Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole combines all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed peppers in a simple, one-dish casserole. Tender rice, savory ground beef, bell peppers, and a rich tomato sauce blend together, creating a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and easy to prepare. This casserole is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, and it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family!

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 cup (200g) white rice, uncooked
• 2 large bell peppers, diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz / 410g) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 (8 oz / 225g) can tomato sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 ½ cups (150g) shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Cook the Rice:
   Begin by cooking the rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, set aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
   In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the beef, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until softened.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
   Stir in the diced bell peppers, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes until the peppers are just tender and everything is well combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the cooked rice in an even layer. Top with the beef and vegetable mixture. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
5. Bake the Casserole:
   Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
   Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• Substitutions: For a healthier version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Make it Vegan: Use plant-based ground meat and vegan cheese to make it a meatless meal.
• Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
• Leftovers: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole takes all the delicious flavors of classic stuffed peppers and turns them into an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any night of the week!