Description
This Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole combines ground beef, bell peppers, and rice in a flavorful tomato sauce, topped with melted cheese. It’s a comforting, all-in-one dish perfect for a simple weeknight dinner or meal prep, offering a wholesome American classic with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bell peppers, chopped (any color)
Grains and Liquids
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups beef broth or chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
Seasonings and Cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for finishing the casserole with melted cheese.
- Cook Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or oven-safe pan over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat to reduce grease.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are slightly softened and fragrant.
- Add Rice and Tomatoes: Stir in uncooked rice, diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, and broth to the skillet. Mix in Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly throughout the mixture.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 18–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Prepare for Baking: If using an oven-safe skillet, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top of the mixture. If not, transfer contents to a greased baking dish and then add cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the skillet or baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, forming a delicious golden crust.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm for a hearty meal.
Notes
- Brown rice can be substituted, but increase broth quantity and cooking time accordingly as it takes longer to cook.
- For deeper flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture.
- This casserole freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep and leftovers.
