Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Introduction

When I first made this Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole, I was pleasantly surprised by how simple yet flavorful it turned out to be. It’s a comforting dish that brings together all the delicious flavors of stuffed peppers but without all the hassle of stuffing individual peppers. This casserole is packed with savory ground beef, colorful bell peppers, hearty rice, and a flavorful blend of seasonings, all baked with melty cheese on top. The best part is that it’s a one-pan meal, which makes cleanup a breeze!

My family absolutely loved it, and the leftovers were just as tasty the next day. The combination of the tender rice, seasoned beef, and gooey cheese is truly comforting, and it’s the perfect dish to serve for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. I especially love that it’s customizable – you can add your favorite veggies, use a different kind of cheese, or make it spicier with some chili flakes. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner option or something to feed a crowd, this stuffed pepper casserole is sure to impress.

Ingredients

For this Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 3 bell peppers (various colors), diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

These ingredients come together to create a hearty and satisfying casserole that is full of flavor. The combination of the beef, bell peppers, and rice is a classic, and the cheeses on top add a nice creamy and crispy finish.

Instructions

Here’s how to make this Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole:

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
2. Brown the ground beef:
   In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent.
3. Add bell peppers, rice, and liquids:
   Add the diced bell peppers, uncooked rice, beef broth, undrained diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
4. Transfer to the baking dish:
   After the rice has cooked, transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, spreading them evenly over the top.
5. Bake the casserole:
   Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
6. Let it stand:
   After baking, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the casserole to firm up slightly.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Here is an approximate nutrition breakdown for each serving, assuming the recipe makes 6 servings:

• Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

These values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used, but they offer a good estimate of the dish’s nutritional content.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes (includes both stovetop cooking and baking time)
• Total Time: 50 minutes

This casserole is quick to prepare, and with only one pan needed for cooking, it’s a relatively low-effort dinner option.

How to Serve

This Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• With a Side Salad: Serve the casserole with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
• With Garlic Bread: Complement the casserole with a side of garlic bread to soak up any extra juices.
• As a Standalone Meal: The casserole itself is hearty enough to serve as a standalone meal, especially if you’re feeding a crowd.
• With Sour Cream or Guacamole: For an extra creamy touch, serve the casserole with a dollop of sour cream or a side of guacamole.

Additional Tips

1. Add Spices for Extra Flavor: If you like your food with a little more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
2. Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you prefer a leaner version of this casserole, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
3. Make It Vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and add more vegetables, like zucchini, mushrooms, or black beans, for a hearty vegetarian casserole.
4. Use Brown Rice: You can substitute the white rice with brown rice for a more nutritious version. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as brown rice takes longer to cook.
5. Top with More Cheese: If you’re a fan of extra cheesy casseroles, feel free to top the casserole with more cheese before baking.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Stuffed Pepper Casserole: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the casserole mixture for some added spice.
• Mexican-Inspired Casserole: Replace the Italian seasoning with taco seasoning and top with Mexican cheese for a Tex-Mex twist. You can also add black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.
• Low-Carb Version: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice to make this casserole low-carb. You can also skip the cheese or use a lower-fat cheese option.
• Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Sausage: Substitute the ground beef with Italian sausage for a more flavorful, slightly spicier option.

Serving Suggestions

• For Meal Prep: This casserole is perfect for meal prep. Store individual servings in airtight containers for an easy lunch or dinner option during the week.
• For Family Dinners: This dish is hearty and satisfying, making it ideal for family dinners. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables for added nutrition.
• For Potlucks or Parties: The casserole is easy to make in large batches, making it perfect for potlucks or holiday parties. You can easily double or triple the recipe to feed more people.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Once it’s baked and cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or store in a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
• Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
   Yes, but you’ll need to cook the rice separately since brown rice takes longer to cook. Adjust the beef broth and cooking time accordingly.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Just bake it the next day when ready to serve.
3. Can I add more vegetables to this casserole?
   Absolutely! You can add diced zucchini, mushrooms, corn, or even spinach to increase the veggie content.
4. Can I make this casserole without cheese?
   Yes, you can omit the cheese for a dairy-free version, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
5. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
   Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner substitute for the ground beef.
6. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
   Yes, replace the ground beef with beans, extra vegetables, or meat substitutes like tofu or tempeh.
7. How do I know when the rice is done cooking?
   The rice should be tender and the liquid absorbed. If it’s not done, you can add a little more broth and continue simmering until the rice softens.
8. How do I store leftovers?
   Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
9. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack.
10. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
    Yes, you can prepare this casserole in a slow cooker by combining the ingredients and cooking on low for 4-

6 hours, then topping with cheese and cooking for an additional 30 minutes.

Conclusion

This Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a fantastic one-pan meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. It’s packed with flavor from the ground beef, bell peppers, and spices, and topped with gooey cheese for the perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal prep option, or a dish to bring to a gathering, this casserole is an easy, satisfying, and delicious choice. Enjoy it with your family and friends during any occasion, and don’t forget to make enough for leftovers!

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