Description
This Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole combines the classic flavors of stuffed peppers into a simple, comforting one-pot meal. Ground beef or turkey cooks with bell peppers, rice, tomatoes, and flavorful seasonings, then topped with melted cheese for a hearty, delicious dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bell peppers, chopped (any color)
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups beef broth or chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for melting the cheese topping later in the recipe.
- Cook the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or oven-safe pan over medium heat. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften, releasing their flavors.
- Add Rice and Liquids: Stir in the uncooked white rice, diced tomatoes with juices, tomato sauce, and broth. Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet or pan and reduce heat to low. Cook gently for 18 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Add Cheese and Bake: If your skillet is oven-safe, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top and transfer the pan to the preheated oven. If not, transfer the casserole mixture to a greased baking dish, top with cheese, and bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh touch. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty stuffed pepper casserole.
Notes
- You can substitute brown rice for white rice; increase broth quantity and cooking time accordingly.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or some crushed red pepper flakes.
- This casserole makes excellent leftovers and freezes well for future meals.
