Description

This Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a comforting, flavorful one-pan dish combining ground beef, bell peppers, rice, and a blend of tomatoes and spices, topped with melted cheese. It’s a quick and delicious American classic casserole perfect for weeknight dinners, offering a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 bell peppers, chopped (any color)
1 cup uncooked white rice
2 cups beef broth or chicken broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat and Brown Meat: Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a large skillet or oven-safe pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened, releasing their flavors.
Add Rice and Liquids: Stir in uncooked rice, diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, and broth. Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
Simmer the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cover and cook on low heat for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Add Cheese and Bake: If you have an oven-safe skillet, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top of the casserole and transfer the pan to the preheated oven. Otherwise, transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, top with cheese, and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve the casserole warm for a hearty, satisfying meal.

Notes

You can use brown rice instead of white rice, but increase the broth quantity and cooking time accordingly to ensure the rice cooks thoroughly.
For extra flavor, consider stirring in a splash of Worcestershire sauce or adding crushed red pepper flakes for a mild kick.
This casserole makes great leftovers and freezes well, making it perfect for meal prepping.