stuffed Pepper Casserole is an easy, one-pan meal that combines all the classic flavors of stuffed peppers without the fuss of filling each pepper. Loaded with ground beef, tender rice, vibrant bell peppers, and a rich tomato sauce, this comforting casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. Topped with gooey melted cheese, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
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For the Casserole
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz / 225 g) tomato sauce
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef or chicken broth
- 1 tsp italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup (200 g) uncooked white rice
- 1 1/2 cups (150 g) shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Beef and Vegetables
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion, bell peppers, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Step 2: Add the Sauce and Rice
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef or chicken broth, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in the uncooked rice, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
Step 3: Bake the Casserole
- Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fully cooked.
- Remove the skillet from the oven, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top, and return it to the oven (uncovered) for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Serve
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Rice options: You can substitute white rice with brown rice or quinoa, but adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly.
- Vegetarian version: Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat or additional diced vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a simple and delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of stuffed peppers with less effort. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a comforting dish that everyone will love!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Stuffed Pepper Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can partially prepare this casserole in advance. You can brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables a day ahead, then store them in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, add the sauce, rice, and broth, then bake as directed. Alternatively, you can assemble the entire casserole, up to the cheese topping, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the cheese and bake just before serving.
What are some good substitutions for the ground beef in this recipe?
You can easily substitute the ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option, using the same 1-pound (450g) amount. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based ground meat alternatives, or add an extra cup of diced vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms. If using plant-based crumbles, you may need to add a tablespoon of olive oil during the browning process to prevent sticking.
How do I know when the Stuffed Pepper Casserole is perfectly cooked?
The casserole is done when the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, which usually takes 35-40 minutes in the oven. You’ll know the rice is cooked when it is no longer hard or crunchy and easily pierced with a fork. The cheese topping should be melted and bubbly, and the internal temperature of the meat should reach 165°F (74°C).
How can I scale this recipe up to feed a larger group?
To double the recipe, simply double all the ingredient quantities and use a larger oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven. You may need to increase the baking time slightly, perhaps by 10-15 minutes, to ensure the rice is fully cooked. Keep an eye on the cheese and adjust the final baking time accordingly to prevent burning.
What are the main nutritional benefits of this Stuffed Pepper Casserole?
This casserole provides a good source of protein from the ground beef or turkey, along with fiber and vitamins from the bell peppers and tomatoes. The rice contributes carbohydrates for energy. The dish also contains Vitamin C from the bell peppers and antioxidants from the tomatoes.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole
This stuffed pepper casserole is a hearty and delicious dish filled with flavors of seasoned beef, bell peppers, and rice.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef lean
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 3 whole bell peppers diced
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Mix in the diced bell peppers, cooked rice, and half of the shredded cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and top with remaining cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Notes
Perfect for family dinners and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
