Here’s a detailed recipe for a Stuffed Pepper Casserole, packed with all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers but in a cozy, easy-to-make casserole form. It’s loaded with ground beef, tender rice, and a delicious blend of bell peppers and spices, all smothered in a rich tomato sauce and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or a satisfying meal prep option!
Ingredients:
For the Casserole Base:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 bell peppers, chopped (use a mix of red, green, yellow, or orange for color)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra warmth)
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth if using ground turkey)
1 cup uncooked white rice (or brown rice for added fiber)
For the Topping:
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar for a sharper taste)
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with oil or non-stick spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleanup easier later.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften. The bell peppers should still have a bit of crunch, as they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Break it up with a spoon or spatula, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Stir well to coat the meat evenly with the spices.
Drain any excess grease if needed, especially if using ground beef with a higher fat content. This will keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
Step 4: Add the Tomato Base and Rice
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the uncooked rice and stir well to combine. The rice will cook in the casserole, soaking up all the delicious flavors of the sauce and spices as it bakes.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture from the skillet into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. This will help the rice cook properly without drying out.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed. Check around the 35-minute mark to ensure the rice is cooking evenly and not sticking to the bottom of the dish.
Remove the foil and check that the rice is cooked. If it’s still firm, cover and bake for another 5-10 minutes.
Step 7: Add the Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you prefer a golden top, you can broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes, watching closely so it doesn’t burn.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to cool slightly. This makes it easier to serve.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired, for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve and enjoy! This casserole is a meal in itself but pairs beautifully with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.
Tips for Making the Perfect Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Choosing Bell Peppers: A mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers adds a beautiful color and a variety of flavors to the casserole. Red and yellow peppers are sweeter, while green peppers are a bit more bitter, balancing the dish well.
Meat Substitutions: Ground beef provides a classic flavor, but ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner option. You can even try ground sausage or a mix for added depth.
Cooking the Rice: This recipe calls for uncooked rice, which absorbs flavors as it cooks in the casserole. If you’re using pre-cooked rice, reduce the liquid slightly and shorten the baking time, as the rice only needs to heat through.
Adjusting Seasonings: Feel free to add a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice. You can also experiment with spices like cumin or chili powder for a Southwestern twist.
Cheese Options: Mozzarella melts beautifully, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses can add a unique twist. For a creamy topping, you can even mix in a little ricotta or cottage cheese with the shredded cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Stuffed Pepper Casserole is versatile and pairs well with a range of side dishes. Here are some ideas to round out the meal:
Side Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the casserole.
Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls: Perfect for scooping up any extra sauce, garlic bread is a tasty addition to this meal.
Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for added color and nutrients.
Cauliflower Rice: For a lower-carb option, serve the casserole over cauliflower rice or mix it into the casserole for added texture.
Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes pair well with the rich flavors of the casserole and add a hearty touch.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- non-stick cooking spray
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 onion chopped
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chiles (such as RO-TEL®)
- 1 15 ounce can tomato sauce
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked long grain rice
- 1 cup beef broth
- 4 ounces Colby cheese shredded
- 4 ounces pepper Jack cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Spray a 13x9x2-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, and cook and stir ground beef, onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and garlic until meat is browned and crumbly, 7 to 10 minutes. Drain excess fat; season with salt and pepper. Stir in RO-TEL tomatoes, tomato sauce, and taco seasoning.
- Spread rice in the bottom of the baking dish; pour in beef broth. Fold pepper mixture into rice with a spatula, and spread evenly into the dish. Sprinkle with Colby cheese and pepper Jack cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven, covered with foil, until rice is tender, about 50 minutes. Remove foil and cook until cheese is golden, about 5 minutes more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Stuffed Pepper Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge, allow it to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, and bake as directed. You might need to add a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Bake it as directed, then let it cool completely before covering tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until heated through.
What can I use instead of rice?
For a low-carb option, use cauliflower rice. If you prefer grains, you can substitute with quinoa, couscous, or even pasta. Adjust the cooking liquid and times as needed, as different grains absorb liquid differently.
How long do leftovers keep?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm larger portions in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Final Thoughts
Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s both easy to make and satisfying. With layers of juicy bell peppers, hearty beef, tender rice, and gooey melted cheese, it brings the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers into a simpler, family-friendly form. This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd. Enjoy every flavorful bite!