STUFFED PEPPER CASSEROLE

 

Stuffed Pepper Casserole: All the Classic Flavors Without the Fuss

Love stuffed peppers but don’t have the time (or patience) to stuff them one by one? This Stuffed Pepper Casserole brings you all the hearty, comforting flavors of the traditional dish — ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, rice, and melty cheese — in one easy, family-friendly bake.

It’s the perfect combination of convenience and comfort: a one-pan meal that’s filling, flavorful, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All the flavor, none of the hassle: No need to stuff and bake individual peppers — just toss everything into one dish.

• Budget-friendly and hearty: Made with simple, affordable ingredients.

• One-dish comfort food: Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep.

• Customizable: Use your favorite type of meat, rice, or cheese to make it your own.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or turkey)

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2–3 bell peppers (any color), chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)

• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)

• 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

• Fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cook the beef:
   In a large skillet or oven-safe pan, cook the ground beef and onion over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.

2. Add veggies and seasoning:
   Stir in the bell peppers and garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften. Add Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Add rice and liquids:
   Stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Mix well, making sure all the rice is covered with liquid.

4. Simmer:
   Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

5. Top with cheese:
   Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover again for a few minutes (or place under the broiler) until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm straight from the skillet.

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Tips & Variations

• Make it spicy: Add a dash of crushed red pepper or a chopped jalapeño.

• Use brown rice: Adjust the cooking time to about 35–40 minutes and add more broth as needed.

• Go low-carb: Replace rice with riced cauliflower for a lighter version.

• Extra veggies: Stir in corn, black beans, or spinach for added flavor and color.

• Cheese swap: Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella.

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How to Store and Reheat

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: Cool completely and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

• Reheat: Warm in the microwave or in a covered skillet with a splash of broth to keep it moist.

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Serving Ideas

This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

• A fresh green salad

• Garlic bread or dinner rolls

• A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top

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Final Thoughts

The Stuffed Pepper Casserole takes everything you love about classic stuffed peppers — the savory beef, the sweet bell peppers, the comforting rice — and turns it into an easy, one-pan dinner. It’s hearty, wholesome, and perfect for feeding a crowd or saving leftovers for busy nights.

Simple to make and full of flavor, this dish proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. One bite, and it’ll become a new family favorite! 🫑🍅🧀