Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Recipe

If you love stuffed bell peppers but want an easier, quicker way to enjoy the delicious flavors without all the work, this Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Recipe is for you! This comforting casserole combines all the classic ingredients of traditional stuffed peppers—juicy ground beef, tender rice, savory seasonings, and vibrant bell peppers—into a single dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. It’s a one-pot meal that brings tons of flavor with minimal effort.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef

1. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
2. Add Seasonings: Add the diced onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onions are softened and the garlic is fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Bell Peppers

1. Add Peppers: Stir in the diced bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.

Step 3: Stir in Rice and Tomatoes

1. Add Rice and Tomatoes: Pour in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything together until well combined.
2. Bring to a Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet or Dutch oven with a lid and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Add Cheese (Optional)

1. Top with Cheese: If you like a cheesy casserole, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole once the rice is cooked.
2. Melt the Cheese: Cover the dish again and allow the cheese to melt for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish: Once the casserole is done, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
2. Serve: Scoop portions into bowls and enjoy this hearty, comforting dish with a simple green salad or garlic bread on the side.

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

• Easy to Make: This recipe takes all the hassle out of traditional stuffed peppers by turning it into a one-pot casserole. No need to stuff and bake individual peppers!
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with ground beef, rice, and bell peppers, this casserole is a complete meal that will leave you satisfied.
• Customizable: You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, and adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
• Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this casserole thanks to its simple flavors and cheesy topping.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This casserole tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips

Make-Ahead Instructions:

• Prepare in Advance: You can assemble the entire casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. When ready to eat, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes or until heated through.

Freezing Instructions:

• Freeze for Later: This stuffed bell pepper casserole is also freezer-friendly. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Tips for Making the Best Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Use Fresh Bell Peppers:

• Fresh, vibrant bell peppers will give this casserole the best flavor and texture. Use a mix of red, green, and yellow peppers for extra color.

Cook the Rice in the Casserole:

• By cooking the rice directly in the casserole, it absorbs all the flavors from the beef, broth, and tomatoes, making each bite flavorful and rich.

Add More Veggies:

• Feel free to bulk up this dish with more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients.

Season to Taste:

• Always taste the casserole before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.

Make it Cheesy:

• If you’re a fan of cheesy casseroles, don’t hold back on the cheese! Add extra shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top and let it melt into the casserole.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic Bread:

• Serve the casserole with a side of garlic bread for a perfect complement to the rich and savory flavors.

Salad:

• Pair with a fresh, crisp green salad to balance the hearty, cheesy casserole.

Roasted Vegetables:

• For a lighter side dish, roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or asparagus would go well with this casserole.

Conclusion

This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Recipe is a delicious, easy-to-make dinner that brings all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers to your table in a simple, hassle-free way. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty, filling, and packed with flavor. With tender rice, savory beef, and the fresh crunch of bell peppers, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. And don’t forget the melted cheese on top—it’s the finishing touch that takes this dish to the next level!

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
   Yes! Brown rice works well in this casserole, but you may need to increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes and add a bit more broth.
2. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
   Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or simply use more vegetables and beans.
3. What other cheeses can I use?
   Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend cheese would all taste great in this casserole.
4. Can I add beans to the casserole?
   Yes, adding black beans or kidney beans can make this dish even heartier and add extra protein.
5. Can I make this casserole in the slow cooker?
   Yes! You can make this casserole in a slow cooker by browning the beef first, then adding all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

Yield: 6

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Recipe

Print

If you love stuffed bell peppers but want an easier, quicker way to enjoy the delicious flavors without all the work, this Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Recipe is for you! This comforting casserole combines all the classic ingredients of traditional stuffed peppers—juicy ground beef, tender rice, savory seasonings, and vibrant bell peppers—into a single dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. It’s a one-pot meal that brings tons of flavor with minimal effort.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Total Time 55 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 bell peppers, chopped (use a mix of red, green, and yellow for variety)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 1/2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and set aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, about 6-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add Vegetables and Garlic:
   Add the chopped bell peppers to the skillet and sauté for 4-5 minutes until they start to soften. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning:
   Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
5. Combine with Rice and Broth:
   Add the cooked rice and beef broth to the skillet, stirring to combine everything evenly. Let the mixture heat through for a couple of minutes.
6. Assemble the Casserole:
   Transfer the beef and rice mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Spread it out evenly and top with the shredded cheese.
7. Bake:
   Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve:
   Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.

Notes

Rice Options: You can use white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa for a healthier option.

Cheese Varieties: Feel free to use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a spicier kick.

Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms.

Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge before baking. Simply bake when ready to serve.