Description
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a hearty, flavorful one-dish meal combining ground beef, bell peppers, rice, and a blend of seasonings baked to perfection and topped with melted cheese. It brings all the classic stuffed pepper flavors into an easy-to-make casserole, ideal for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (lean)
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 3 small cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Brown Beef: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Heat olive oil in a pan or heat-resistant skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and sauté, breaking it up with a spatula, until it is no longer pink.
- Cook Vegetables: Drain excess fat from the beef. Add diced yellow onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Add Seasonings and Tomatoes: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds to release flavors. Then add canned diced tomatoes and mix well.
- Add Rice and Broth: Add the uncooked rice and beef broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pan with a lid or foil if your dish does not have a lid.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the covered pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, checking the rice for doneness. If the rice still has crunch, return to the oven and add a splash of water if needed to continue cooking.
- Add Cheese and Broil: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top. Return the dish to the oven and place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If you prefer spicy, use Cajun seasoning instead of Italian seasoning.
- If you don’t have a broiler, simply bake the casserole longer until the cheese melts.
- Add a splash of water or broth during baking if the casserole dries out before the rice is tender.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
