Description
This hearty Stuffed Pepper Casserole combines the classic flavors of stuffed peppers into a comforting and easy-to-make baked dish. Ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, and rice meld together with Italian seasonings and melted cheese, making a perfect family-friendly meal that’s ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese blend
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic; cook until they are fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the pan and cook until fully browned, using a spoon to break it apart. Drain any excess grease if necessary to prevent a greasy casserole.
- Cook Bell Peppers: Stir in the chopped green and red bell peppers. Continue to cook for about 5 minutes until the peppers start to soften but still retain some firmness.
- Season and Add Tomatoes: Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Mix thoroughly. Then add the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer to blend the flavors.
- Add Rice: Fold in the cooked white rice and let the casserole simmer for another 3-4 minutes, allowing all ingredients to marry and heat through.
- Preheat Oven and Add Cheese: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese blend on top of the skillet mixture.
- Bake the Casserole: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Use brown rice instead of white for added fiber, but increase cooking time for rice preparation beforehand.
- This casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking; add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking cold.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
