Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a clever twist on a classic comfort food. It’s got all the delicious elements of stuffed peppers – ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and fluffy rice – but without the hassle of individually stuffing each pepper. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a satisfying meal without a lot of fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s a time-saver: Skip the tedious stuffing and enjoy all the flavors of stuffed peppers in a fraction of the time.
• Family-friendly: This casserole is a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love.
• Easy cleanup: Everything cooks in one pan, so you can spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
• Versatile: Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables or ground meat.

this Recipe

Ingredients for Stuffed Pepper Casserole

This casserole is made with simple, wholesome ingredients that deliver a burst of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables and browning the ground beef.
• Onion and Garlic: Aromatic essentials that add depth and flavor.
• Bell Peppers: Use a variety of colors for a vibrant and flavorful dish.
• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef adds a hearty protein boost.
• Tomato Sauce and Diced Tomatoes: Create a rich and flavorful sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances the overall taste.
• Dried Basil, Oregano, Parsley: A blend of herbs that add a classic Italian flavor.
• Minute Rice: Cooks quickly and absorbs all the delicious flavors of the casserole.
• Beef Broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor.
• Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese: For a melty, cheesy topping.

How to Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Step 1: Sauté the Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large ovenproof skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, onion, bell peppers, and ground beef. Sauté for about 10 minutes, or until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened.

Step 2: Add the Remaining Ingredients

Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, parsley, rice, and beef broth. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Bake

Cover the pan with aluminum foil. If you don’t have an ovenproof skillet, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and cover with a lid or foil. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Remove the cover and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starting to brown.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

By this point, all of the liquid should be absorbed by the rice. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Meat variations: You can use ground chicken, turkey, or even lamb instead of ground beef.
• Vegetable substitutions: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or corn.
• Rice alternatives: You can use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice.

How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Weeknight meal: Serve this casserole as a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
• Side dish: Pair it with a simple salad or garlic bread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat the casserole in the microwave or in the oven until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it later. Simply store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

My casserole is a bit watery, what did I do wrong?
If your casserole is watery, it could be that you used too much liquid or that the rice didn’t have enough time to absorb the liquid. Try baking it uncovered for a few more minutes to allow the excess moisture to evaporate.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add more vegetables, such as mushrooms or lentils, for extra heartiness.

There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Stuffed Pepper Casserole. I hope you enjoy it!

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