Savory Stuffed Pepper Casserole

This stuffed pepper casserole transforms the classic dish into a convenient one-pot wonder that delivers all the flavors without the fuss of stuffing individual peppers. The combination of savory beef, sweet bell peppers, and aromatic spices creates a comforting meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

I first made this casserole when I needed to feed unexpected guests and had limited ingredients. What started as a pantry cleanout became one of our most requested family meals, especially during the busy school year when time is precious but we still crave homemade comfort food.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: The foundation of this dish providing rich flavor and protein. Choose 85% lean for the best balance of flavor and texture
• Bell peppers: Sweet and colorful bringing the classic stuffed pepper flavor without the extra work. Mix red and green for best flavor and visual appeal
• Onion and garlic: Creating an aromatic base that enhances all other flavors. Fresh is always best here
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth and complexity. Just a tablespoon transforms the entire dish
• Italian seasoning: A convenient blend that provides herbal notes without measuring multiple spices
• Canned diced tomatoes: Bringing acidity and moisture. Fire roasted varieties add extra flavor
• Beef broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid for perfect rice. Low sodium allows better seasoning control
• Long grain white rice: Absorbs all the savory flavors while cooking directly in the sauce. Rinse before adding for best texture
• Cheese mixture: Mozzarella for stretch and cheddar for sharp flavor create the perfect topping. Freshly shredded melts much better than pre packaged

How To Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Brown the beef:

Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until mostly browned but still showing some pink spots. This partial cooking allows the meat to finish cooking with the vegetables preventing it from becoming tough. Break it into uniform crumbles with your spatula for consistent texture throughout the dish.

Soften the vegetables:

Add chopped onions and bell peppers to the partially cooked beef. Continue cooking for 5 to 10 minutes stirring occasionally until vegetables begin to soften and onions become translucent. The moisture from the vegetables will help deglaze the pan incorporating all the flavorful browned bits from the beef.

Add aromatics:

Incorporate minced garlic into the beef and vegetable mixture cooking for just 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Adding garlic later prevents burning which would create bitterness. You'll know it's ready when the aroma fills your kitchen.

Combine main ingredients:

Add Worcestershire sauce Italian seasoning salt pepper beef broth diced tomatoes and uncooked rice to the skillet. Stir thoroughly ensuring the rice is completely submerged in liquid and evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This even distribution ensures uniform cooking of the rice.

Simmer to perfection:

Increase heat to bring everything to a boil which activates the starches in the rice. Once boiling cover the skillet reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook for 20 minutes. Stir once halfway through to prevent sticking and check liquid levels. The rice should absorb most of the liquid and become tender.

Incorporate cheese:

Remove the lid and stir half of both cheeses into the hot mixture until completely melted. This creates a creamy texture throughout the entire casserole rather than just on top. The residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly without overcooking the other ingredients.

Create cheesy topping:

Sprinkle remaining cheese evenly across the top of the casserole. Cover again with the lid allowing the ambient heat to melt the cheese for a few minutes. For a more golden top use an oven proof skillet and place under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes watching carefully to prevent burning.

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The Worcestershire sauce is my secret ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its transformative power when I accidentally added too much one time and found it created a depth that reminded me of my grandmother's stuffed peppers. Now I keep a bottle specifically for this dish and my family notices immediately if I try to skip it.

Make Ahead Instructions

This casserole is perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare the entire dish up to the point of adding the final cheese topping then refrigerate for up to two days. When ready to serve simply reheat in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes until heated through then add the cheese topping and melt. The flavors actually develop and improve with time making this a great dish to prepare in advance for busy weeknights or entertaining.

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Ingredient Substitutions

You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences or what you have available. Ground turkey works wonderfully as a leaner alternative to beef though you might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil when browning it. Brown rice can replace white rice but will require about 15 additional minutes of cooking time and possibly extra broth. For a lower carb version substitute cauliflower rice but add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking instead. Vegetarians can use plant based ground meat alternatives and vegetable broth with excellent results.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty casserole stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. Crusty garlic bread works perfectly for soaking up any remaining sauce. For a complete meal add roasted broccoli or asparagus on the side. If serving for a gathering consider offering toppings like sour cream fresh herbs or sliced avocado to allow guests to customize their portions.

Storage Tips

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they meld together making this excellent for planned leftovers. To reheat microwave individual portions for 2 to 3 minutes stirring halfway through or warm larger portions in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes. For freezing portion into individual servings in freezer safe containers label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of meat for this dish?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives to suit your preferences.

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice can be used, but it will require a longer cooking time and additional liquid. Adjust accordingly to ensure the rice is fully cooked.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before reheating in the oven or on the stovetop until warm.

→ What type of cheese works best in this casserole?

Mozzarella and cheddar are ideal for a rich, melty texture, but you can also experiment with Monterey Jack, provolone, or a dairy-free cheese alternative.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for an extra kick of heat.