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Easy Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

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A quick and easy casserole combining the classic flavors of stuffed peppers with ground beef, rice, and melted cheese, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup uncooked white rice (long-grain or jasmine)
  • 2 cups beef broth (or low-sodium chicken broth)
  • 3 large bell peppers, chopped (mix colors optional)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Optional garnishes: fresh parsley or green onions, sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble and brown ground beef for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Stir in salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and Worcestershire sauce.
  5. Add uncooked rice and beef broth; stir to combine.
  6. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid mostly absorbed.
  7. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
  8. Spread half of the beef and rice mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish.
  9. Layer chopped bell peppers and drained diced tomatoes evenly over the rice mixture.
  10. Top with the remaining beef and rice mixture.
  11. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  12. Bake for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown around edges.
  13. Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If cheese browns too quickly, tent with foil halfway through baking. If rice is undercooked after simmering, add a splash more broth and cook longer before assembling. For a crispier top, broil for last 2 minutes watching closely. Use fresh bell peppers for best texture. Ground turkey or chicken can substitute beef for leaner option. For gluten-free, use gluten-free broth and Worcestershire sauce. Vegetarian option: omit beef and add black beans or lentils with vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed pepper casserole, cheesy casserole, ground beef casserole, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food, bell peppers, baked casserole

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/easy-cheesy-stuffed-pepper-casserole-recipe-perfect-for-busy-weeknights/