Description
This Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole combines all the savory flavors of stuffed peppers in a simple and hearty one-pan dish. Ground beef, bell peppers, rice, and seasonings are simmered together and then baked with a cheesy topping for a deliciously comforting meal that the whole family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing dinner option!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Casserole:
- 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
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ground beef:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat along with the diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the vegetables and rice:
- To the skillet, add the diced bell peppers, uncooked rice, beef broth, undrained diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil.
- Simmer:
- Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Transfer and top with cheese:
- Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top.
- Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Let it stand:
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: To make this casserole vegetarian, replace the ground beef with a plant-based protein or extra beans and vegetables like zucchini and corn.
- Add Heat: If you like a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the mix.
- Brown Rice: For a healthier option, you can substitute the white rice with brown rice. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as brown rice requires more time to cook.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as gouda, pepper jack, or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Meal Prep: This casserole stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and you can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg