There’s something about this dish that just works—here’s why: my Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a reliable crowd-pleaser that my family absolutely loves! It brings all the warm and cozy feelings of the classic stuffed peppers but in a wonderfully easy, deconstructed style. After a long day of chasing after my two little ones, I’m all about meals that don’t take hours in the kitchen but still feel special enough for family dinner. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies—who doesn’t love that?
Why It Works
Let me tell you why this one’s always a hit in my house: this Stuffed Pepper Casserole is not just super easy to make, but it’s hearty and comforting too! The layers of flavorful bell peppers, seasoned beef, and gooey cheese create a delicious dish that’s both filling and family-friendly. Not to mention, everything cooks in one pan, which means fewer dishes for me! The leftovers? They taste even better the next day—which is legendary in our home after busy evenings filled with chaos, laughter, and adventure with Mateo and Camila.
Ingredients List
1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
1 cup rice (uncooked)
2 cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
2 bell peppers (sliced, any color)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 cup shredded cheese (optional for topping)
Ingredient Swaps
For those nights when I’m working with what’s left in my fridge, this casserole is incredibly flexible! If I’m out of bell peppers, I often switch to zucchini or even spinach. Occasionally, I like to throw in some leftover roasted chicken instead of ground beef. I’ve also swapped out the rice for quinoa on health-conscious evenings. Believe me, the flavor will still shine through in this easy stuffed pepper casserole!
How to Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Step 1: Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) because nothing beats that perfect cooking temperature!
Step 2: Brown the Meat
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Don’t forget to drain excess fat. If the kids have been extra rowdy that day, I sometimes blame all that noise for the extra cooking time!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, sliced bell peppers, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all those gorgeous flavors together. Trust me, the smell will have your family gathering in the kitchen!
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and cover with aluminum foil. A little foiling goes a long way for the baking magic!
Step 5: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This is the hardest part for the kids—they can hardly wait for that golden, bubbling surprise.
Step 6: Add Cheese
Remove the foil, top with shredded cheese, and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Can you hear those “oohs” and “ahhs” from your family yet?
Step 7: Time to Cool
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s essential to give it a little break—nobody wants to burn their mouth the first bite in their eagerness to dig in!
Serving & Garnish
I love to serve this casserole with a simple garden salad or some homemade garlic bread to round out the meal. Mateo loves extra cheese on his plate (of course!), while Camila enjoys sprinkling fresh cilantro on top if we have any. Since this dish is so colorful, it’s not just delicious—it’s a beautiful way to brighten dinner!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making this stuffed pepper casserole, make sure to remember a few essentials: don’t skip the step of draining the beef properly, or else you might end up with a greasy dish. Also, use uncooked rice to ensure the right texture; pre-cooked rice can make the casserole mushy. Lastly, cover it tightly with foil during the first bake to keep the moisture in—trust me, your casserole will be much happier that way!
Storage & Reheating
This casserole is perfect for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure it’s cooled before freezing. When it’s time to enjoy again, reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Cheese lovers, rejoice! A quick sprinkle of cheese on top while reheating makes it extra special!
A Little Note from Me
Every time I make this Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole, I’m reminded of the many dinners Mateo and Camila helped me with in the kitchen. They love stirring the mixture, and their smiles are worth a million dollars while they wait for dinner to come out of the oven. It’s moments like these that fill my heart with joy—after all, cooking is all about making memories together, right?
FAQs
What is Stuffed Pepper Casserole?
Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a layered dish that combines ground beef, rice, bell peppers, and tomatoes, baked together for a comforting meal. It’s an easier way to enjoy the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers without the hassle of stuffing each pepper.
Can I customize my Stuffed Pepper Casserole?
Absolutely! You can switch up the proteins, add different vegetables, or even use alternative grains like quinoa instead of rice for a twist. It’s a versatile dish that can adapt to your family’s preferences.
What are deconstructed stuffed peppers?
Deconstructed stuffed peppers are simply the ingredients of traditional stuffed peppers served in a casserole or layered form, making them easier to prepare and serve. This method still captures the classic flavors of stuffed peppers!
Can I make Stuffed Pepper Casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just extend the baking time a bit if baking directly from the fridge.
What should I serve with Stuffed Pepper Casserole?
It pairs beautifully with a garden salad, garlic bread, or some crusty rolls to soak up all that delicious sauce. It’s a complete meal on its own, but a little side never hurts!
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to see your take! Leave a comment below or tag @YummyCrafter on Pinterest. Let’s bake joy together!
Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Casserole Dish
Ingredients
Casserole Base
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup rice uncooked
- 2 cups diced tomatoes canned or fresh
- 2 bell peppers sliced (any color)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheese optional for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, sliced bell peppers, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil, top with shredded cheese, and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
