Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
plus more for the baking dish
- 1 medium yellow onion
chopped
- 1 red bell pepper
cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper
cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 lb. ground beef
80/20
- 2 tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 4 garlic cloves
finely chopped
- 4 vine-ripened tomatoes
chopped
- 1 large zucchini
quartered lengthwise and sliced
- 2 c. chicken broth
- 1 c. long-grain white rice
- 1/4 c. fresh parsley or cilantro
chopped, plus more for sprinkling
- 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 2 c. shredded pepper jack cheese
about 8 ounces
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 2-to-3-quart baking dish with oil.
- 2
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until the beef is cooked through and browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the tomato paste, salt, cumin, paprika, black pepper, and garlic; cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Add the tomatoes and zucchini and cook until softened, 3 to 5 minutes.
- 3
Stir in the chicken broth, rice, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, and 1 cup of the cheese. Remove from heat and spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
- 4
Bake until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, 50 minutes to 1 hour. Remove the foil and stir the casserole. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup cheese. Increase the oven to broil.
- 5
Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, 2 to 3 minutes. Allow to cool 5 minutes before sprinkling with more parsley and serving.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 9 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving the hearty comfort of stuffed peppers without the fuss of individual fillings? This Stuffed Pepper Casserole delivers all the classic flavors you love in an easy-to-make, family-friendly dish.
Why This Recipe Works
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole brings together savory ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and tender rice in a rich tomato sauce, all topped with gooey pepper jack cheese. By layering ingredients in a baking dish, you eliminate the tedious stuffing process while still capturing that beloved combination of tastes and textures. It's the perfect solution for a comforting weeknight meal that feeds a crowd.
What to Expect
Prepare for a dish that is both deeply satisfying and incredibly flavorful. You'll find tender chunks of red and green bell pepper alongside savory ground beef, perfectly cooked long-grain white rice, and bright notes from fresh tomatoes and a hint of cumin and paprika. The finishing touch of melted pepper jack cheese adds a creamy, slightly spicy kick, making each bite wonderfully comforting. This casserole is designed to be a straightforward meal, promising big flavor with minimal fuss.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to make this Stuffed Pepper Casserole your own. You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage if you prefer. For a vegetarian option, consider using a plant-based ground substitute or increasing the amount of zucchini and adding some mushrooms. If pepper jack cheese is too bold, shredded cheddar or mozzarella would also be delicious, offering a milder, creamy finish.
Serving & Context
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a fantastic centerpiece for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering. It's a complete meal on its own, but you could serve it alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.