This Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole brings all the flavors of stuffed peppers into a simple, hearty dish. It’s loaded with colorful bell peppers, rice, and savory ground meat.
You can’t go wrong with one-pot meals! I just mix everything up in a casserole dish and let it bake until bubbly. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This recipe works well with ground beef, but you can swap it for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option. I like using turkey for a healthier meal!
Bell Peppers: Use any combination of red, green, and yellow bell peppers for flavor and color. If you’re out of bell peppers, zucchini or eggplant could be a fun substitute, though the taste will change a bit.
Rice: White rice is common here, but brown rice or quinoa can add a nutty flavor and more fiber. Just remember to adjust the liquid and cooking time as needed for different grains!
Diced Tomatoes: If you have fresh tomatoes, feel free to use them instead. Just chop them up and skip the can. A splash of tomato paste can also enrich the sauce if you want a thicker texture.
How Can I Ensure My Rice is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking rice in a casserole can be tricky! To ensure it’s cooked perfectly, follow these tips:
- Use the right amount of liquid. For every cup of rice, you generally need about 2 cups of liquid. Adjust if using different types of rice.
- Cover tightly with foil to trap steam. This will help the rice absorb the liquid properly.
- Let it rest before serving. Once baked, allow the dish to sit for 5 minutes. This helps any remaining moisture distribute evenly.
Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 bell peppers (red, green, yellow), diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole takes about 15 minutes for prep time and around 55 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 10 minutes from start to finish. Letting it cool for 5 minutes before serving is a nice touch too!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when your casserole is ready to bake.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add your diced onion and bell peppers, stirring them around until they’re softened—about 5 minutes should do the trick. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until you can smell that lovely garlic aroma!
3. Brown the Meat:
Next, add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Cook it until it’s browned and crumbled, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, don’t forget to drain it away!
4. Combine the Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and the rice is coated.
5. Transfer to Casserole Dish:
Spread the mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Make sure it’s nice and level so it cooks evenly.
6. Bake Covered:
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in your preheated oven for 45 minutes. This will allow the rice to cook perfectly and absorb all those delicious flavors.
7. Add Cheese:
After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish, uncovered, to the oven for another 10 minutes. The cheese should melt and become bubbly—so good!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving. This little wait helps everything settle and makes it easier to dish out. Enjoy your hearty, comforting meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but be sure to increase the cooking time and the amount of liquid. Brown rice typically requires about 1.5 to 2 times more liquid and takes longer to cook, around 60-70 minutes total in the oven.
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
If you want to switch it up, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat can be great alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time if necessary to ensure it’s fully cooked.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual servings or place the casserole back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more veggies like corn, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just chop them up and sauté along with the onions and peppers at the beginning. This is a great way to include extra nutrients!
