Best Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

Stuffed pepper casserole deconstructs classic stuffed peppers into an easy layered bake with ground beef, rice, peppers, and cheese. This protein-packed family dinner has all the flavor with a fraction of the effort.

Cook 60 min Difficulty NORMAL 410 kcal
#high protein #family dinner #casserole #stuffed pepper #easy meal
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • ground beef (lean, 90% lean) 1 lb
  • uncooked white rice 1 cup
  • green bell pepper 2 pieces
  • red bell pepper 1 piece
  • onion 1 medium
  • shredded cheddar cheese 1.5 cups
  • crushed tomatoes (canned) 14 oz
  • beef broth (low sodium) 1 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • olive oil 2 tbsp
  • garlic 3 cloves
  • dried oregano 1 tsp
  • dried basil 1 tsp
  • salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 37 g 36%
Protein 26 g 25%
Fat 16 g 39%
Serving size 325g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add diced onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened.

  2. 2

    Add ground beef, break it up with a spatula, and cook over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

  3. 3

    Stir in the minced garlic, diced bell peppers, dried oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes until peppers begin to soften.

  4. 4

    Add uncooked rice, crushed tomatoes (with juices), and beef broth. Stir well and bring mixture to a gentle simmer for 3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

  5. 5

    Transfer the mixture to a 9x13-inch casserole dish, smooth the top, cover tightly with foil, and bake for 35–40 minutes until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

  6. 6

    Remove foil, sprinkle evenly with shredded cheddar cheese, and bake uncovered for another 8–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  7. 7

    Let the casserole rest out of the oven for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow for clean slicing and best texture.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What are the essential ingredients that give this Stuffed Pepper Casserole its classic flavor?
The characteristic flavor of this casserole comes from lean ground beef, sweet green and red bell peppers, aromatic onion and garlic, and savory tomato. The rice provides heartiness, while cheddar cheese adds richness and a melty finish. The combination of these key elements recreates the taste of classic stuffed peppers in a convenient, family-sized bake.
Q. What's the most important cooking step for rice texture in this recipe?
Simmering the rice with tomatoes and broth before baking ensures even moisture absorption and prevents undercooked grains. It's crucial to cover the casserole dish tightly with foil during baking—this traps steam and cooks the rice fully. Removing the foil for the last baking phase allows excess moisture to evaporate, preventing soggy results and helping the cheese brown nicely.
Q. How can I avoid overcooking or drying out the casserole?
To prevent overcooking, check the casserole at the 35-minute mark: the rice should be tender but not mushy and most liquid should be absorbed. Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes after baking to set the layers and retain moisture—this step makes serving neater and keeps the texture just right.
Q. What is the nutrition breakdown per serving for this Stuffed Pepper Casserole?
Each 325 g serving contains about 410 kcal, with 37 g carbohydrates (36% of calories), 26 g protein (25%), and 16 g fat (39%). Thanks to its high protein and moderate carb content, this casserole is a hearty, balanced option ideal for family meals.
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