If you are craving a comforting, hearty dish that brings all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers into one simple, delicious meal, this Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe is just what you need. It takes all the charm of those colorful peppers, savory ground beef, and cheesy goodness and bakes it all together in a casserole that’s perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to dishes when you want something satisfying with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each item plays a vital role, from the tender bell peppers adding crunch and color to the melty cheese that ties the whole dish together with richness and gooey delight. These ingredients are easy to find but come together to create layers of flavor and texture that feel anything but simple.
- Ground beef: Provides the savory, meaty base that makes the casserole hearty and filling.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy, umami depth to the beef mixture, enhancing its robust flavor.
- Bell peppers: Chopped for freshness and crunch, with vibrant color that brightens the dish.
- Onion: Finely chopped for sweetness and aromatic flavor that perfectly complements the beef.
- Beef broth (low sodium): Keeps the casserole moist and infuses it with savory richness.
- Garlic: Minced to give a fragrant, appetizing punch that wakes up the entire dish.
- Diced tomatoes: Bring juiciness and a mild acidity to help balance the richness.
- Long grain white rice: Uncooked goes straight into the mix to absorb all the delicious flavors as it cooks.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat.
- Italian seasoning: A flavorful blend of herbs that gives a classic, comforting taste.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded to melt into creamy, gooey strings inside the casserole.
- Cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and a golden topping that pulls you in.
How to Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and browning the ground beef. Breaking it up as it cooks ensures a crumbly texture that will mix perfectly with the other ingredients. Browning not only seals in flavor but also forms a savory base for the casserole that will have your kitchen smelling amazing in no time.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Peppers
Add the finely chopped onions and chopped bell peppers to the skillet. Cook them together for 5 to 10 minutes until softened and fragrant. This step softens the veggies just enough to blend into the casserole, bringing subtle sweetness and that classic stuffed pepper crunch to every bite.
Step 3: Add Garlic for Flavor
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until you can smell its irresistible aroma. Garlic is the magic touch that lifts the dish, balancing and enhancing the deep flavors of the meat and vegetables.
Step 4: Combine the Liquids and Seasonings
Next, pour in the Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and diced tomatoes. Sprinkle in the uncooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a boil so the rice starts to absorb all those delicious liquid flavors. This mixture is where everything starts to come alive, simmering together to create a perfect harmony of taste and texture.
Step 5: Simmer Until Rice is Tender
Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low, letting it simmer for about 20 minutes. Be sure to stir halfway through to prevent sticking. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is tender and has soaked up nearly all the flavorful liquid, creating a cozy, luscious casserole base.
Step 6: Stir in Half the Cheese
Once the rice is perfectly cooked, stir in half of the shredded Mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. This helps the cheese melt evenly, making the entire casserole irresistibly cheesy and smooth throughout.
Step 7: Top with Remaining Cheese and Melt
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the casserole, cover again, and allow the cheese to melt. If you want to turn up the wow factor, place the skillet under the broiler for a minute or two to get a bubbly, golden-brown cheesy crust that’ll have everyone digging in immediately.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from heat and dig in while it’s warm and bubbling. This casserole serves beautifully straight from the pan, inviting everyone to share in its comforting, hearty flavor.
How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top before serving to add a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the rich, cheesy layers. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also complement the flavors nicely if you want a little extra zing.
Side Dishes
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe is quite filling on its own, but pairing it with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or your favorite steamed green veggies like broccoli or green beans can help lighten the meal and bring additional textures and flavors to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve this casserole in individual oven-safe ramekins to give everyone their own personal, cheese-topped portion. You can also scoop it into hollowed-out bell pepper halves for a vibrant, visually appealing dish that stays true to the stuffed pepper inspiration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If using the oven, cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying out and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. Adding a little extra shredded cheese on top before reheating can refresh that gooey, cheesy appeal.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll want to parboil it first or add extra liquid and extend the simmering time accordingly to make sure it gets tender without drying out the casserole.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the ground beef for plant-based protein crumbles, extra beans, or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version of the Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe that’s just as satisfying.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance and cook later?
You can definitely assemble the casserole up to the simmering step, then refrigerate it for a few hours before cooking. When ready, bring it up to temperature and proceed with adding and melting the cheese. This makes it very convenient for busy days.
What cheese works best if I don’t have mozzarella or cheddar on hand?
Feel free to use any melting cheese you enjoy, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or a mild provolone. The key is choosing cheeses that melt well to keep that gooey, cheesy texture.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Diced zucchini, mushrooms, or even corn would be tasty additions. Just add them along with the peppers and onions so they have time to soften and meld with the rest of the ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy all the classic flavors of stuffed peppers without the fuss of stuffing individual vegetables. It’s cozy, cheesy, and bursting with fresh and savory notes that will instantly become a family favorite. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and watch it disappear from the table in no time!
Print
Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Stuffed Pepper Casserole combines the rich flavors of ground beef, bell peppers, and a blend of cheeses with savory seasonings and rice. It’s an easy one-pan meal that captures the essence of stuffed peppers in a simplified casserole form, perfect for a comforting dinner in just 45 minutes.
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: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 5-10 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Combine liquids and seasonings: Pour in Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and diced tomatoes. Add the uncooked rice along with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the casserole: Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir halfway through the cooking time to prevent sticking, until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Mix in half the cheese: Remove the lid and stir in half of the shredded Mozzarella and cheddar cheese until melted and well combined into the casserole.
- Top with remaining cheese: Sprinkle the rest of the cheese evenly on top. Cover again and let the cheese melt, or optionally, place the skillet briefly under a broiler to achieve a bubbly, golden cheese crust.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately while hot and cheesy.
Notes
- Using low sodium beef broth helps control the overall saltiness of the dish.
- For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.
- If you don’t have a broiler-safe skillet, transfer the casserole to a baking dish before broiling the cheese topping.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- To make it gluten free, confirm that Worcestershire sauce is gluten free or substitute with coconut aminos or tamari sauce.
