Quick And Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

Looking for a hearty, comforting meal that delivers all the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers without the tedious prep work? This Quick And Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole is your answer!

This one-dish wonder combines seasoned ground beef, tender bell peppers, fluffy rice, and melted cheese in a satisfying casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Instead of spending time hollowing out individual peppers, you’ll simply layer everything in a baking dish and let the oven do the work. Get ready to enjoy a family-favorite meal that’s both delicious and effortless!

What is “Quick And Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole”?

Quick And Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a deconstructed version of the classic stuffed pepper dish that transforms all those beloved flavors into an easy-to-make casserole. Instead of individually stuffing bell peppers, this recipe layers chopped peppers, seasoned ground beef, rice, and cheese in a single baking dish.

This approach eliminates the time-consuming process of preparing individual peppers while maintaining all the delicious flavors you love. The result is a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for feeding a family and even better for meal prep. The casserole format also ensures every bite has the perfect balance of meat, vegetables, rice, and cheese.

Ingredients List for Quick And Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 bell peppers (mixed colors), chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1½ cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Cook Quick And Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this delicious casserole is straightforward and requires minimal prep time. Here’s your complete guide to making this comforting dish:

1. Prepare Your Kitchen:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
• Gather all your ingredients and have them ready for easy assembly.

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes).
• Season the beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder during cooking.
• Once cooked, drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to a large mixing bowl.

3. Sauté the Vegetables:

• In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
• Add the chopped bell peppers and cook for another 5-6 minutes until they begin to soften.
• Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, and onion powder.

4. Combine the Base Ingredients:

• Add the sautéed vegetables to the bowl with the cooked ground beef.
• Stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
• Add 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, mixing everything together thoroughly.
• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

5. Assemble the Casserole:

• Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish.
• Spread it evenly and cover tightly with aluminum foil.
• Make sure the foil is sealed well to trap steam, which will cook the rice.

6. Bake and Finish:

• Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
• Remove the foil and stir the casserole gently to check that the rice is tender.
• If the rice needs more cooking time, cover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
• Once the rice is fully cooked, top with remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
• Return to oven, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Rest and Serve:

• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Substitutions and Variations

This versatile recipe can easily be adapted to suit different dietary needs and preferences:

• Ground Meat: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for different flavor profiles.
• Rice Options: Use brown rice (increase cooking time by 15-20 minutes), quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Cheese Varieties: Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for different flavors.
• Vegetable Additions: Add corn, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Spice Level: Include diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ensure your casserole turns out perfectly by avoiding these common pitfalls:

• Using Pre-Cooked Rice: Always use uncooked rice as it will absorb the flavors and liquids during baking. Pre-cooked rice will become mushy.
• Not Sealing the Foil: Proper sealing is crucial for steaming the rice. Loose foil will allow steam to escape, resulting in undercooked rice.
• Overcooking the Peppers: Don’t sauté the peppers until they’re completely soft, as they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
• Insufficient Liquid: Make sure you have enough broth and tomato sauce to properly cook the rice and prevent the casserole from drying out.
• Skipping the Rest Time: Allow the casserole to rest before serving so the flavors meld and the dish sets properly.

How to Serve Quick And Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole

This hearty casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance the dining experience with thoughtful accompaniments. Serve it with a fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole.

Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread make excellent sides for soaking up any delicious sauce. For beverages, consider iced tea, lemonade, or a light beer that won’t compete with the robust flavors of the dish.

Presentation Ideas for Quick And Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Make your casserole look as appealing as it tastes with these presentation tips:

• Colorful Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, cilantro, or green onions over the melted cheese for a pop of color.
• Individual Portions: Serve in colorful ceramic bowls for a more elegant presentation.
• Layer Visibility: When serving, use a large spoon to show off the beautiful layers of ingredients.
• Side Arrangement: Arrange fresh bell pepper strips and cherry tomatoes around the serving dish for visual appeal.

Quick And Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe Tips

Follow these expert tips to ensure your casserole is consistently delicious:

• Prep Ahead: You can assemble this casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate, then add 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time.
• Even Cooking: Cut your bell peppers into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking throughout the casserole.
• Flavor Enhancement: Let the seasoned beef mixture cool slightly before adding cheese to prevent it from melting prematurely.
• Moisture Control: If your casserole seems too dry during baking, add a little extra beef broth or water.
• Cheese Timing: Add the final cheese layer only in the last 10-15 minutes to prevent over-browning.

How to Store Quick And Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy this delicious casserole for days to come. Allow the casserole to cool completely at room temperature within 2 hours of cooking. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or transfer portions to airtight containers.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, this casserole freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. When freezing, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and place in freezer-safe containers.

To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or use the microwave for quick individual portions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use instant rice instead of regular rice?
A: It’s not recommended as instant rice will become mushy during the long baking process. Stick with long-grain white rice for the best texture.

Q: Why is my rice still crunchy after baking?
A: This usually means there wasn’t enough liquid or the foil wasn’t sealed properly. Add more broth, cover tightly, and continue baking until the rice is tender.

Q: Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Add the cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Q: How do I prevent the casserole from being watery?
A: Make sure to drain the diced tomatoes well and avoid over-sautéing the vegetables. The natural moisture from the peppers is usually sufficient.

Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Use two 9×13 inch baking dishes or one large roasting pan. You may need to increase the baking time slightly.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Cover and reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Conclusion

Quick And Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. This recipe transforms the beloved flavors of traditional stuffed peppers into an effortless one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy families.

By combining seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, fluffy rice, and melted cheese in a single baking dish, you’ll create a satisfying meal that everyone will love. The beauty of this casserole lies not only in its simplicity but also in its versatility – you can easily customize it to suit your family’s preferences or dietary needs.

Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner, preparing for meal prep, or looking for a dish to feed a crowd, this stuffed pepper casserole delivers on all fronts. The make-ahead friendly nature makes it even more appealing for busy schedules.

So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal that brings all the comfort of traditional stuffed peppers with half the effort. Your family will be asking for this recipe again and again!