Easy Homemade STUFFED PEPPER CASSEROLE

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy
Category: Dinner, Comfort Food

---

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 can (14.5 oz / 400g) diced tomatoes, undrained

• 1 can (8 oz / 225g) tomato sauce

• 1 cup (190g) uncooked long-grain white rice (or brown rice for extra fiber)

• 1 ½ cups (360ml) beef or vegetable broth

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 ½ cups (170g) shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

---

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a large casserole dish.

2. Cook the Meat & Veggies

• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat.

• Add the onion, garlic, and bell peppers, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until softened.

3. Combine Ingredients

• Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, uncooked rice, broth, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

• Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 5 minutes (this helps the rice start absorbing liquid).

4. Transfer to Baking Dish

• Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

• Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

5. Add Cheese & Finish Baking

• Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.

• Return to the oven (uncovered) and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Garnish & Serve

• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

• Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

---

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values based on 6 servings.

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient choices.

---

Tips & Variations

✅ Make it Spicy: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
✅ Vegetarian Option: Swap ground beef for lentils or plant-based crumbles.
✅ Low-Carb Version: Replace rice with cauliflower rice (adjust cooking time).
✅ Meal Prep Friendly: Stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days or freezer for up to 3 months.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ One-Pan Wonder – Less cleanup, more flavor!
✔ Family-Friendly – A crowd-pleaser for kids and adults.
✔ Customizable – Adapt with your favorite veggies or protein.

---

Final Thoughts

This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is the perfect weeknight dinner—easy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s a comfort food classic with a simple twist, making stuffed peppers even more convenient!