Description
This Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines ground beef, colorful bell peppers, rice, and cheese into a hearty one-pan meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it captures all the deliciousness of traditional stuffed peppers without the hassle of stuffing each pepper individually, baked to perfection with melted cheddar and mozzarella on top.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 bell peppers (various colors), diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Rice and Liquids
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
Seasonings and Cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat once done.
- Add the vegetables and rice: To the browned beef, add the diced bell peppers, diced onion, and minced garlic. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Then add the uncooked rice along with the beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Transfer and top with cheese: Pour the beef, rice, and vegetable mixture into a casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Let it stand: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to serve.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Use brown rice if preferred, but increase simmering time and broth quantity accordingly.
- Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for more nutrition.
- If you like it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.