If you love the comforting flavors of classic stuffed peppers but want a quicker, fuss-free way to enjoy them, this Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe is a total game changer. It combines tender ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, savory seasonings, and cheesy rice all baked together in one hearty dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture. This casserole captures everything you adore about stuffed peppers but with way less effort, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe plays an essential role, contributing to its vibrant color, rich flavor, and satisfying texture. The beauty lies in the simplicity—just a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create a meal that’s both wholesome and delicious.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides the savory, meaty base that’s perfectly seasoned and tender.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced: Adds a fresh, slightly bitter crunch that balances the richness.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced: Brings a sweet, colorful pop and juicy texture.
- 1 yellow onion, diced: Contributes a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and a touch of zest.
- 2 teaspoons Cajun Seasoning: Packs a flavorful kick that wakes up all the ingredients.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami complexity and a savory tang.
- 14.5 oz can petite diced tomatoes: Provides moisture and a burst of bright, tangy flavor.
- 2 cups beef broth: Keeps the rice tender and flavorful as it cooks.
- 1 ½ cups long grain white rice: Acts as the hearty base that soaks up all the delicious juices.
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts on top to give a creamy, cheesy finish everyone loves.
How to Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 375° F. Getting this right from the start ensures everything cooks evenly and the cheese melts to golden perfection later on.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Crumble it up as it cooks, letting it brown for about 3 minutes until it’s no longer pink. This step builds the meaty foundation for your casserole’s rich flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Peppers and Onion
Next, toss the diced green and red bell peppers along with the yellow onion into the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they start to soften but still hold some bite, which adds wonderful texture to the dish.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Cajun Seasoning
Sprinkle in the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning, stirring for about 1 minute. This step layers in a warm, spicy aroma that’ll make your kitchen smell irresistible.
Step 5: Prepare the Casserole Base
If there’s any excess grease, drain it from the skillet to keep the casserole from getting too oily. Then, transfer the flavorful beef and veggie mixture into a 3-quart or 9×13-inch casserole dish. This will be your cooking vessel for the rest of the process.
Step 6: Combine Tomatoes, Broth, Worcestershire Sauce, and Rice
Add the Worcestershire sauce, canned petite diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, and long grain white rice to the casserole dish. Mix everything thoroughly so the rice gets coated and evenly distributed with all those rich flavors.
Step 7: Bake Covered and Then with Cheese
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. After this, uncover, give everything a careful stir, and sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully and the rice is perfectly tender.
How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can brighten every bite. Try chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness that complements the hearty casserole perfectly. A little dollop of sour cream on top can also balance the Cajun spices with creamy coolness.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a filling main dish, but you can round out your meal with simple sides. A crisp green salad or steamed green beans add a crisp, light contrast to the rich casserole. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are also fantastic for sopping up any delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for personal portions at a dinner party. Or transform it into a layered bake by adding extra cheese layers between the rice mixture for gooey indulgence. It’s versatile and sure to impress no matter how you serve it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making your next meal just as tasty.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before freezing to avoid ice crystals.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven. Cover with foil if heating in the oven to keep moisture in and prevent the cheese on top from drying out. Add a splash of broth if it feels dry while reheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and will give the casserole a lighter taste while keeping the texture nice and juicy.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just be sure to use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and verify your Cajun seasoning blend. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I substitute the rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice?
You can swap rice for quinoa to add a nutty flavor and extra protein or use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, but adjust cooking times and liquid amounts accordingly.
How spicy is this casserole?
The Cajun seasoning gives a mild to moderate kick, but you can tone it down or up based on your spice preference by adjusting the amount used.
What can I do if the casserole turns out too watery?
Make sure to drain excess grease before baking and measure broth accurately. If it’s still watery, bake uncovered the last 10 minutes longer to help it thicken.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe is a warm hug of comfort food wrapped up in a simple, delightful dish that’s as easy to make as it is to love. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy classic stuffed pepper flavors without the hassle. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why it’s become one of my all-time favorites!
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Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a hearty and comforting one-dish meal that combines ground beef, bell peppers, rice, and sharp cheddar cheese. It captures all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers but simplifies the process by baking everything together in a casserole dish, making it perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Add-ins
- 2 teaspoons Cajun Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 14.5 oz can petite diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 ½ cups long grain white rice
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375° F to ensure it reaches the right temperature by the time your casserole is ready to bake.
- Cook ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks for about 3 minutes until it starts to brown.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the diced green and red bell peppers along with the diced onion to the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and blend with the beef.
- Add garlic and seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning, cooking for an additional 1 minute to release their fragrant flavors.
- Transfer to casserole dish: If necessary, drain excess grease from the skillet. Then transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to a 3-quart or 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Add remaining ingredients: Pour in the Worcestershire sauce, petite diced tomatoes including their juice, beef broth, and the uncooked rice. Mix everything thoroughly to combine well.
- Bake covered: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the liquids and begin cooking.
- Stir and add cheese: Remove the foil, carefully stir the casserole to redistribute ingredients, then sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered: Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the rice is tender and the cheese has melted and started to brown slightly.
Notes
- For a spicier twist, increase the Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use low-sodium beef broth to reduce sodium content.
- If you prefer, use brown rice but increase the initial baking time to ensure tenderness.
- Make sure to cover the casserole tightly during the initial baking to properly cook the rice.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
