Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion
diced
- 2 cloves garlic
minced
- 1-2 medium bell peppers
any color, diced
- 1 cup long grain rice
such as jasmine or basmati
- 2 cups beef broth
optional, for added moisture
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
or ½ teaspoon dried oregano and ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1½ cup Monterey Jack cheese
shredded
- fresh parsley)
or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish
Directions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2
Heat a large oven-safe skillet (such as a cast-iron skillet) over medium heat on the stovetop. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. If necessary, drain excess grease from the skillet to reduce fat content.
- 3
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the diced bell peppers and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
- 4
Stir in the uncooked rice. Pour in 2 cups of beef broth or water.
- 5
Add the drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Combine all ingredients thoroughly to ensure the rice is submerged in the liquid.
- 6
Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Check at 15 minutes. If the mixture is too dry before the rice is cooked, add an additional ½ cup of beef broth or water. Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and fluff the rice mixture with a fork.
- 7
Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the beef and rice mixture. Place the skillet in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 8
Carefully remove the skillet from the oven using oven mitts (the handle will be hot). Let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or basil if desired. Serve warm.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole
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About this Recipe
Craving the comforting flavors of classic stuffed peppers but short on time? This easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole delivers all the hearty goodness in a fuss-free, delicious package. You'll get that familiar savory taste without the intricate prep work, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe shines by deconstructing the beloved stuffed pepper experience into a convenient casserole format. By combining ground beef, rice, and diced bell peppers with a rich tomato sauce, you achieve all the signature flavors in layers. The genius lies in its simplicity, making a traditionally time-consuming dish accessible for any home cook.
What to Expect
Prepare for a truly comforting and deeply satisfying meal. Each spoonful offers tender ground beef mingling with perfectly cooked long grain rice, brightened by sweet, crisp bell pepper pieces. It’s all bound together by a robust tomato sauce, seasoned with fragrant Italian herbs and a hint of paprika. A generous blanket of melted Monterey Jack cheese on top provides a creamy, savory finish, creating that irresistible pull-apart texture everyone loves. This casserole is hearty, flavorful, and a true family favorite.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to experiment with your bell peppers—any color will work beautifully to add vibrant flavor and texture. For the rice, both jasmine or basmati rice are excellent choices. If you don't have Italian seasoning on hand, a simple combination of ½ teaspoon dried oregano and ½ teaspoon dried basil will yield a similar aromatic profile. For garnish, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds a lovely fresh touch.
Serving & Context
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a complete meal on its own, ideal for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering. Its comforting nature makes it a perfect hearty dish on cooler evenings.