Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that takes all the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers and turns them into an easy, one-pan casserole. It’s packed with ground beef, rice, bell peppers, tomatoes, and cheese, all baked together for a deliciously satisfying meal.Here’s a simple recipe for Stuffed Pepper Casserole:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers, chopped (any color)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb version)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of your choice)
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with cooking spray or a little oil.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once the meat is browned, drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and garlic to the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
3. Prepare the Casserole Mixture:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, cooked rice, beef broth, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes, until it’s heated through and the flavors meld together.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
- Pour the beef and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese, covering the top evenly.
5. Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a burst of freshness.
Tips:
- Add-ins: You can add more vegetables to the casserole, like zucchini, mushrooms, or corn, for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Rice: If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked rice, or even make this with quinoa for a different twist.
- Make it cheesy: If you love cheese, you can add more cheese on top of the casserole for extra gooey goodness.
- Make it ahead: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Simply bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Enjoy!
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole combines the comforting flavors of stuffed peppers in a simple, easy-to-make casserole. It’s a family-friendly dish that’s filling and packed with flavor. Would you like any side dish suggestions or other variations to try with this?
