STUFFED PEPPER CASSEROLE
All the hearty, cheesy comfort of classic stuffed peppers — made easy in casserole form! This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is loaded with seasoned ground beef, tender rice, colorful bell peppers, and melty cheese. It’s the perfect family-friendly dinner for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you need a simple, satisfying dish that hits the spot.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
1 medium onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced (optional for extra color)
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce (for extra sauciness)
1 cup cooked white or brown rice
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella for a gooier topping)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional, adds great flavor)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef & Veggies:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
Drain excess grease if needed.
Add diced onion and all bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
3. Mix it All Together:
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, cooked rice, garlic powder, Italian seasoning (if using), salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the mixture to your prepared casserole dish.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
5. Bake:
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden at the edges.
6. Garnish & Serve:
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color.
Serve warm and enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal the whole family will love!
Tips for Best Results:
✔ Use leftover rice to save time — both white or brown rice work great!
✔ Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes or swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese.
✔ Want it extra cheesy? Add a layer of cheese in the middle before baking.
⏲️ Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25-30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
👨👩👧👦 Servings: 6