This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a hearty dish filled with rice, ground meat, and colorful bell peppers. It’s like a deconstructed stuffed pepper, and it’s super easy to make!
I love how this recipe makes dinner a breeze. Just mix everything in one pot, bake, and you’re all set! Bonus: leftovers are tasty too, so enjoy them the next day! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This adds richness to the dish, but you can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. You can even use plant-based meat for a vegetarian twist!
Rice: White rice is the standard, but brown rice or quinoa works too. Just note that cooking times may need to adjust for different grains, so check accordingly.
Bell Peppers: Red is sweet and colorful, but you can use green, yellow, or orange peppers instead. Each brings a slightly different taste, so pick what you love!
Cheese: Cheddar provides great flavor, while mozzarella adds gooeyness. Feel free to mix in your favorite cheese or use dairy-free options if needed.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole Cooks Evenly?
To make sure your casserole is perfectly cooked, a few steps can help. First, ensure all ingredients are mixed well before baking. This helps distribute flavors and moisture evenly.
- Cover with foil during the first baking phase to trap steam, cooking the rice properly.
- Remove the foil towards the end to allow the cheese to melt beautifully and get a nice, golden-brown color.
- Let it cool slightly before serving; it allows flavors to settle and makes serving easier!
Trust me; you’ll love how everything comes together!
Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 3/4 cups beef broth or water
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Salt to taste
- Cooking spray or a little oil for greasing the baking dish
Estimated Time Needed
This delicious casserole will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 40 minutes to bake, making it a breeze to get this hearty meal on your table in under an hour!
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating, get your baking dish ready by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or a bit of oil.
2. Cook the Beef and Onions
In a large skillet, over medium heat, cook the ground beef alongside the chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onions are soft. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat for a cleaner taste!
3. Add the Veggies and Spices
Next, mix in the diced red bell pepper, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 3 minutes until the peppers start to soften. This will enhance the flavors!
4. Mix in Rice and Tomatoes
Now, it’s time to add the uncooked rice and the drained diced tomatoes to the skillet. Make sure everything is well combined and colorful.
5. Add Liquid and Simmer
Pour the beef broth or water into the mix. Bring it to a gentle simmer, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This will help the rice soften a little before baking.
6. Transfer to Casserole Dish
Carefully transfer the entire mixture into your greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly so everything cooks nicely.
7. Bake with Foil
Cover the dish with foil and pop it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This will help steam the ingredients and ensure the rice is perfectly cooked.
8. Add Cheese
After the 25 minutes, take the dish out and remove the foil. Sprinkle both the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top. It’s all about that cheesy goodness!
9. Bake Uncovered
Return the casserole to the oven, this time without the foil, and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is gooey and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
10. Let it Cool
Take it out from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. This makes serving easier and more enjoyable.
11. Garnish and Serve
Before diving in, sprinkle the casserole with chopped fresh parsley and sliced green onions to give it a pop of color. Now it’s time to enjoy your delicious, cheesy Stuffed Pepper Casserole!
Enjoy your meal! 🍽️
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly with different meats.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking point, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it up in the oven until heated through. You may want to add a splash of broth to keep it moist!
What Should I Serve with Stuffed Pepper Casserole?
This casserole is hearty enough on its own, but serving it with a side salad or some crusty bread is a great way to balance the meal. You could also pair it with steamed vegetables for added nutrition!
