This Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a tasty twist on classic stuffed peppers. It features bell peppers, rice, and ground beef all mixed together in a yummy sauce!
What I love about this dish is how it combines everything in one pot. No fuss with stuffing—just layer and bake! Perfect for busy nights when comfort food is a must! 🍲
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef is the classic choice here, but you can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. You can even go vegetarian by using lentils or black beans for a meat-free version!
Bell Peppers: Feel free to use any color of bell pepper—red, yellow, and green all bring unique flavors. If peppers are not available, zucchini or eggplant can be a creative substitution.
Rice: I recommend using white rice for this recipe, but brown rice or quinoa works well too. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the mix!
Canned Tomatoes: If you prefer fresh, you can use 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes instead of canned. Just remember to cook them a bit longer to let the juices reduce.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese gives a great flavor, but you could also use Monterey Jack or even a dairy-free cheese if you want a substitute.
How Do I Cook the Perfect Ground Beef?
Cooking ground beef can be simple if you follow a few key steps. You want that nice brown color without burning it. Here’s how:
- Start with a hot skillet and add a splash of olive oil.
- Once the oil is shimmering, add your ground beef. Use a spatula to break it into small pieces as it cooks.
- Cook until the beef is browned all over (about 5-7 minutes). Drain the fat when it’s done to keep the dish from getting greasy.
By browning the beef properly, you build great flavor for your casserole!
Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), chopped
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Stuffed Pepper Casserole will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a weekday dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, your casserole will bake evenly once it’s ready to go in.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add in the diced onions and chopped bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart. Cook it until it’s browned and no longer pink inside, which should take about 7-10 minutes. Be sure to drain any excess fat after cooking.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add some more flavors! Stir in the cooked rice, canned diced tomatoes (don’t drain them), tomato sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well and let it simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes. This allows the ingredients to blend nicely.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
Take a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the mixture into it. Spread everything evenly across the dish for an even bake.
6. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of your casserole. This is where it gets really delicious!
7. Bake:
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This makes it easier to serve. Enjoy your comforting and hearty stuffed pepper casserole!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier or vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time if necessary!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover tightly, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Can I Add More Veggies to This Dish?
Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like corn, black beans, or zucchini for some extra nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to dice them small enough to cook through in the baking time!
