A comforting and savory dish, the Stuffed Pepper Casserole brings together the classic flavors of stuffed peppers in a hassle-free, hearty casserole form. With a blend of ground beef, rice, colorful bell peppers, and melted cheese, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. It’s easy to prepare and makes a satisfying meal that’s both filling and full of flavor.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 cup white rice
2 cups beef broth
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the onion softens.
Stir in the chopped bell peppers, diced tomatoes (with juice), rice, beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is partially cooked and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
Transfer the beef mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve warm, garnished with extra fresh herbs if desired.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Variations
Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian twist, replace the ground beef with a plant-based protein, such as crumbled tofu or a veggie crumble.
Spicy Option: Add a chopped jalapeño or some chili flakes to the casserole for a spicy kick.
Cheese Variations: If you prefer a different cheese, feel free to swap the cheddar for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for extra flavor.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or corn to the casserole for more texture and flavor.
Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, ensure that the beef broth is gluten-free and use a gluten-free rice option.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge before baking. When ready to bake, just follow the baking instructions, adding a few extra minutes if necessary.
Can I freeze this Stuffed Pepper Casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
How do I make sure the rice is cooked properly in the casserole?
The rice should cook as it simmers in the beef and broth mixture. Be sure to let the rice absorb most of the liquid before transferring the mixture to the baking dish. It will finish cooking in the oven.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can swap the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute. Just adjust the seasoning and cooking time as needed.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and the amount of liquid. Brown rice takes longer to cook, so you might need to simmer the casserole mixture longer before transferring it to the oven. You’ll also need to add extra broth to accommodate the longer cooking time.
Conclusion
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is the perfect dish to make when I want a hearty, flavorful meal that’s both easy and satisfying. With its layers of savory ground beef, tender rice, sweet bell peppers, and melty cheese, it’s a comfort food that’s sure to please everyone. Whether I’m making it for a busy weeknight dinner or prepping it for later, this casserole always delivers delicious results!
📖 Recipe:
Print
Stuffed Pepper Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting and savory dish that brings together the classic flavors of stuffed peppers in a hassle-free, hearty casserole form. With ground beef, rice, colorful bell peppers, and melted cheese, it’s a family favorite that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 cup white rice
2 cups beef broth
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), chopped
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the onion softens.
- Stir in the chopped bell peppers, diced tomatoes (with juice), rice, beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is partially cooked and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or veggie crumble.
Spicy Option: Add chopped jalapeño or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Cheese Variations: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for extra flavor.
Gluten-Free: Ensure the beef broth is gluten-free and use a gluten-free rice option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
