This Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a hearty dish loaded with colorful bell peppers, ground meat, rice, and cheese. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! 🌶️
This recipe is perfect for busy nights, just layer everything in a dish, bake, and enjoy! I love topping it with extra cheese for that gooey goodness. Who can resist that? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef adds richness to this dish, but ground turkey works great for a leaner option. You could even use plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian take!
Bell Peppers: A mix of red, yellow, and green peppers creates a colorful dish. If you have only one color, that’s fine too! Feel free to use poblano or Anaheim peppers for a different flavor.
Rice: White rice is traditional, but you can swap it out for brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Just make sure it’s cooked before adding.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is a favorite for its melty goodness. If you’re looking for a twist, try Monterey Jack or a blend of cheeses like Mexican cheese blend.
How Do I Make Sure My Casserole is Flavorful and Well-Cooked?
Cooking this casserole right can make a big difference in flavor and texture. Here’s how to ensure it turns out perfectly:
- Cook the onions well to develop their flavor; they should be translucent before adding the meat.
- Don’t rush the simmering step. Let the flavors meld together for about 5 minutes; this adds depth!
- Mix thoroughly when combining the rice and cheese to spread flavors evenly throughout the casserole.
- Watch the casserole as it bakes. If the cheese browns too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil.
Taking these steps will help you end up with a delicious, comforting meal that everyone will love!
Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 25 minutes in the oven. Altogether, you’ll need about 40 minutes to enjoy this comforting meal from start to finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it will be ready for baking your delicious casserole!
2. Sauté the Onions:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook them until they become translucent, which should take about 3 minutes. This step builds a great flavor base for your casserole!
3. Brown the Meat:
Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, making sure to break it apart as it cooks. If there’s any excess fat, drain it off to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
4. Add Garlic and Peppers:
Stir in the minced garlic and diced bell peppers. Continue to cook for about 5 minutes, or until the peppers have softened a bit. Their vibrant colors will brighten your dish!
5. Combine the Sauce:
Next, add the canned diced tomatoes (with all the juices), the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
6. Mix in Rice and Cheese:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cooked rice along with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure everything gets combined evenly!
7. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, and then sprinkle some extra cheddar cheese on top for that delicious, melty finish.
8. Bake the Casserole:
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. While it’s baking, the aroma will fill your kitchen!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done baking, take the casserole out and let it cool slightly before serving. Scoop out portions for everyone and enjoy your hearty, cozy Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole!
FAQ for Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Can I Use Other Types of Meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives for a leaner option. You can also use plant-based crumbles if you’re looking for a vegetarian version.
How Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to eat, bake it straight from the fridge, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time!
What Are Some Good Substitutions for Rice?
If you’re looking for a different grain, quinoa makes a great substitute! You can also try using cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Just ensure the rice or grain is cooked before adding it to the mix.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or oven until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water if it seems a bit dry!
