Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Recipe

Craving the hearty, savory flavors of traditional stuffed bell peppers but don’t have the time to stuff and bake individual peppers? The Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is the perfect solution! This deconstructed version of the classic dish offers all the goodness of stuffed peppers—ground beef, bell peppers, rice, tomatoes, and cheese—packed into one easy, delicious, and family-friendly casserole. It’s a quick, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights but tasty enough for a cozy weekend dinner.

Read on for the Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Recipe, along with tips, substitutions, and step-by-step instructions to make this easy meal in no time.

this Recipe

What is Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole?

The Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole takes the classic flavors of stuffed bell peppers and turns them into a convenient and comforting casserole. Instead of stuffing individual bell peppers with a meat and rice mixture, all the ingredients—seasoned ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, rice, and cheese—are combined in one dish, layered with melted cheese, and baked to perfection. The result is a comforting, hearty casserole that’s bursting with flavor.

Ingredients List for Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious casserole:

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey or sausage)
• 2 large bell peppers (diced; any color—red, green, or yellow)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz; undrained)
• 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
• 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice (or cooked rice for faster prep)
• 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth or water)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried oregano and basil)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added flavor)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar cheese)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

The beauty of the Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is its versatility. You can tweak this recipe to fit your dietary needs or to use up what’s in your pantry. Here are some great substitutions and variations:

• Meat Alternatives: Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage instead of ground beef. For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with crumbled tofu, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
• Bell Peppers: Use any color bell pepper—green peppers for a more traditional flavor, or red, yellow, and orange peppers for a sweeter taste.
• Rice: Swap white rice for brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version. You can also use cooked rice to shorten the cooking time.
• Cheese: While mozzarella is the classic choice, feel free to use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a little extra kick.
• Add Vegetables: Add more veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to make the casserole even more wholesome.
• Spices: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning to give the casserole a Tex-Mex flair.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s get started! Follow these simple steps to make your Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large, oven-safe skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.
3. Add the Bell Peppers and Seasonings: Stir in the diced bell peppers, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the peppers begin to soften.
4. Add the Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, and Rice: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, uncooked rice, and beef broth. Mix well to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low.
5. Simmer Until the Rice is Cooked: Let the mixture simmer on low for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Add Cheese and Bake: Once the rice is cooked, remove the lid and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven (or pour the mixture into a greased baking dish if not using an oven-safe pan) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and enjoy!

How to Cook Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

• Step 1: Brown the Beef: Cook the ground beef with onions and garlic in a skillet until browned.
• Step 2: Add Bell Peppers and Seasonings: Stir in bell peppers and seasoning to soften.
• Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Rice, and Broth: Mix in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, uncooked rice, and broth, and simmer until the rice is cooked.
• Step 4: Top with Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the casserole with cheese and bake until bubbly and golden.
• Step 5: Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Cooking the Rice Fully: Ensure the rice is fully cooked before adding the cheese and baking. If the liquid hasn’t been absorbed after 20 minutes, let it simmer for a bit longer.
• Skipping the Seasoning: Properly season the meat and vegetables with salt, pepper, and spices to build layers of flavor.
• Overcooking the Bell Peppers: Cook the bell peppers just until they start to soften. They’ll continue cooking in the oven, so you don’t want them to become mushy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

The Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a hearty, all-in-one meal, but you can pair it with a few side dishes to round out the meal:

• Side Dishes: Serve with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread to complement the rich flavors of the casserole.
• Toppings: A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese can add an extra touch of richness. For a Tex-Mex twist, try topping it with salsa and avocado.
• Garnish: Fresh parsley, cilantro, or basil adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.

How to Serve Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Serve this casserole straight from the oven while it’s still warm and bubbly. Spoon it onto individual plates, or for a more rustic family-style presentation, serve it right from the skillet or baking dish. It's a perfect dish for casual dinners or cozy gatherings with friends and family.

Presentation Ideas for Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

• Rustic Plating: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish for a comforting, homey feel. The melted cheese on top provides a beautiful, golden presentation.
• Individual Bowls: For a more elegant touch, scoop the casserole into individual serving bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated cheese.
• Layered Look: If you’re serving to guests, carefully spoon the casserole into serving dishes so you can see the colorful layers of peppers, beef, and rice.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to serve, bake at 375°F until heated through and the cheese is melted.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully! Assemble it, but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use pre-cooked rice for this recipe?
A: Yes! If using pre-cooked rice, reduce the simmering time by half. You’ll need less broth—about 1 cup instead of 2.

Q: Can I make this casserole in advance?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it before baking for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works just as well and makes for a lighter version of the casserole.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat individual servings in the microwave, or bake the whole casserole at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

Q: Can I add more vegetables?
A: Definitely! Try adding mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the casserole for extra nutrition and flavor.

Conclusion

The Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is the perfect weeknight dinner when you’re craving a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal. It captures all the delicious flavors of traditional stuffed bell peppers but without the fuss of stuffing and baking individual peppers. With its savory meat, colorful bell peppers, and cheesy top, this casserole is sure to be a hit with the entire family. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a cozy, satisfying dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your home!

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