Quick And Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

Craving the flavors of stuffed peppers but don’t have the time or patience to make individual stuffed peppers? This Quick and Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole is the perfect solution! It has all the savory goodness of traditional stuffed peppers—ground beef, bell peppers, rice, tomatoes, and cheese—packed into an easy-to-make, comforting casserole. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious and satisfying casserole!

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What is Stuffed Pepper Casserole?

Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a deconstructed version of classic stuffed peppers, where all the ingredients are layered or mixed together and baked in a casserole dish. It features the same core ingredients like ground beef, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, rice, and cheese, but skips the step of stuffing individual peppers, making it quicker and easier to prepare. This one-pan meal is packed with flavor and makes for a hearty, satisfying dinner that can feed the whole family.

Ingredients List for Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Let’s gather all the ingredients you need to make this quick and simple casserole. These ingredients are pantry staples, making it an easy meal to throw together on busy nights.

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 bell peppers, chopped (any color: red, green, yellow, or orange)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice (long grain works best)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

This Stuffed Pepper Casserole recipe is very versatile, allowing for multiple substitutions and variations to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter option, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken.
• Vegan Version: Replace the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and substitute the cheese with dairy-free cheese.
• Different Grains: Swap the rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice to lower the carbs or add more nutrition.
• Cheese Variations: While cheddar is commonly used, you can substitute it with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicy twist.
• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add more veggies such as mushrooms, zucchini, or corn to make the casserole heartier.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s get into the step-by-step instructions to make this delicious Quick and Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once cooked, drain off any excess fat and transfer the beef to a plate.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until the vegetables soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 4: Add the Rice and Liquids

Once the vegetables are softened, stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add the Italian seasoning, paprika, and additional salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and let it cook for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.

Step 5: Combine and Transfer to the Baking Dish

Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet and stir everything together until well combined. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has absorbed. Check the casserole halfway through to make sure the rice is cooking evenly, and stir if necessary.

Step 7: Add the Cheese

Once the rice is cooked, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

How to Cook Quick and Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

To recap the steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet, season, and drain any excess fat.
3. Sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic until softened.
4. Add the rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, and seasonings, and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Combine the ground beef with the rice mixture and transfer to the prepared baking dish.
6. Bake covered for 25-30 minutes, until the rice is tender.
7. Top with shredded cheese and bake uncovered for another 5-7 minutes, until bubbly.
8. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this casserole is straightforward, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Not draining excess fat: After browning the ground beef, make sure to drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
• Undercooked rice: If the casserole dries out before the rice is fully cooked, check the liquid level during baking. If needed, add a bit more broth and stir.
• Skipping foil: Be sure to cover the casserole with foil while baking to trap steam and ensure the rice cooks evenly.
• Overcooking the vegetables: Don’t cook the peppers and onions too long before baking. They should still have a bit of crunch when you add them to the casserole.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Here are some ways to serve and present your Stuffed Pepper Casserole for maximum appeal.

How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• With a Side Salad: Pair the casserole with a simple green salad or Caesar salad for a refreshing contrast.
• With Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the tomato sauce.
• With a Vegetable Side: Add a side of roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a complete meal.

Presentation Ideas for Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Garnish with herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley or chopped basil over the top for a fresh and vibrant look.
• Serve in a colorful dish: Use a bright casserole dish to make the colors of the peppers and cheese pop.
• Individual servings: For a more elegant presentation, spoon the casserole into individual ramekins or bowls and top with extra cheese.

Quick and Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time (without baking) and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
• Freezer-Friendly: This casserole freezes well! To freeze, let it cool completely, then wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use instant rice for this recipe?
A: Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use instant rice. Just reduce the cooking time to about 10-15 minutes since instant rice cooks faster.

Q: Can I make this casserole with brown rice?
A: Yes! Brown rice will work well, but you may need to adjust the liquid and cooking time. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook, so add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time and check the liquid level as it cooks.

Q: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground meat alternative, or

use cooked lentils or black beans as a protein source. Just be sure to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

Conclusion

This Quick and Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a fantastic option when you want the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers without the hassle of stuffing them. Packed with savory ground beef, sweet bell peppers, hearty rice, and a rich tomato sauce, this casserole is a comforting and filling meal that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep, leftovers, and freezing. Give this recipe a try tonight—you’ll love how easy it is to make and how delicious it turns out!

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