Stuffed Pepper Casserole

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