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
Scale
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.
