Name: Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 onion (diced); 3 bell peppers ((multi-colored) diced); 2 tsp garlic (minced); 8 oz tomato sauce; 1 1/2 cups beef broth; 1 cup white rice (uncooked); 2 cups white cheddar cheese (shredded)

Packed with ground beef, colorful peppers, rice, and savory flavor this stuffed pepper casserole is the perfect weeknight meal. Made with just 8 ingredients, this casserole can even be made in advance to save you kitchen time.

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Take the work out of actually stuffing peppers and whip up this casserole instead. With gooey cheese and savory flavor in each bite this stuffed pepper casserole is a tasty dinner any night of the week.

It has all your favorite savory flavors and topped with melted cheese there’s comfort in every bite. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free which gives you a light dinner packed with protein.

Table Of Contents

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★ Why You'll Love this Recipe ★

Made with kitchen staples like garlic, bell peppers, onions, and tomato sauce the casserole comes together with browned beef, rice, and cheddar cheese to bulk it up.

It’s a classic dinner recipe that can be prepped in advance to save your sanity on busy nights.

This stuffed pepper casserole recipe is also:

Simple: With only 8 ingredients this stuffed pepper casserole can be whipped up with just a few staples.

Flavorful: It’s tasty comfort food loaded with cheese in every bite.

Versatile: Adjust the flavor of the dish with a few additional spices and make it unique to your preference every time you whip it up.

Meal-prep friendly: You can prepare the casserole up to two days in advance of when you need it. It's freezer friendly and leftovers reheat well making this a great to-go lunch option.

★ Ingredients You'll Need ★

This casserole is made with minimal ingredients, making this an easy dinner to throw together.

Here's everything you'll need:

Ground beef: Lean ground beef is what works best for the casserole but ground turkey or even chicken can work, too. I personally love to use a half and half blend of ground turkey and ground beef. Or sometimes I'll use a blend of beef and ground pork for a richer flavor. Experiment and go with what you and your family enjoy most.

Garlic and onions: The base of any casserole, make sure to finely mince them so that they blend well with the other ingredients.

Bell peppers: Try to use a variety of colors to really make your dish pop on the table. You also get more nutrients this way.

Tomato sauce: Any sauce you have in the pantry will work. If it has seasonings in it know they’ll come through in the casserole, too.

Broth: Beef broth is used here to pair with ground beef, but vegetable or chicken broth can work as well. Use homemade if you have it but store-bought works great.

Rice: White rice is best. If you use another kind know that the cooking time may vary, and you may need a splash more broth depending on how much liquid is absorbed.

Cheese: Though the recipe calls for plain white cheddar cheese you can switch it up to use a fiesta blend or marble cheese for a different taste and look.

★ How to Make this Recipe ★

This casserole is very simple to prepare, it comes together in just a few steps. Here's a look at the steps.

Brown beef and onion.
Place in greased casserole dish.
Layer rice, peppers, and garlic over beef.
Pour broth and tomato sauce on top.
Mix gently.
Cover with foil and bake.
Uncover, sprinkle on cheese, and finish baking until melted.

★ Tips & FAQs ★

How do I store leftovers?

Once cooled, store the leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat it, place it in an oven-safe dish and reheat it at 350F for about 20 minutes or until heated through.

Can I freeze this stuffed pepper casserole?

Yes. Let it cool and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to two months.

Why is my rice undercooked?

For your rice to cook fully you need to make sure that the aluminum foil is completely sealed around the casserole dish. This makes it so that the heat and moisture are trapped in. If your rice is undercooked when finished, add ¼ cup more water, recover the dish, and bake for another 10 minutes.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

If you want to cut down on prep time and have this casserole ready to just pop it in the oven, then you can prepare it up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate. Or you can freeze it and bake from frozen, adding 10-15 extra minutes to the bake time.

To make it ahead, follow the directions to prepare the casserole fully. Then, cover it in aluminum foil and pop it into the fridge. When you need it, let it come to room temperature and then bake before adding on the cheese and letting it finish cooking. If baking straight from the fridge, you may just need to add a couple minutes to the bake time. You want the center nice and hot. You can check it with a fork.

Can I use another protein source?

Of course. Using ground chicken or turkey is a good substitute, but you could also use crumbled Italian sausage for a new and tasty flavor or a blend of any proteins you prefer.

How can I vary the flavor?

As written, this recipe has an Italian flavor but you can add any seasonings you like to the dish like extra Italian seasoning or paprika. Likewise, adding in sliced jalapenos or red pepper flakes for a kick of heat is tasty, too.

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This delicious and easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole recipe was featured on South Your Mouth!