If you’re craving a cozy, hearty meal that brings all the vibrant flavors of stuffed peppers into one easy-dish wonder, this Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. Combining seasoned ground beef, sweet bell peppers, tender rice, and a melty cheese topping, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy all that comforting goodness without the fuss of hollowing out peppers. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that tastes like a warm hug, brightened by fresh ingredients and packed with flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in building a dish full of flavor, texture, and heartiness. From ground beef for richness, to bell peppers for sweetness and color, every component comes together seamlessly.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides the savory, meaty base that makes this casserole satisfyingly rich.
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a deep, umami boost that elevates the beef flavor.
- 2 bell peppers, chopped: Bring vibrant color and natural sweetness, balancing the dish perfectly.
- 1 onion, finely chopped: Offers aromatic sharpness that rounds out the flavor profile.
- 1 (15 oz) can low sodium beef broth: Keeps the casserole juicy while seasoning it subtly.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a fragrant punch, making every bite flavorful.
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and moisture, tying all the ingredients together.
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice: Absorbs all the savory liquids, creating a tender, slightly chewy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle heat that brightens the dish.
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning: Offers a blend of herbs to add complexity without overwhelming.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in every component.
- 3/4 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts into creamy goodness that binds the casserole.
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: Adds sharpness and that irresistibly gooey top layer.
How to Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef. Break it up as it cooks to make sure it cooks evenly and develops a nice, savory crust. This step builds the foundational flavor for the entire casserole.
Step 2: Cook Onions and Peppers
Next, toss in the chopped onions and bell peppers. Cook them with the beef for 5 to 10 minutes, letting them soften until they’re tender and fragrant. This softening adds wonderful sweetness and a colorful freshness to every bite.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook just for 1 to 2 minutes. This brief step lets the garlic release its aroma without burning, layering in a subtle yet essential flavor that makes the casserole sing.
Step 4: Combine Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in the Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and diced tomatoes, then add the uncooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring everything up to a boil so the rice can start soaking up all those bold flavors right from the start.
Step 5: Simmer the Casserole
Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low to let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir once halfway through cooking to prevent sticking and ensure tender rice. The bubbling mixture thickens and the ingredients meld beautifully here.
Step 6: Melt in Half the Cheese
Once the rice is tender, stir in half of the shredded Mozzarella and cheddar cheese while the dish is still on the heat. This creates a creamy, cheesy consistency that feels luxurious in every forkful.
Step 7: Top with Remaining Cheese
Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top, then cover the skillet again off the heat just until the cheese melts completely. For an extra-special finish, briefly broil it until bubbly and golden—this elevates the rustic casserole into a showstopper.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the casserole from heat and dig in immediately while it’s warm and irresistibly cheesy. This dish makes every cozy dinner feel like a celebration.
How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your serving by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness that contrasts nicely with the rich, cheesy casserole. A small dollop of sour cream can also add a creamy tang that complements the flavors.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for some crispness. Roasted vegetables or steamed green beans also make great, healthy sides that balance the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style meal, serve the casserole in a large rustic skillet right at the table for casual sharing. Alternatively, spoon individual portions into colorful bowls and garnish them with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of extra cheese for a cozy, comforting presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, transfer leftover Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheating gently preserves its creamy texture and vibrant flavors perfectly.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. Portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave covered to maintain moisture or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly. Adding a little extra cheese on top when reheating helps restore that freshly baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Brown rice works well but will need a longer cooking time, usually around 40 to 45 minutes, and may require slightly more liquid. Adjust accordingly to ensure it cooks until tender.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and keep all the other ingredients the same for a delicious meatless twist.
Is it possible to prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes! You can prep the entire casserole up to step 5, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. When ready, bake or simmer gently until heated through and the cheese has melted for a quick weeknight meal.
What’s the best way to get a crispy, cheesy topping?
After sprinkling the remaining cheese on top, place the skillet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown. This adds delightful texture and flavor to the dish.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a bit of spice, or even a smoked gouda. Just keep a good melting cheese for that perfect gooey finish.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe is not only a burst of comforting flavors but also a clever way to bring the classic stuffed pepper experience into a quicker, easier casserole form. I promise once you try it, it’ll become a go-to in your recipe rotation for busy nights when you want something warm, cheesy, and simply satisfying. So grab those ingredients and dive into this delicious, soul-warming meal—you won’t regret it!
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Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a hearty and comforting one-pan meal featuring ground beef, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and rice, all baked together and topped with a blend of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese. It’s a delicious take on the classic stuffed pepper flavors made easy in a skillet, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 (15 oz) can low sodium beef broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks to ensure even cooking and texture.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the finely chopped onions and chopped bell peppers to the skillet with the beef, cooking them for 5-10 minutes until they have softened and become fragrant.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in Worcestershire sauce, low sodium beef broth, diced tomatoes, uncooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer and cook rice: Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low or medium-low to maintain a simmer, and cook for about 20 minutes. Stir halfway through cooking to prevent rice from sticking, and continue until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Mix in cheese: Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese into the hot mixture until melted and well incorporated, creating a creamy texture.
- Melt remaining cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the skillet mixture, cover again, and allow the cheese to melt. Optionally, place the skillet briefly under the broiler to achieve a bubbly and golden cheesy crust.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately while hot for a comforting meal with combined flavors of stuffed peppers in a casserole form.
Notes
- Using low sodium beef broth helps control the salt level in the dish.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or lentils and use vegetable broth.
- Different types of bell peppers (red, yellow, green) can be used for varied flavor and color.
- Make sure to stir halfway during simmering to avoid rice sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Optional broiling step enhances cheese topping texture but can be skipped if preferred.
