Unstuffed Pepper Casserole (with Vegetarian/Vegan options)
Makes (homes):
8 portions
1 (9 x 13") pan
Makes (centers):
48 portions
2 (12 x 20 x 4") pans
Ingredients (homes):
- 1 pound bulk Italian pork sausage OR vegetarian crumbles (MUST have a CN label OR PFS to count) equal to 8 oz. eq. according to the CN/PFS
- 1 (12 oz.) bag frozen pepper and onion blend
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 (14.5 oz.) can Italian style diced tomatoes
- 4 cups cooked rice, use brown rice for whole grain option
- 8 ounces (weight) cheddar cheese (about 2 cups) OR 2 (14 oz.) cans great northern beans, drained, rinsed
Ingredients (centers):
- 6 pounds bulk Italian pork sausage OR vegetarian crumbles (MUST have a CN label or PFS to count) equal to 48 oz. eq. according to the CN/PFS
- 4 lb. 8 oz. (weight) frozen pepper and onion blend
- 1/4 cup minced garlic
- 6 (14.5 oz.) cans Italian style diced tomatoes
- 1 gallon 2 quarts cooked rice, use brown rice for whole grain option
- 3 pounds (weight) cheddar cheese OR 1 (110 oz.) + 2 (29 oz.) cans great northern beans, drained, rinsed
Directions:
- Cook sausage (or crumbles) with pepper/onion blend and garlic.
- Stir in tomatoes, rice, and cheese (or beans). Place in pan(s). Cover with foil.
- Bake until a food thermometer reads 165°F, about 20-25 minutes for a 9 x 13" pan.
Serve:
1 portion = 2 oz. eq. meat alternate, 1 oz. eq. grain, and 3/8 cup vegetable.
Use brown rice to count as your whole grain for the day! (Record as Brown Rice 83 on your menu)
Meal:
Lunch & Dinner
CACFP Credit:
Grain
Meat & Meat Alternate
Record on your menu as:
White Rice (Bread and Bread Alternate Food List # 87)
Peppers & Onions (Vegetable Food List # 242)
Cheddar Cheese (Meat and Meat Alternate Food List # 80)
OR Veggie/Bean Burger (CN label) (Meat and Meat Alternate Food List # 210)
Source:
From DCR Calendar, December 2026; Adapted from: pillsbury.com, 2025.