Description

This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal that combines ground beef, bell peppers, rice, and a savory tomato sauce, all topped with melted cheese. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, it offers an easy stovetop method that delivers the classic flavors of stuffed peppers without the stuffing hassle.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 bell peppers (any color), chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced

Grains and Liquids

1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cups beef broth

Seasonings and Oils

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Cheese and Garnish

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary to keep the dish lean.
Sauté vegetables: Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add rice and liquids: Stir in the uncooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
Simmer the casserole: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pan and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Melt the cheese: Remove from heat and sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the top. Cover the skillet for 2–3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt, or alternatively, place the skillet under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the casserole before serving for a fresh and colorful finish.

Notes

For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
Use brown rice instead of white rice, but increase cooking time and liquid slightly to ensure the rice cooks fully.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Mix in cooked quinoa as a nutritious alternative to rice for additional protein.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American