Description
This Stuffed Pepper Delight Casserole recipe transforms the classic stuffed pepper flavors into a delightful and comforting casserole dish. Featuring a mix of ground meat, rice, bell peppers, and gooey melted cheese, this casserole provides all the elements of the stuffed peppers you love, baked into one hearty meal. Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 3 bell peppers (any color), chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
Step-by-step Directions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Meat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, brown the ground beef or turkey in a large skillet over medium heat. Once cooked, drain off any excess fat from the meat.
2. Cook the Vegetables
Add the diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped bell peppers to the skillet with the browned meat. Cook these together until the vegetables have softened, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Combine Ingredients
Stir the uncooked rice, marinara sauce, drained diced tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Mix well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
4. Simmer the Mixture
Bring your casserole mixture to a light simmer, allow it to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step helps the flavors meld together before baking.
5. Bake the Casserole
Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
6. Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Remove the foil and evenly sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the casserole. Return it to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Servings & Preparation Time
Servings: 6-8 people
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, cool the casserole completely and wrap securely in foil or a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven. If using the oven, cover with foil and heat at 350°F until warmed through (about 20 minutes).
Conclusion
The Stuffed Pepper Delight Casserole is an excellent dish for those who enjoy the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers but want the ease of a one-pan meal. Its combination of savory ingredients and the robustness of the melted cheese topping makes this casserole a comforting and satisfying meal that is both easy to prepare and delicious. Whether for a weekday dinner or a gathering with friends, this casserole is sure to impress.
PrintStuffed Pepper Delight Casserole
- Total Time: 17 minute
- Yield: 6-8 people 1x
Description
This Stuffed Pepper Delight Casserole recipe transforms the classic stuffed pepper flavors into a delightful and comforting casserole dish. Featuring a mix of ground meat, rice, bell peppers, and gooey melted cheese, this casserole provides all the elements of the stuffed peppers you love, baked into one hearty meal. Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 3 bell peppers (any color), chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Meat Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, brown the ground beef or turkey in a large skillet over medium heat. Once cooked, drain off any excess fat from the meat.
- Cook the Vegetables Add the diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped bell peppers to the skillet with the browned meat. Cook these together until the vegetables have softened, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients Stir the uncooked rice, marinara sauce, drained diced tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Mix well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Mixture Bring your casserole mixture to a light simmer, allow it to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step helps the flavors meld together before baking.
- Bake the Casserole Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking Remove the foil and evenly sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the casserole. Return it to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes