This Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a warm and hearty dish loaded with tasty ingredients like bell peppers, ground meat, and rice. It’s like your favorite stuffed peppers, all baked together in a cozy casserole!
I love how simple it is to make—just mix everything up and let the oven do the work! It’s perfect for busy days when you want comfort food without the fuss. Plus, leftovers taste great, so it’s a win-win!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: You can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner option. If you want a vegetarian version, try lentils or black beans for protein!
Rice: White rice is standard here, but brown rice or quinoa works well too. Just remember that brown rice may need more cooking time.
Bell Peppers: Green and red peppers add sweetness and color, but feel free to mix it up with yellow or orange peppers! You can even use zucchini if you’re feeling adventurous.
Diced Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes can replace canned ones, or you could use tomato sauce for a smoother texture. No tomatoes? Just add a splash of salsa instead!
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is great for flavor, but mozzarella or pepper jack can work for a different taste. Vegan cheese can also be a good option for dairy-free diets.
How Do I Ensure My Rice is Perfectly Cooked in the Casserole?
Cooking the rice perfectly in this casserole means keeping an eye on the broth ratio and cooking time. Here’s how to handle it:
- Use equal parts rice and liquid to avoid dryness—2 cups of liquid for 1 cup of rice is perfect.
- Cover the dish tightly to trap steam, which helps the rice cook through.
- Once it’s done baking, let it sit for a few minutes. This lets the rice absorb any remaining liquid for extra fluffiness.
By following these tips, your casserole will have rice that is tender and well-cooked every time!
Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or oregano and basil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare. After that, it needs about 1 hour in the oven—45 minutes covered and 10-15 minutes uncovered. In total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 15 minutes, including a little resting time before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when your casserole is ready to bake!
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and both bell peppers. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until it’s browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. If there’s any excess fat in the pan, drain it off carefully.
4. Add Seasonings:
Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Mix everything well to coat the meat and veggies evenly with the spices.
5. Mix in Rice and Tomatoes:
Add the uncooked rice and drained diced tomatoes to the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly so the rice and tomatoes are well combined with the meat mixture.
6. Add Broth:
Pour the beef broth or water evenly over the mixture, stirring gently to combine everything again.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Take a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the mixture to it. Spread the mixture out evenly with a spatula.
8. Bake Covered:
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps the rice cook properly and keep everything moist. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
9. Add Cheese and Bake Again:
After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the flavors settle and make it easier to serve!
Enjoy your hearty and comforting stuffed pepper casserole!
FAQ for Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice! However, brown rice typically requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. You may need to increase the beef broth to about 2.5 cups and extend the baking time by an additional 15-20 minutes.
What If I Don’t Have Ground Beef?
No problem! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives like lentils or black beans work great as substitutes. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if using a leaner meat to prevent drying out.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. If frozen, it can last for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw completely before reheating.
Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a mix of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini or use a meat substitute. You can also increase the rice and add more beans or lentils for protein!