Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is an easy, one-pan meal packed with all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers but without the hassle of stuffing! Perfect for a comforting dinner, this dish is hearty, flavorful, and family-friendly.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 1/2 cups beef or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

For the Topping:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Meat and Vegetables

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Add onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Step 2: Add Rice and Sauce

1. Stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth.
2. Season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.
3. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and let cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Bake the Casserole

1. Remove from heat and sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.
2. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or microwave for 2 minutes.

Conclusion

This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that brings all the flavors of stuffed peppers in a convenient casserole form. Perfect for meal prep or a weeknight dinner. Enjoy!