🍲 Whip up this Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole tonight! A cheesy, hearty meal that’s perfect for any family dinner. 🧀🌶️
Introduction
Looking for a savory, comforting dish to satisfy your family’s hunger? Look no further! This Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole combines the heartiness of ground beef, the sweetness of bell peppers, and the richness of cheese into one delightful meal. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how simple it is to whip up this delicious dish!
Savory Ingredients Blend Perfectly
Ground Beef: A Flavorful Foundation
Ground beef forms the savory base of this casserole, infusing every bite with delicious meatiness and protein-packed goodness. Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
Colorful Bell Peppers: Vibrant and Nutritious
The trio of diced bell peppers adds not only a burst of color but also a wealth of vitamins and antioxidants to the dish. Opt for a mix of red, yellow, and green peppers for a visually appealing presentation and a variety of flavors.
Aromatic Onion and Garlic: Building Layers of Flavor
Diced onion and minced garlic lend aromatic depth to the casserole, enhancing the overall taste profile. Sauteed until golden brown, these ingredients add complexity and richness to every spoonful.
Uncooked Rice: Absorbing Flavor and Texture
Rice serves as the hearty filler in this casserole, soaking up the flavorful juices from the beef, vegetables, and broth as it cooks. Its tender texture complements the other ingredients, providing a satisfying bite in every mouthful.
Flavorful Seasonings and Broth: Infusing Richness
A blend of Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper elevates the taste of the casserole, imparting a warm, savory essence. Simmered in beef broth, these seasonings meld together to create a rich, flavorful sauce that coats every ingredient.
Melty Cheese Topping: Irresistible Creaminess
A generous layer of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese crowns the casserole, melting into a golden-brown crust in the oven. The ooey-gooey cheese adds a creamy, indulgent finish that’s sure to delight cheese lovers.
Directions: Easy Steps to Deliciousness
Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready when you’re done assembling the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onions, and garlic over medium heat until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Mix and Simmer
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the diced bell peppers, uncooked rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, combining everything well.
- Bring to Boil: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, leaving it uncovered for 25 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together.
Bake to Perfection
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Once the mixture is ready, transfer it to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole, ensuring an even distribution.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy!
- Let Stand: Allow the casserole to stand for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle and the cheese to set.
- Serve Warm: Dish out generous portions of the stuffed pepper casserole onto plates, and enjoy the cheesy, hearty goodness with your loved ones!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? A: Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative to beef and works just as well in this recipe. Feel free to swap it out according to your preference.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to increase the baking time slightly if baking it straight from the fridge.
Q: What can I serve alongside this dish? A: This stuffed pepper casserole pairs well with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Absolutely! Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer individual portions to freezer-safe containers or bags. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q: Can I customize the ingredients? A: Of course! Feel free to customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. You can add extra veggies, swap out the rice for quinoa, or adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Q: How long will leftovers last? A: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to cover the casserole dish or transfer leftovers to an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Conclusion
With its irresistible combination of savory ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and gooey melted cheese, this Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving a comforting meal, this hearty dish delivers on flavor and simplicity. Give it a try tonight and watch as your loved ones come back for seconds!
Stuffed Pepper Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Stuffed Pepper Casserole, a delightful twist on the classic stuffed peppers. This easy-to-make dish combines savory ground beef, colorful bell peppers, rice, and gooey melted cheese into a hearty casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 bell peppers, various colors, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onions, and garlic over medium heat until beef is browned; drain excess fat.
- Stir in bell peppers, uncooked rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, or until rice is cooked.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can customize this recipe by adding extra vegetables like diced zucchini or mushrooms.
- For a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this cheesy Stuffed Pepper Casserole, a comforting dish ideal for any family gathering. Learn how to make it step by step!