One-Pan Stuffed Pepper Casserole
+1 photo

One-Pan Stuffed Pepper Casserole

8 servings
Chef John's one-pan stuffed pepper casserole has all the same taste and texture of beef and rice stuffed bell peppers—maybe even more flavor—with no stuffing involved. With one stovetop-to-oven-to-table pan, there's almost no cleanup.

Ingredients

  • olive oil
    1 tbsp
  • ground beef
    1 lb
  • onion peeled and diced
    1
  • unsalted butter
    2 tbsp
  • garlic minced
    3 clove
  • kosher salt
    2 tsp
  • black pepper
    1 tsp
  • smoked paprika
    ½ tsp
  • garlic powder
    ½ tsp
  • cayenne
    1 pinch
  • green bell peppers

    cut in 1-inch pieces

    2
  • red bell peppers

    cut in 1-inch pieces

    1
  • orange bell peppers

    cut in 1-inch pieces

    1
  • raw basmati rice or other white long grain rice
    1 c
  • worcestershire sauce
  • tomato sauce or puree
    2 c
  • beef broth
    1 ½ c
  • cheddar cheese

    divided

    6 oz

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

  2. 2

    Place an ovenproof pan over high heat, add olive oil, then the beef, and a big pinch of salt, and cook for about 1 minute, breaking the meat into smaller pieces. Add onions, and continue cooking, crumbling the meat, until it starts to brown and onions turn translucent. about 5 minutes. Brown the meat deeply for the best flavor.

  3. 3

    Reduce heat to medium-high, or to medium if the pan seems very hot, and add butter and garlic. Cook, stirring, until butter melts, about 1 minute. Add black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne. Cook and stir for about 1 minute. Add bell peppers, and cook and stir until just heated through, 2 to 3 minutes.

  4. 4

    Add rice and stir until it is coated with the fats from the pan, about 1 minute. Add remaining salt, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, and beef broth, and raise the heat to high. Stir together and wait for the mixture to simmer. Turn off heat, and sprinkle with some of the cheese, saving about 1/2 cup for the top. Use a spoon to poke and stir the cheese in evenly. Cover the pan tightly.

  5. 5

    Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven, uncover, and check rice for tenderness in a few spots. If rice is not tender, cover and continue to bake. Once rice is tender, remove the casserole, uncover, sprinkle over the rest of the cheese, and turn on the oven’s broiler.

  6. 6

    Broil casserole until cheese is melted, and starting to brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Let rest at least 10 minutes before serving.

    Step 6
One-Pan Stuffed Pepper Casserole
+1

One-Pan Stuffed Pepper Casserole

95 min8 servings351 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving the comforting flavors of stuffed bell peppers without the tedious work? This One-Pan Stuffed Pepper Casserole is your answer, delivering all the hearty taste and texture with none of the fiddly stuffing. Imagine a robust, satisfying dinner that goes from stovetop to oven to table in a single pan, making cleanup wonderfully minimal.

Why This Recipe Works

Chef John’s ingenious approach to this casserole skips the traditional individual stuffing process entirely. Instead, the ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and rice cook together, allowing their flavors to meld into one rich, harmonious dish. This method not only saves you significant prep time but also ensures every bite is infused with savory goodness, arguably creating even more flavor than its deconstructed counterpart.

What to Expect

You'll experience the classic, deeply savory taste of seasoned ground beef and tender basmati rice, infused with aromatic onion, garlic, and a hint of warm, smoky paprika and a touch of cayenne. The vibrant mix of green, red, and orange bell peppers softens beautifully during cooking, adding a sweet, fresh contrast to the rich tomato sauce and savory beef broth base. Capped with a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese, each serving is hearty, comforting, and utterly satisfying. While it does require some time for the flavors to develop in the oven, the active preparation is straightforward, making it a rewarding experience for home cooks.

Customization & Variations

Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level to your preference. While basmati rice is recommended, other long-grain white rice varieties will work just as well. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of dried oregano or Italian seasoning alongside the other spices. If you prefer a different kind of cheese, Monterey Jack or even a sharp Provolone would be delicious alternatives.

Serving & Context

This robust casserole is perfect for a comforting family dinner on a chilly evening or a satisfying meal to share with friends. Serve it straight from the pan for a rustic, inviting presentation, perhaps with a simple green salad on the side to balance its richness.

Frequently Asked Questions