press it in a clean kitchen towel. Removing that extra water keeps your casserole thick and rich instead of soupy.

Bring the Cream Cheese to Room Temperature

Cold cream cheese will break into tiny white clumps when you drop it into a hot pan. I’ve found that setting the block on the counter for about 30 minutes before cooking makes a big difference.

Softened cream cheese melts into the warm tomato sauce within seconds. You get a silky, smooth sauce that blends evenly with the meat and vegetables.

Press the Liquid from the Canned Tomatoes

Simply pouring the juice out of the can leaves behind too much liquid. From my experience, dumping the diced tomatoes into a mesh strainer works much better.

Press down gently on the tomatoes with the back of a spoon to push out the trapped juices. This simple step keeps the casserole from pooling with water while it bakes.

More Recipes

• Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
• Keto Cauliflower Mac & Cheese
• Keto Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole
• Keto Crack Chicken Casserole
• Keto Zucchini Lasagna

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen riced cauliflower instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen riced cauliflower works great, but you should thaw and thoroughly squeeze out the extra moisture in a clean towel first.

Cooking it an extra couple of minutes in the skillet also helps evaporate any leftover water so your casserole stays nice and thick.