Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Recipe Intensity: Beginner
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 bell peppers (red, green, and yellow), diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Mixing spoon
- Aluminum foil
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Time: 5 Minutes
Intensity: Easy
Preheat your oven to:
375°F (190°C)
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Set aside while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Time: 8 Minutes
Intensity: Easy
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef.
Cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
Drain excess fat if necessary.
The beef should be fully cooked and lightly browned.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Time: 7 Minutes
Intensity: Easy
Add:
- Diced onions
- Bell peppers
Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
The vegetables should become fragrant and tender.
Step 4: Add Seasonings
Time: 2 Minutes
Intensity: Easy
Stir in:
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
Mix thoroughly to coat the meat and vegetables.
Cooking the spices briefly helps enhance their flavor.
Step 5: Add Rice and Liquids
Time: 3 Minutes
Intensity: Easy
Add:
- Uncooked rice
- Diced tomatoes
- Tomato sauce
- Beef broth
Stir until everything is evenly combined.
The rice will absorb the flavorful liquid as it bakes.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Time: 3 Minutes
Intensity: Easy
Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
Spread evenly.
Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
This helps trap steam and cook the rice properly.
Step 7: Bake
Time: 35 Minutes
Intensity: Moderate
Place the casserole in the preheated oven.
Bake covered for 35 minutes.
During this time, the rice will absorb the liquid and become tender.
Check for doneness near the end of the baking period.
Step 8: Add Cheese
Time: 2 Minutes
Intensity: Easy
Remove the foil.
Sprinkle evenly with:
- Cheddar cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
The cheese layer creates a rich and satisfying topping.
Step 9: Finish Baking
Time: 10 Minutes
Intensity: Easy
Return the casserole to the oven uncovered.
Bake for an additional 10 minutes.
The cheese should become:
- Melted
- Golden
- Slightly bubbly
Step 10: Rest Before Serving
Time: 10 Minutes
Intensity: Easy
Remove from the oven.
Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes.
This helps the ingredients settle and makes serving easier.
Step 11: Garnish and Serve
Time: 2 Minutes
Intensity: Easy
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.
Serve warm.
Enjoy with your favorite side dishes.
Tips for Success
Use Fresh Bell Peppers
Fresh peppers provide the best texture and flavor.
A mix of colors creates a more attractive casserole.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time
Resting allows the casserole to firm up and improves serving quality.
Check Rice Doneness
Different rice varieties may require slight adjustments in cooking time.
If needed, add a splash of broth and continue baking.
Shred Your Own Cheese
Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-packaged varieties.
Flavor Variations
Mexican Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Add:
- Black beans
- Corn
- Taco seasoning
Top with pepper jack cheese.
Turkey Version
Replace ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
Spicy Version
Add:
- Jalapeños
- Crushed red pepper flakes
For extra heat.
Low-Carb Version
Substitute rice with cauliflower rice.
Reduce baking time slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Stuffed Pepper Casserole pairs perfectly with:
- Garlic bread
- Green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Cornbread
- Steamed broccoli
- Cucumber salad
It also works well as a complete meal on its own.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at:
350°F (175°C)
For 15–20 minutes or until heated through.
Microwave individual portions if desired.
Nutritional Benefits
Protein
Ground beef provides high-quality protein that supports muscle maintenance and satiety.
Vegetables
Bell peppers contribute:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Fiber
- Antioxidants
Balanced Meal
The combination of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables creates a complete and satisfying dish.
Family-Friendly Nutrition
This casserole offers a practical way to include vegetables in everyday meals.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (Based on 6 Servings)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugars: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 720mg
- Potassium: 650mg
- Calcium: 220mg
- Iron: 3mg
- Vitamin C: 85mg
