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stuffed pepper casserole - featured image

Stuffed Pepper Casserole: Easy Family Dinner Recipe


  • Author: ava_chapman
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A creamy, cheesy, and easy-to-make weeknight dinner that deconstructs classic stuffed peppers into a one-pan casserole. Perfect for busy families, this dish combines ground beef, rice, bell peppers, and tomato sauce for a comforting meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
  • 2 large bell peppers, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until no pink remains (5-7 minutes). Drain excess grease if desired.
  3. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and Italian seasoning, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring to combine and scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Stir in the uncooked white rice and chopped bell peppers. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  7. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  8. Remove the foil, sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  9. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Ensure rice is uncooked long-grain white rice; pre-cooked rice will become mushy. Covering with foil for the first bake is essential to steam the rice. Let the casserole rest before serving to allow it to set. Can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6
  • Sodium: 680
  • Fat: 22
  • Saturated Fat: 10
  • Carbohydrates: 35
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 28

Keywords: stuffed pepper casserole, easy family dinner, weeknight meals, one pan dinner, comfort food, ground beef recipe, rice casserole