Name: Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey); 1 large onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice); 3 bell peppers, diced (any color); 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella cheese); 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Stuffed Pepper Casserole offers all the flavors of stuffed peppers in a more approachable and quick format. The combination of seasoned ground beef, sweet bell peppers, rice, and melty cheese is a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s easy to customize by adding extra vegetables or switching up the type of cheese, making it versatile enough for any taste. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
3 bell peppers, diced (any color)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella cheese)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
Add the peppers and seasonings: Add the diced bell peppers to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the peppers are slightly tender. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Combine with rice and beef: Add the cooked rice and ground beef to the skillet with the pepper and tomato mixture. Stir everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Assemble the casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the casserole.
Bake the casserole: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy: Serve your Stuffed Pepper Casserole hot with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Add more vegetables: You can add additional vegetables like zucchini, corn, or mushrooms to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrition.
Spicy version: Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for some heat.
Vegetarian version: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based protein like lentils, chickpeas, or a meat alternative to make this dish vegetarian.
Swap rice: Use quinoa, couscous, or cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a gluten-free or lower-carb version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. If baking from cold, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

2. Can I use different ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed for leaner meats.

3. Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! You can use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend for a different flavor. You can also add some Parmesan for extra richness.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, to make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free rice (or cauliflower rice) and make sure the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes don’t contain gluten. Additionally, check the cheese to ensure it’s gluten-free.

5. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole. Let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until hot throughout.

6. Can I use frozen peppers?

Yes, you can use frozen bell peppers. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the casserole to avoid excess moisture.

Conclusion

Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a comforting, delicious, and easy-to-make meal that everyone will love. With seasoned ground beef, sweet bell peppers, tangy tomato sauce, and a cheesy topping, it’s a hearty and flavorful dish that comes together in one pan. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or making a meal for a crowd, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Plus, it’s versatile enough to suit different dietary preferences and easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.