Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Casserole Recipe
This Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Casserole is a simplified version of the classic stuffed bell peppers dish, made even easier by turning it into a one-pan casserole. Filled with ground beef, rice, vegetables, and a cheesy topping, this casserole brings all the flavors of stuffed peppers without the need to stuff each individual pepper. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a family gathering.
The combination of tender bell peppers, savory ground beef, seasoned rice, and melted cheese creates a satisfying, well-balanced dish. Whether you prefer bell peppers in vibrant red, green, yellow, or orange, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone coming back for seconds.
When you try this Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Casserole, you can look forward to a hearty, comforting meal with layers of seasoned beef, rice, and tender bell peppers. The melted cheese on top adds a creamy finish, while the bell peppers remain slightly crisp, adding texture and flavor to the dish. It’s a well-rounded meal that combines vegetables, protein, and grains all in one.
Tools to Use
- Large skillet for cooking the beef mixture
- Baking dish (9×13-inch recommended)
- Spoon for mixing and spreading the casserole
- Knife and cutting board for chopping the vegetables
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 large bell peppers (any color), diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for extra richness)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Prepare the Casserole Filling
- To the cooked beef, add the diced bell peppers, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste (if using). Stir in the oregano, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Assemble the Casserole
- Pour the beef and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, covering it evenly.
- Bake the Casserole
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. After 25-30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Latest Recipes
- Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes Recipe
- Cookies and Cream Cupcakes Recipe
- Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe
- Churro Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Salted Caramel Cupcakes Recipe
Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet for cooking the beef mixture
- Baking dish (9×13-inch recommended)
- Spoon for mixing and spreading the casserole
- Knife and cutting board: For chopping the vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 large bell peppers any color, diced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup cooked rice white or brown
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste optional, for extra richness
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or cheese of choice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Prepare the Casserole Filling
- To the cooked beef, add the diced bell peppers, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste (if using). Stir in the oregano, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Assemble the Casserole
- Pour the beef and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, covering it evenly.
- Bake the Casserole
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. After 25-30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Cooking
- Use Leftover Rice: This is a great recipe to use up leftover rice. If you don’t have cooked rice on hand, you can cook it while preparing the other ingredients.
- Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner option, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Add More Veggies: If you want to make the casserole even more nutritious, consider adding other vegetables like corn, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Make it Spicy: For a little heat, you can add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
- Customize the Cheese: Feel free to mix up the cheese; mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend would all work well.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Casserole is an incredibly simple yet flavorful dish that combines all the best elements of traditional stuffed bell peppers into one easy-to-make casserole. The ingredients are easy to find and inexpensive, making this a budget-friendly option for families. It’s a one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy nights, and the leftovers keep well for several days. Plus, you can customize it to fit your tastes or dietary preferences. It’s a great way to get in your vegetables, protein, and grains all in one dish!
If you’re looking for an easy, comforting, and filling dinner, this Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Casserole is the perfect choice. With its savory ground beef, tender bell peppers, seasoned rice, and melted cheese, it’s a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Try this recipe today and enjoy a family-friendly dinner that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation!