Description
Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a one-pan dish that brings together the rich flavors of ground beef, rice, bell peppers, and melty cheese in a simple, easy-to-make casserole. It’s a quick and flavorful take on classic stuffed peppers, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- 3 large bell peppers, chopped (red, yellow, or green)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella for a different flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Combine the ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add the rice and peppers: Stir in the cooked rice and chopped bell peppers, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the peppers soften slightly.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake the casserole: Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the peppers are tender.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and enjoy!
Notes
Low-Carb Version: Swap rice for cauliflower rice to make the dish low-carb.Cheese Options: Feel free to use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or any cheese you prefer for a different flavor.Extra Veggies: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or corn to the casserole for added flavor and texture.Ground Turkey/Chicken: For a lighter option, replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 350-400
- Sugar: Varies by tomato sauce
- Sodium: Varies based on Worcestershire sauce
- Fat: Approx. 20-25g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: Varies
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 25-30g
- Fiber: 3-4g
- Protein: 25-30g
- Cholesterol: Varies
