This stuffed Pepper Casserole Is the ultimate comfort food that brings all the irresistible flavors of classic stuffed peppers into one deliciously easy dish.
This recipe is a total game changer when it comes to convenience. Simply toss all the ingredients into one pot or baking dish, and let the oven work its magic. In no time, you'll have a hearty, cheesy masterpiece that's perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays alike.
Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this Stuffed Pepper Casserole is sure to become a new family favorite.
Why You Will Love This Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Here’s what makes it so unique:
Convenience and Ease: The casserole takes all the delicious flavors of traditional stuffed peppers but eliminates the tedious work of stuffing and arranging individual pepper halves. It's an easy one-dish meal that comes together with minimal effort.
Comforting and Delicious Flavors: The combination of ground meat (beef, turkey, or plant-based), bell peppers, tomatoes, rice, and melty cheese creates a hearty, savory, and incredibly satisfying casserole.
Versatile and Customizable: While the base recipe is delicious as-is, you can easily customize it with your choice of proteins, vegetables, beans, spices, etc. to suit your tastes and dietary needs.
Family-Friendly: With its crowd-pleasing flavors and easy preparation, this stuffed pepper casserole is an excellent choice for a fuss-free family dinner that everyone will enjoy.
INGREDIENTS
Here’s what you need for this irresistible dish:
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and ground beef.
- Ground Beef: The main protein source in this hearty casserole. Provides a savory, meaty flavor.
- Yellow Onion: Adds aromatic depth and subtle sweetness when sautéed.
- Red and Green Bell Peppers: Provide crunch, freshness, and the classic stuffed pepper flavor.
- Garlic: Lends its pungent aroma and flavor to the dish.
- Italian or Cajun Seasoning: Adds warmth and zesty spice notes.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Gives an umami, savory richness.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Enhances and balances the overall flavors.
- Diced Tomatoes: The tomato base provides moisture and tangy brightness.
- Long Grain White Rice: The starchy grain soaks up the flavors as it cooks in the casserole.
- Beef Broth: Provides liquid for the rice to cook in, while amplifying the meaty taste.
- Shredded Cheese: Melty cheese like cheddar or mozzarella adds a creamy, indulgent finish.
- Parsley: Fresh herbs lend a vibrant, herbal aroma when used as a garnish
How To Make This Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Making this dish couldn’t be easier:
Step1.Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grab a large oven-safe skillet or a 9x13 baking dish and have it ready.
Step2.In the skillet or a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
Step3.To the browned beef, add the diced onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the veggies are slightly softened and fragrant.
Step4.Season the mixture with Italian or Cajun seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and let the flavors meld for 30 seconds.
Step5.Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices and stir well. Then add the uncooked long-grain white rice and beef broth. Give everything a good mix.
Step6.Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet with a lid or transfer to the baking dish and cover tightly with foil.
Step7.Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Remove from oven and check rice for doneness. If still crunchy, return to oven for 5 more minutes with a splash of extra broth or water if needed.
Step8.Once the rice is cooked through, remove the cover and top the casserole evenly with shredded cheese.
Step9.Return to oven and broil for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
Step10.Let cool slightly, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Tips For The Best Stuffed Pepper Casserole
With these top tips, you'll be serving up a mouthwatering masterpiece
- Use a cast iron or oven-safe skillet to make this a one-pan meal with easy cleanup.
- For extra flavor, substitute fire-roasted or Rotel diced tomatoes for the regular canned tomatoes.
- Mix up the protein by using ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage instead of beef.
- Check the rice frequently towards the end of baking to ensure it doesn't overcook or dry out. Add a splash of liquid if needed.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and set up slightly.
- Get creative with toppings like sliced avocado, sour cream, green onions, or crushed tortilla chips for added texture.
How To Store
Here’s how to store them
Storing: Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld as the casserole sits.
Freezing: Either freeze the entire casserole after baking or portion it into individual servings in freezer-safe containers. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Cover the casserole dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions on a baking sheet.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole
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Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon 45g olive oil
- 2 lbs 900g lean ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion diced (approx. 1 ¼ cups or 200g)
- 1 large red bell pepper diced (approx. 1 cup or 150g)
- 1 large green bell pepper diced (approx. 1 cup or 150g)
- 4 cloves garlic minced (approx. 2 tablespoon or 15g)
- 1 ½ teaspoon Italian or Cajun seasoning
- 3 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ teaspoon salt 4g
- ⅓ teaspoon ground black pepper 1g
- 21 oz 595g canned diced tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups 300g long-grain white rice
- 2 ¼ cups 530ml beef broth
- 2 ¼ cups 225g shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F/180°C. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook while breaking it up with a spatula until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- To the skillet, add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are slightly softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic, seasoning blend, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the canned diced tomatoes and stir to combine. Then add the uncooked rice and beef broth. Bring mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, cover the skillet with a lid or transfer it to a 9x13 baking dish and cover tightly with foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender. Check rice for doneness and return to oven if still crunchy, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
- Remove from oven and top evenly with shredded cheese. Return to oven and broil for 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For easy cleanup, use an oven-safe skillet or transfer the mixture to a 3.5qt baking dish before baking.
- Amp up flavor by substituting fire-roasted or Rotel diced tomatoes.
- Ground turkey or Italian sausage can replace some or all of the ground beef.
- Check rice doneness carefully and add extra liquid if needed for tender grains.
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
- Prep the filling up to 2 days ahead for easy assembly later.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice can be substituted, but it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid.
Is it okay to use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great lean protein alternatives.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the ground meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Margaret
Absolutely delicious! The flavors were perfectly balanced, and the instructions were easy to follow. This will definitely become a regular in our meal rotation. Thank you!
Elena
Wow! This recipe was a game changer. I never thought I could make something this good at home. The instructions were easy, and the results were beyond my expectations!