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Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

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4 from 43 reviews

This Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole recipe offers a delicious and convenient twist on traditional stuffed peppers. Combining sautéed bell peppers, ground beef, fire-roasted tomatoes, aromatic spices, and melty cheese, all baked together in a casserole dish, it’s a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. The recipe is versatile, allowing substitutions like ground turkey or tofu, and can be customized with your choice of rice and cheese.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 bell peppers (any color – green, yellow, red, or orange)
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped (optional, for spicy)
  • 5 cloves garlic, chopped

Protein & Dairy

  • 1 pound ground beef (450g) – or substitute with ground turkey, chicken, sausage, or tofu
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, or blend)

Other Ingredients

  • 14.5 ounces fire roasted tomatoes (or diced tomatoes or tomato sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or wild rice)

Garnish

  • Fresh chopped parsley
  • Red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature by the time your casserole is ready to bake.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and jalapeno pepper if using. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften.
  3. Add Garlic: Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan. Break it apart with a spoon and cook for 5-6 minutes until well browned and cooked through.
  5. Add Tomatoes & Seasonings: Stir in the fire roasted tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all flavors.
  6. Incorporate Rice & Cheese: Add the cooked rice and stir until fully combined. Then, mix in half of the shredded cheese into the mixture to create a slightly cheesy base.
  7. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a casserole dish, Dutch oven, or any oven-safe pan suitable for baking.
  8. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top to create a melty, bubbly crust when baked.
  9. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
  10. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and red pepper flakes for a burst of fresh flavor and a little heat if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, sausage, or tofu for different dietary preferences.
  • Use any type of rice you prefer: white, brown, or wild rice all work well.
  • Adjust the heat by omitting the jalapeno or increasing red pepper flakes according to taste.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with plant-based ground meat or extra vegetables.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American