Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that takes all the delicious flavors of classic stuffed peppers and transforms them into a convenient, one-pan meal. This casserole combines tender bell peppers with seasoned ground beef, rice, and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with melted cheese for a satisfying finish. It’s a great way to enjoy the essence of stuffed peppers without the fuss of individually stuffing each pepper. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this casserole is both easy to prepare and full of flavor, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 bell peppers, chopped (red, green, yellow, or a mix)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Beef and Vegetables: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Peppers and Seasoning: Stir in the chopped bell peppers and cook for another 5 minutes until they start to soften. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, cooked rice, oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the beef and pepper mixture to a large casserole dish. Spread it out evenly, then top with the shredded cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a deliciously easy way to enjoy the comforting flavors of stuffed peppers. With its hearty ingredients and cheesy topping, it’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
