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Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

4.8 from 126 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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