Go Back

Stuffed Pepper Casserole

A comforting and hearty casserole featuring ground beef, bell peppers, and cheesy goodness, inspired by traditional stuffed peppers.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat and Base
  • 1 pound ground beef (lean) Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • 1 small yellow onion (diced) Shallots or green onions can also work well in a pinch.
  • 3-4 cloves garlic (minced) Garlic powder is an acceptable substitute.
  • 1 cup beef broth Vegetable broth or chicken broth can be used instead.
Seasonings
  • to taste Kosher salt Adjust to your dietary needs by using low-sodium salt.
  • to taste Ground black pepper White pepper serves as an unobtrusive alternative.
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika Regular paprika or cayenne can be used for different flavor profiles.
  • 1 teaspoon thyme (dried) Try oregano or Italian seasoning as a substitute.
Vegetables and Rice
  • 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (1 can) Fresh tomatoes or tomato sauce can also suffice.
  • 3-4 tablespoons red pepper paste (or harissa) Sriracha or chili paste are great alternatives.
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice Quinoa or cauliflower rice can be used for a nutritious alternative.
  • 3 small bell peppers (seeded and diced) Any color (red, yellow, or green) works well.
Cheese
  • 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded and divided) Mozzarella or pepper jack can give a fun twist.
Garnish
  • to taste Parsley (freshly chopped; optional) Substitute with cilantro for a fresh kick.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks until browned.
  3. Season the meat with kosher salt, minced garlic, black pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme. Continue to cook until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and red pepper paste. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat, allowing the mixture to simmer until thickened, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat.
Assembly and Baking
  1. To assemble the casserole, transfer half of the meat mixture to a baking dish, followed by a layer of cooked brown rice, diced bell peppers, diced onion, and half of the shredded cheese. Repeat the layering process a second time.
  2. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30-40 minutes, until bubbling and the top has begun to brown.
  3. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving, if desired.

Notes

For more flavor, marinate the beef with spices a few hours ahead. Save time by using pre-cooked rice and canned diced tomatoes. Experiment with different types of cheese to find your perfect match.