Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Stuffed Pepper Casserole brings the comforting flavors of classic stuffed peppers into a quick and easy casserole form. This dish combines ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, rice, and melted cheese, making it a perfect one-dish meal that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add bell peppers, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, cooked rice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
4. Transfer mixture to a casserole dish and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 4

Variations

• Add Other Vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables such as zucchini or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner version, swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
• Spicy Version: Add a diced jalapeño or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
• Different Cheese: Try using mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
   Yes, brown rice can be used; just make sure it’s cooked before adding it to the casserole.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   Yes, prepare the casserole and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. Can I freeze this casserole?
   Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F for 45-50 minutes.
4. Can I add beans to the casserole?
   Yes, black beans or kidney beans would work great in this casserole.
5. What can I serve this casserole with?
   Serve it with a side salad, crusty bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
6. What if I don’t have tomato sauce?
   You can substitute with extra diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes.
7. Can I use ground sausage instead of beef?
   Ground sausage would add a nice flavor and spice to this dish, so feel free to use it as a substitute.
8. Can I add more cheese?
   Absolutely! Feel free to add extra cheese to make it even more cheesy and delicious.
9. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
   Yes, brown the beef and onion first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
10. How do I know when the casserole is done?
    The casserole is done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the dish is heated through.

Conclusion

Stuffed Pepper Casserole is an easy, one-dish meal that delivers all the delicious flavors of stuffed peppers with less effort. The combination of savory ground beef, bell peppers, rice, and melted cheddar cheese is comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite.