Stuffed Pepper Casserole: A Comforting and Flavorful One-Pot Meal

Looking for a hearty, flavorful meal that combines the best of stuffed peppers with minimal effort? This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is the answer! Packed with ground beef, bell peppers, rice, and melty cheese, this dish brings all the comfort of traditional stuffed peppers without the hassle of stuffing them. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to become a weeknight favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Pepper Casserole:

One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup required—everything cooks together in one skillet!
Hearty & Flavorful: The combination of savory ground beef, sweet bell peppers, and gooey melted cheese makes this casserole incredibly satisfying.
Quick & Easy: Ready in about 40 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Comforting Classic: If you love stuffed peppers, you’ll adore this easy twist on the classic recipe.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
2 bell peppers, chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
1 (15 oz) can low-sodium beef broth
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
3/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions:

1. Cook the Ground Beef (Time: 5-7 minutes)

In a large skillet, cook the 1 pound ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once the beef is mostly cooked through, add in the chopped onions and chopped bell peppers. Cook for about 5-10 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

2. Add Garlic & Worcestershire Sauce (Time: 2 minutes)

Add the minced garlic and 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce to the beef mixture. Stir and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until the garlic becomes fragrant.

3. Add Broth, Tomatoes, Rice, and Seasoning (Time: 2 minutes)

Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, uncooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.

4. Simmer & Cook the Rice (Time: 20 minutes)

Once the mixture reaches a boil, cover the skillet and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through. The rice should be tender by the end of the cooking time.

5. Melt in Cheese (Time: 3 minutes)

When the rice is cooked, stir in half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Allow the cheese to melt into the casserole mixture, creating a rich and creamy base.

6. Top with Remaining Cheese & Melt (Time: 3 minutes)

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Put the lid back on and let the cheese melt. If you want to speed this up, you can place the skillet under the broiler (if oven-safe) for a minute or two until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

7. Serve & Enjoy (Time: 2 minutes)

Once the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling, it’s ready to serve! Spoon it out onto plates, and enjoy this comforting meal with family and friends.

Tips for the Perfect Stuffed Pepper Casserole:

Add Veggies: You can add other vegetables, like mushrooms, zucchini, or corn, for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use Ground Turkey: For a lighter version, swap the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
Make It Spicy: If you like some heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño when cooking the onions and peppers.
Rice Variations: Feel free to substitute the white rice with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist, but note that the cooking time may vary.

FAQ:

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the skillet or microwave when ready to serve.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this casserole freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
What can I serve this casserole with?
This dish is filling on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Additional Information:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 450 kcal per serving (approx.)

Why You’ll Love This Meal:

This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that takes the flavors of classic stuffed peppers and combines them into an easy, one-pan meal. With savory ground beef, sweet bell peppers, hearty rice, and melty cheese, it’s a meal your whole family will love. Plus, it’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights.

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