Quick And Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

Stuffed pepper casseroles originated during the Great Depression as a resourceful way to stretch meager ingredients, transforming humble bell peppers and ground meat into a hearty family meal. You'll discover this one-dish wonder isn't just another weeknight recipe, but a culinary shortcut that transforms traditional stuffed peppers into an effortless, crowd-pleasing dinner. Want to know how to create a comforting dish that saves time without sacrificing flavor? Keep reading to unlock the secrets of this streamlined casserole.

Recipe Highlights

• A one-dish casserole that transforms traditional stuffed peppers into an easy weeknight meal using ground beef, rice, bell peppers, and tomato sauce.
• Simply brown ground beef, add diced peppers, mix with cooked rice and tomato sauce, then layer in a baking dish and top with cheese.
• Complete meal preparation takes approximately 30 minutes, with minimal chopping required and just one baking dish used for cooking and serving.
• Offers customizable flavor options through personal seasoning preferences and adaptable ingredients while maintaining a nutritionally balanced protein, vegetable, and carbohydrate combination.
• Can be prepared ahead of time, refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking, and easily reheated as leftovers for convenient meal planning.

History

Stuffed peppers have a rich culinary history that traces back to various global cuisines, with early variations emerging in the late 19th century.

You'll find these hearty dishes originating in multiple regions, including Hungary, Turkey, and parts of Eastern Europe. Traditional recipes often featured bell peppers stuffed with meat, rice, and local spices, reflecting each culture's unique cooking traditions.

As immigrants traveled and settled in new countries, they brought these recipes with them, adapting them to local ingredients and tastes.

In the United States, stuffed peppers became popular during the mid-20th century, when home cooks sought convenient, nutritious meals that could feed entire families.

The casserole version you're making today is a modern twist on these time-honored culinary traditions, simplifying preparation while maintaining authentic flavor profiles.

Recipe

Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a delightful one-dish meal that captures all the beloved flavors of traditional stuffed peppers without the tedious process of individually filling each pepper. This simplified recipe transforms the classic dish into an easy-to-prepare casserole that's perfect for busy families looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

By combining ground beef, bell peppers, rice, and a rich tomato sauce, this casserole delivers a hearty and comforting meal that comes together in just one baking dish. The melted cheese on top adds a golden, crispy finish that makes this recipe irresistibly delicious and sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 3 large bell peppers, diced
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Begin by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain any excess fat from the pan to ensure the casserole isn't greasy.

Add the diced bell peppers to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften, which will help release their natural sweetness and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

Stir the cooked rice and tomato sauce into the beef and pepper mixture, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the entire mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese, which will melt and create a golden, bubbly surface during baking.

Place the dish in a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and slightly browned.

For the best results, choose crisp, brightly colored bell peppers and use day-old rice if possible, as it tends to hold its shape better in the casserole.

You can prepare this dish ahead of time by assembling it and refrigerating for up to 24 hours before baking, which makes it an excellent option for meal prep or entertaining. If baking directly from the refrigerator, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure the casserole is heated through.

Cooking Steps

Start by browning your ground beef in a large skillet, making sure to drain off any excess fat for a cleaner, more appetizing dish.

Next, add your diced bell peppers to the skillet, cooking them until they're just slightly softened and releasing their aromatic flavors.

Stir in the tomato sauce and cooked rice, creating a harmonious blend of ingredients before transferring the mixture to a greased baking dish and topping it with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 1. Brown Ground Beef

Fire up your skillet and get ready to transform that ground beef into a flavorful foundation for your stuffed pepper casserole.

Start with a large skillet over medium heat, breaking up the 1 pound of ground beef into small, uniform crumbles as it cooks. Watch for these key signs of doneness:

• Meat turns from pink to light brown
• No visible pink remains in the center
• Edges start to crisp slightly

Once the beef is fully cooked, carefully tilt the skillet to drain excess fat.

Use a slotted spoon or spatula to remove any remaining grease, ensuring your casserole won't become soggy. The goal is perfectly browned, well-seasoned meat that'll provide a rich, savory base for your dish.

Pat the meat with paper towels if needed to remove additional oil.

Step 2. Add Diced Bell Peppers

After browning the ground beef, it's time to transform your skillet into a vibrant vegetable canvas.

Dice your bell peppers into uniform, bite-sized pieces—about 1/2-inch chunks that'll cook evenly and provide perfect texture. You'll want to add these colorful pepper pieces directly into the same skillet where the beef was browned, allowing them to absorb those delicious meaty flavors.

• Cook peppers for 3-4 minutes
• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking
• Look for slight softening and vibrant color

The goal is to create tender pepper pieces that aren't mushy, maintaining a bit of crispness.

As they sauté, they'll release subtle sweetness that'll complement the ground beef beautifully, setting the stage for a delicious casserole that'll have everyone asking for seconds.

Step 3. Stir in Tomato Sauce

Because tomato sauce is the flavor backbone of this casserole, you'll want to integrate it carefully and strategically into your skillet mixture. Pour the entire 15-ounce can of tomato sauce directly over your beef and pepper combination, stirring methodically to ensure even distribution.

Use a wooden spoon or sturdy spatula to fold the sauce thoroughly, coating each ingredient with its rich, tangy essence. You'll notice the sauce will:

• Bind the ingredients together
• Add moisture to the mixture
• Provide deep, concentrated tomato flavor
• Create a cohesive base for your casserole

As you stir, aim for a uniform color and consistent texture. The sauce should completely integrate with the ground beef, rice, and bell peppers, creating a harmonious blend that promises a delicious final dish.

Step 4. Transfer Mixture to Dish

When you're ready to assemble your stuffed pepper casserole, grab a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and carefully transfer the sizzling beef, pepper, and rice mixture from your skillet.

Spread the mixture evenly across the dish, ensuring a consistent layer that will cook uniformly. Use a spatula or large spoon to distribute the ingredients, paying attention to corners and edges.

The mixture should look colorful and steamy, with the rice and meat blending seamlessly with the softened bell peppers.

Take a moment to press down gently, creating a compact surface that'll help the casserole hold together during baking. This step ensures each serving will have a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Step 5. Top With Cheese

Once your casserole mixture is evenly spread in the baking dish, it's time to crown your creation with a blanket of melted cheese. Sprinkle the full cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top, ensuring complete coverage for a golden, bubbly finish.

Here are some pro tips to maximize your cheese layer:

• Use freshly shredded cheese for optimal melting
• Distribute cheese uniformly to prevent dry spots
• Allow cheese to extend to the dish's edges for crispy browned corners

The cheddar will melt into a luxurious, tangy layer that binds the casserole together, adding rich flavor and creamy texture.

When baked at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, you'll achieve that irresistible golden-brown surface that signals a perfectly prepared comfort food classic.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for a hassle-free meal that delivers classic stuffed pepper flavors without the tedious prep work, this casserole is your perfect solution.

It's a weeknight dinner game-changer that transforms traditional stuffed peppers into an easy, one-dish marvel.

You'll appreciate how quickly it comes together, with minimal chopping and just five key ingredients.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: by layering seasoned ground beef, tender bell peppers, fluffy rice, and melted cheese, you're creating a complete meal in a single baking dish.

Whether you're cooking for a family or meal prepping for the week, this stuffed pepper casserole offers maximum flavor with minimum effort.

It's comfort food that doesn't compromise on taste or nutrition.