Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Recipe

Craving the flavors of stuffed bell peppers but don’t have time to individually stuff and bake them? This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is the perfect solution! It combines all the delicious elements of classic stuffed peppers—juicy ground beef, tender rice, flavorful bell peppers, and melted cheese—into a comforting, easy-to-make casserole. This one-pan dish is ideal for busy weeknights, and the leftovers are just as good the next day!

this Recipe

What is Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole?

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a deconstructed version of traditional stuffed bell peppers. Instead of stuffing individual peppers, all the ingredients (ground beef, rice, bell peppers, tomatoes, and cheese) are mixed together and baked in a single dish. The result is a delicious, cheesy casserole with the same satisfying flavors, but with much less effort. It’s a family-friendly, comforting meal that you can make in under an hour.

Ingredients List for Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make this hearty Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole:

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 (a mix of red, yellow, and green for color)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (or brown rice)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella cheese)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Substitutions and Variations

This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is super versatile and can be adapted to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner version.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, replace the ground meat with a combination of lentils, black beans, or vegetarian crumbles. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Different Rice Options: You can substitute the white rice for brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice if you’re looking for a low-carb alternative.
• Spicy Kick: Add some heat by incorporating diced jalapeños or using pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or mozzarella for a melty, cheesy top.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this delicious and comforting Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet or pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are soft and slightly tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 4: Add the Tomatoes, Broth, and Rice

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Then, add the uncooked rice, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

Once the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened, transfer it to your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so the rice and beef are distributed throughout the casserole.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and tender. Check the casserole halfway through and give it a quick stir to make sure the rice is cooking evenly.

Step 7: Add Cheese and Bake Again

Once the rice is tender, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese) evenly over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Let It Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to scoop out servings. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy!

How to Cook Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

To summarize the steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Brown the ground beef, then add the onions, bell peppers, and garlic.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, rice, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
4. Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and bake, covered, for 30-35 minutes until the rice is tender.
5. Top with shredded cheese and bake uncovered for another 5-10 minutes.
6. Rest the casserole for 5 minutes before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some tips to ensure your Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole comes out perfectly every time:

• Not covering the dish: Make sure to cover the casserole with foil during the first part of baking. This traps steam and helps the rice cook evenly.
• Overcooking the rice: Check the casserole after about 30 minutes of baking to make sure the rice is tender but not mushy. If needed, give it a quick stir and bake for a few more minutes.
• Not draining excess fat: After browning the beef, drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
• Not letting it rest: Letting the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to portion out.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Here are some ideas to serve and present your Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole for a beautiful and appetizing meal.

How to Serve Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

• With a Side Salad: Pair this casserole with a fresh green salad or Caesar salad for a balanced meal.
• With Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty bread to scoop up all the rich, savory sauce.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Add a side of roasted vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or asparagus for extra nutrition.

Presentation Ideas for Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

• Garnish with herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, cilantro, or basil over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Serve in bowls: Dish out individual portions in bowls for a more rustic, comforting presentation.
• Top with sour cream: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top of each serving for added richness and creaminess.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
• Freezer-Friendly: This casserole freezes well! To freeze, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use instant rice in this recipe?
A: Yes! If using instant rice, reduce the baking time to about 20-25 minutes since instant rice cooks faster than regular rice.

Q: Can I use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version?
A: Absolutely! If using cauliflower rice, reduce the amount of liquid slightly (you may not need as much broth), and reduce the baking time to prevent overcooking the cauliflower.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole in advance, refrigerate it, and bake it when ready. Add a few extra minutes to the baking

time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

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

Conclusion

This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers without all the work. It’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep, and it’s easily customizable to suit your preferences. Whether you’re serving it with a side salad, some crusty garlic bread, or just on its own, this casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table! Give it a try tonight—you’ll love how simple it is to make and how delicious it turns out.

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