This Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a warm, comforting dish that mixes up bell peppers, ground meat, and rice. It’s all baked together with a cheesy topping to make it extra tasty!
You’ll love how this meal comes together in one pot—no fuss, just deliciousness! I like to serve it with a fresh salad on the side for a colorful meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I love using ground beef for its rich flavor, but ground turkey or chicken works great too! They’ll give you a lighter version without sacrificing taste, perfect if you’re watching calories.
Bell Peppers: You can use any color of bell pepper—red, yellow, or green. I prefer a mix for extra sweetness and color. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, zucchini or cauliflower can be used instead!
Rice: I use white rice, but you can swap it with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option. Just remember that brown rice may require a longer cooking time, so adjust your liquid and cooking time accordingly.
Tomato Sauce and Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes add moisture and flavor. You can use fresh tomatoes if they’re in season—just chop them up and add a bit of extra liquid! If you’re low on tomatoes, a splash of salsa can work too!
How Can I Make Sure the Rice Cooks Perfectly?
Getting the rice just right can be tricky! Here’s how to do it:
- First, make sure to stir the rice into the beef mixture well, so it gets coated with all those tasty juices.
- Add the liquid (broth and tomato sauce) and bring it to a simmer before covering it to trap the steam inside.
- Don’t skip the resting time after baking! Letting it sit for about 5 minutes helps the rice absorb any remaining liquid and makes for an easier serving.
This way, you get perfectly cooked rice in each bite! Enjoy your casserole!
Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 large bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 45 minutes to cook in the oven, so you’ll have it ready in about 1 hour. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your casserole cooks evenly and turns out perfect.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This adds a nice flavor base to your dish!
3. Brown the Meat:
Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Sauté until it’s browned and no longer pink, roughly 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep your casserole from being greasy.
4. Add Garlic and Peppers:
Stir in the minced garlic and the diced bell peppers. Cook these together for another 3-4 minutes until the peppers start to soften. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
5. Mix in the Rice:
Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir well to combine it with the meat and vegetables. This is where the dish starts to come together!
6. Add the Liquid Ingredients:
Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth (or water). Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together so the rice gets coated in the flavors.
7. Simmer the Mixture:
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat. Cover it up and let it cook for about 10 minutes. This will help the rice partially cook and absorb the liquid.
8. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Once the time is up, transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top for that delicious melty finish!
9. Bake the Casserole:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This helps everything cook together beautifully.
10. Finish Baking:
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. This will help the cheese melt and bubble up nice and golden brown.
11. Rest and Serve:
Take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle a bit and makes it easier to serve!
Enjoy your delicious Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole! It’s a hearty meal that everyone will love.
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! Besides ground beef, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian option. Just ensure you cook them thoroughly before combining with the other ingredients.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance! Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time since it’ll be cold from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Cool the casserole completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems dry.
What Can I Substitute for Rice?
If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, you can substitute rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice. If you choose quinoa, rinse it well and adjust the cooking time slightly as it’s typically quicker to cook than rice.