Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a delicious, hearty dish that transforms the classic flavors of stuffed peppers into a simple, crowd-pleasing casserole. With tender ground beef, sweet bell peppers, rice, and a savory tomato sauce, this casserole is baked to perfection and topped with melted cheese. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknights or gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All the flavors, less effort: Enjoy the taste of stuffed peppers without the hassle of stuffing.
• Family-friendly: This dish is loved by adults and kids alike.
• One-pan meal: Everything comes together in one dish for easy prep and cleanup.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt it to different dietary needs or preferences.
• Make-ahead and freezer-friendly: Prepare ahead of time and store for a future meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef
• Onion
• Bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
• Garlic
• Uncooked rice
• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Beef or chicken broth
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

Directions

1. Preheat oven: Set the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until cooked. Drain any excess fat.
3. Sauté veggies: Add diced onion, garlic, and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened.
4. Combine ingredients: Stir in uncooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Transfer to a baking dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 casserole dish.
6. Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes until the rice is tender.
7. Add cheese: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese over the casserole, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace ground beef with plant-based meat or lentils.
• Low-carb: Substitute cauliflower rice for regular rice.
• Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Protein swap: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Cheese: Swap cheddar for pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Cool completely and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook, so adjust the baking time accordingly or partially cook it beforehand.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and assemble the casserole a day ahead, store it in the refrigerator, and bake when ready.

3. Can I freeze the casserole before baking?

Yes, assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

4. What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of both are great options. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses.

5. How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

6. Can I add extra vegetables?

Yes, you can add zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for more nutrition and flavor.

7. How do I prevent the rice from being undercooked?

Ensure there is enough liquid in the dish and cover it tightly while baking. You can also parboil the rice beforehand.

8. Can I use quinoa instead of rice?

Yes, quinoa is a great substitute and cooks in about the same time as rice.

9. What broth should I use?

Beef broth adds richness, but chicken or vegetable broth can be used for a lighter flavor.

10. Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook the beef and vegetables first, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours.

Conclusion

Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a quick and easy meal that captures the essence of stuffed peppers without the extra work. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. With plenty of customization options, this comforting casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

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