Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole offers all the comforting flavors of classic stuffed peppers in a simple, hearty casserole form. This recipe combines ground beef, rice, and a medley of cheeses for a satisfying and easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
• 2 green bell peppers, diced
• 1 cup onions, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 3 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 1/2 cups rice
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Pepper Jack cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In a large frying pan, combine the ground beef, onions, diced bell peppers, garlic, Cajun seasoning, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink and the vegetables are soft.
3. Step 3: Drain any excess fat from the pan, then transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
4. Step 4: Add Worcestershire sauce, diced tomatoes, rice, and beef broth to the baking dish. Stir everything together evenly.
5. Step 5: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for about 1 hour, or until the rice is tender and cooked through.
6. Step 6: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar and Pepper Jack cheeses on top, and return to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Step 7: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious stuffed bell pepper casserole!

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
• Add chopped mushrooms or zucchini for extra veggies and flavor.
• Use brown rice instead of white, but increase baking time and beef broth accordingly.
• Try different cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a milder taste.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave until warmed through or cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes. This dish also freezes well; thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just make sure your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free, and use rice as specified. Avoid any added seasonings containing gluten.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 122 reviews

This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is an easy, comforting meal that combines the flavors of classic stuffed peppers into a cheesy baked casserole. Ground beef, diced green bell peppers, onions, garlic, and spices are cooked together, then baked with rice, beef broth, and diced tomatoes to create a hearty and flavorful dish topped with melted sharp cheddar and Pepper Jack cheese.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
• 2 green bell peppers, diced
• 1 cup onions, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Sauces

• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 3 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Other Ingredients

• 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 1/2 cups rice
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Pepper Jack cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 13×9 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prepare for baking.
2. Cook the beef and vegetables: In a large frying pan over medium heat, add ground beef, onions, diced green bell peppers, minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions and peppers have softened. Drain any excess fat.
3. Combine casserole ingredients: Transfer the cooked mixture to the prepared baking dish. Add Worcestershire sauce, diced tomatoes (with juice), uncooked rice, and beef broth. Stir well to evenly combine all the ingredients.
4. Bake the casserole: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for about 1 hour, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
5. Add cheese and finish baking: Remove the casserole from the oven and discard the foil. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and Pepper Jack cheese evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your hearty and cheesy stuffed bell pepper casserole!

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
• Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
• For a vegetarian variation, omit the beef and use vegetable broth instead.
• If you prefer softer peppers, you can dice them smaller or par-cook before adding.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: Stuffed bell pepper casserole, baked stuffed peppers, cheesy stuffed peppers, ground beef casserole, one dish dinner