Are you looking for a hearty, flavorful dish that combines the comforting taste of stuffed peppers with the convenience of a casserole? Look no further! This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is the perfect recipe to satisfy your cravings. Packed with lean ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a blend of aromatic spices, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Read on to discover the ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips for making the best Stuffed Pepper Casserole you've ever tasted.

What is a Stuffed Pepper Casserole?
Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic stuffed pepper dish. Instead of individually stuffing bell peppers, the ingredients are combined in a casserole dish for an easier, yet equally delicious meal. This dish features seasoned ground beef, chopped bell peppers, rice, and cheese, all baked together to create a flavorful and comforting meal. It's perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients List for Stuffed Pepper Casserole
To make this scrumptious Stuffed Pepper Casserole, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 white onion, chopped
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, cored and diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cored and diced
- 2 cups water
- 1 15-ounce can chopped tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Substitutions and Variations
If you want to customize your Stuffed Pepper Casserole, here are some substitutions and variations to consider:
- Meat Substitutes: Swap the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat substitute for a different flavor profile or a vegetarian version.
- Rice Alternatives: Use brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice instead of basmati rice for a healthier or low-carb option.
- Cheese Options: Try using mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for a different cheesy experience.
- Additional Vegetables: Add more veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to boost the nutritional content of the dish.
- Spice It Up: Increase the amount of paprika or add a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicier casserole.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Cook Stuffed Pepper Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped white onion and cook until it becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Season the Beef: Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper over the beef. Stir well to combine.
- Add the Bell Peppers: Toss in the diced red and yellow bell peppers. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the peppers begin to soften.
- Add Liquids and Tomatoes: Pour in the water, chopped tomatoes (with their juice), and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Mix in the Rice: Add the rinsed and drained basmati rice to the skillet. Stir well to ensure the rice is evenly distributed.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the entire mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Add the Cheese: Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Beef: Ensure you don’t overcook the ground beef in the skillet. It should be just browned to retain its moisture during baking.
- Uneven Rice Distribution: Stir the rice thoroughly with the beef mixture before transferring it to the casserole dish to avoid pockets of uncooked rice.
- Skipping the Foil: Don’t skip covering the casserole with foil during the initial baking phase, as this helps cook the rice properly.
- Forgetting to Drain the Fat: Make sure to drain any excess fat from the beef after browning to avoid a greasy casserole.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro on top of the casserole before serving for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Side Dishes: Pair the casserole with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables to make a complete meal.
Presentation Ideas for Stuffed Pepper Casserole
- Family-Style: Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish for a casual, family-style presentation.
- Individual Portions: For a more elegant presentation, scoop the casserole into individual ramekins or bowls.
- Layered Look: Ensure the top layer of melted cheese is golden and bubbly for an appetizing appearance.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe Tips
- Pre-Cook Rice: If you’re in a hurry, use pre-cooked rice and reduce the baking time by 10 minutes.
- Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use fresh spices, especially ground cumin and paprika.
- Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to let the flavors meld and the dish set.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I freeze Stuffed Pepper Casserole? A: Yes, you can freeze Stuffed Pepper Casserole. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe dish. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Q: How can I make this dish spicier? A: To add some heat, increase the amount of paprika, add cayenne pepper, or include diced jalapeños with the bell peppers.
Q: What can I do with leftovers? A: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Leftovers can also be used as a filling for burritos or stuffed into bell peppers.
Q: Can I use instant rice in this recipe? A: Yes, instant rice can be used. However, adjust the cooking time accordingly, as instant rice cooks faster than regular rice.
Conclusion
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that brings all the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers into a convenient casserole form. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing meals in advance, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With simple ingredients, straightforward instructions, and plenty of room for customization, this casserole is a must-try. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting textures of this Stuffed Pepper Casserole, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!
PrintStuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
A flavorful stuffed pepper casserole recipe featuring lean ground beef, basmati rice, and cheddar cheese. This dish is packed with Italian seasoning, paprika, and cumin for a delightful dinner experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 white onion, chopped
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, cored and diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cored and diced
- 2 cups water
- 1 15-ounce can chopped tomatoes
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned. Stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Add minced garlic, diced red and yellow bell peppers, and cook for a few minutes until peppers are tender.
- Pour in water, chopped tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and basmati rice. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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