The aroma of sizzling ground beef and sweet bell peppers fills the kitchen, promising a comforting meal ahead. I love how this stuffed pepper casserole simplifies a classic dish, combining all the flavors I crave without the fuss of stuffing individual peppers. It’s hearty, cheesy, and perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping for the week. Curious about how to make it? Let’s get started—you’ll want to try this one for yourself.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This stuffed pepper casserole recipe is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Easy to Make: Combines all the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers with minimal prep and cleanup.
- Family-Friendly: A hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that appeals to both kids and adults.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit dietary preferences or use what’s on hand.
Recipe
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the classic elements of stuffed peppers in an easy-to-make casserole form. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this dish is packed with savory ground beef, rice, and a medley of vegetables, all topped with melted cheese. It’s a comforting, family-friendly meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes:
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with a plant-based alternative or additional vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Serving:
Serves 6
Calories:
Approximately 350 calories per serving
Cuisine:
American
Equipment
Preparing the stuffed pepper casserole requires minimal equipment, making it an easy dish to assemble. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large skillet or frying pan
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Nutrition
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a nutritious and flavorful dish packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Here’s a breakdown of its key nutritional benefits:
- High in protein from ground beef and rice
- Rich in fiber from bell peppers and tomatoes
- Loaded with vitamin C from bell peppers
- Contains iron and zinc from ground beef
- Low in added sugars, making it a healthy option
What to Serve With This Recipe
I always love pairing this casserole with warm garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a lighter touch. If you’re craving something hearty, mashed potatoes or roasted veggies make a great match. And for a little sweetness, buttered corn adds just the right touch to balance the dish.
Garlic Bread
Sometimes, nothing pairs better with a hearty dish like stuffed pepper casserole than a side of garlic bread. I love how the garlic benefits—like boosting immunity and adding bold flavor—melt into warm, crusty slices of bread. I often use a baguette or Italian loaf, brushing it with a mix of butter, garlic, and herbs. It’s simple, comforting, and perfect for soaking up any extra sauce from the casserole.
Green Salad
A crisp green salad can brighten up your plate and balance the richness of stuffed pepper casserole. I always include leafy greens like spinach or romaine for their nutrition benefits, adding a mix of veggies for color and crunch. When it comes to salad dressings, I love a tangy vinaigrette or creamy ranch—whichever fits your mood—to tie it all together. It’s simple, fresh, and perfect alongside the main dish.
Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes make an excellent companion to stuffed pepper casserole, offering a comforting contrast to the dish’s bold flavors. I love how their creamy texture balances the casserole’s richness, making each bite feel complete. Adding flavorful toppings like melted butter, chives, or a sprinkle of Parmesan elevates them even more. It’s a simple, hearty side that feels like a warm hug on the plate.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a fantastic way to add color, flavor, and nutrition to your stuffed pepper casserole meal. I love how the roasted vegetable benefits include caramelized edges and tender centers, making them irresistible. Try roasted vegetable varieties like carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts—they’re easy to toss with olive oil and seasonings. They’ll brighten your plate and complement the casserole’s richness perfectly. You won’t regret adding them!
Buttered Corn
For a side that’s both simple and satisfying, buttered corn is a classic choice that pairs wonderfully with stuffed pepper casserole. I love its creamy texture and sweet flavor, which balance the casserole’s richness. With buttered corn benefits like being quick to prepare and packed with vitamins, it’s a go-to. Plus, trying different buttered corn varieties, like adding herbs or chili powder, keeps it fun and flavorful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Rice?
I can use different rice varieties, but I’ll need to make cooking time adjustments. Brown rice takes longer than white, so I’d add extra liquid and time. Quick-cooking rice? I’d reduce both to avoid overcooking.
Is This Recipe Freezer-Friendly?
I’m over the moon about this one—it’s totally freezer-friendly! My freezing techniques include cooling it completely before wrapping it airtight. It’s a lifesaver for meal prep; just thaw and bake when you’re ready to enjoy.
Can I Substitute Ground Beef With Turkey?
I’d swap ground beef for turkey in recipe variations—it’s leaner and still tasty. Turkey’s health benefits include lower fat and calories, making it a great alternative. I’d adjust seasoning slightly to complement its milder flavor.
How Do I Prevent the Peppers From Getting Soggy?
Oh, soggy peppers—my arch-nemesis! To prevent soggy peppers, I’d ironically suggest parboiling them first; it’s like giving them a pep talk before the bake. Or, layer them on top of the rice for that crisp hero moment.
Can I Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?
I’d use a slow cooker for its benefits, like hands-off cooking and flavor infusion. Just layer ingredients as usual, but expect longer cooking time—4-6 hours on low. It’s perfect when I need a set-it-and-forget-it meal.
