This Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole combines colorful bell peppers, savory ground meat, and fluffy rice for a hearty dish. It’s like your favorite stuffed peppers, but in easy-bake form!
Who knew making a casserole could be this fun? I love how everything bakes together, making cleanup a breeze! Serve it hot, and watch it disappear in no time! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: I use beef for its rich flavor, but ground turkey or chicken works just as well and makes it lighter. For a plant-based option, consider using lentils or quinoa instead!
Bell peppers: The colorful mix of green, red, and yellow adds a pop of freshness. Feel free to swap for your favorite peppers or even add in some poblano for a little heat!
White rice: I stick to white rice for simplicity, but brown rice can add more fiber. Just remember to adjust the cooking time and liquid as brown rice takes longer to cook. Quinoa is a fantastic gluten-free substitute!
Cheddar cheese: Cheddar gives a classic flavor, but mozzarella or Monterey Jack are great alternatives. Vegan cheese is also an option if you’re keeping it dairy-free!
How Do I Ensure My Rice is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking rice can sometimes be tricky, but here are my tips to ensure it turns out great:
- Use the correct ratio of water to rice. For white rice, it’s typically 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice.
- Bring your mixture to a boil before reducing heat. This initial boil helps kick-start the cooking process.
- Cover the pan tightly while it simmers to keep the steam in—it’s essential for the rice to cook properly!
- Let the dish sit after removing from the oven. This resting time helps the rice absorb any remaining liquid for the best texture.
Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 cup white rice, uncooked
- 2 cups water or beef broth
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 35-40 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’ll need about 55 minutes. A quick and satisfying meal for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’ll be nice and hot when your casserole is ready to bake.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the pan, sautéing until they are softened and fragrant, around 3-4 minutes.
3. Brown the Meat:
Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink. This should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, feel free to drain it off.
4. Add the Vegetables:
Stir in the diced bell peppers with the meat mixture. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until the peppers are slightly tender.
5. Combine the Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to add the uncooked rice, water (or broth), diced tomatoes (with their juice), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
6. Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
7. Transfer to Casserole Dish:
Carefully transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread it out so that it’s evenly distributed.
8. Cheese it Up:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will give it that delicious gooey finish!
9. Bake:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The aroma will fill your kitchen!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set a little. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a nice touch. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious dish!
Happy cooking! 🍽️
FAQ for Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. Use 2 1/2 cups of water or broth and simmer for about 30-35 minutes instead of 15 minutes to ensure it’s fully cooked.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the ground meat with lentils, quinoa, or extra veggies like mushrooms and zucchini. You may also want to consider using vegetable broth for added flavor.
What Should I Serve With This Casserole?
This casserole is quite filling on its own, but you can pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Crusty bread or garlic bread also makes a lovely side!
