Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines all the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers without the hassle of stuffing each pepper individually. This casserole is hearty, cheesy, and perfect for a family dinner any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 3-4 bell peppers, chopped
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Step 2: Add the chopped bell peppers to the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Step 3: Stir in the cooked rice and tomato sauce, mixing everything until well combined. Remove from heat.
- Step 4: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Step 6: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add diced onions and minced garlic when cooking the beef.
- Use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist.
- Try mixing in other vegetables like corn or zucchini for added texture.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or oven until heated through. The casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked rice for this recipe?
Yes, using pre-cooked or leftover rice works perfectly and helps speed up the preparation time.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the casserole a few hours or even a day in advance, keep it covered in the refrigerator, and bake it when ready.
PrintStuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish combining seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, colorful bell peppers, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese baked to perfection. This casserole captures all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers in a simple layered bake, perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meat and Rice
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups water or beef broth (for cooking rice)
Vegetables and Sauce
- 3 large bell peppers (any color), chopped or sliced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Cheese Topping
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella
Instructions
- Cook Beef and Rice: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat. Meanwhile, cook the rice separately according to package instructions or by boiling in water until tender.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, cooked rice, chopped bell peppers, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to evenly distribute all ingredients and seasonings.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top of the mixture.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown on top.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly. Serve warm as a hearty main dish.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For extra flavor, add diced onions or garlic when cooking the beef.
- The casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; increase the baking time slightly if baking straight from the fridge.
- Use cooked rice leftover from previous meals to save time.
- To make this dish gluten free, ensure the tomato sauce and seasonings contain no gluten additives.
Keywords: Stuffed Pepper Casserole, ground beef casserole, baked stuffed peppers, easy dinner casserole, cheesy stuffed peppers
