Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole

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🫑🍲 Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole — One-Pan Comfort Favorite

🌟 Introduction

Stuffed Pepper Casserole takes everything you love about classic stuffed peppers and turns it into a cozy, easy, one-pan meal. No stuffing, no fuss—just hearty layers of seasoned ground beef, tender rice, sweet bell peppers, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheese. It’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights, family dinners, or when you’re craving something warm and satisfying without extra work.

🛒 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 2 bell peppers, diced (any color)
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)

Flavor Boosters

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Optional Add-Ins

  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes (for heat)
  • ½ cup corn or mushrooms
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven
    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the Beef
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
  3. Season & Simmer
    Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Add diced bell peppers and tomato sauce. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until peppers begin to soften.
  4. Combine with Rice
    Add cooked rice to the skillet and mix well until everything is evenly combined.
  5. Assemble the Casserole
    Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish (or keep in oven-safe skillet). Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top.
  6. Bake
    Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and cheese is melted and golden.
  7. Rest & Serve
    Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

🔥 Cooking Methods

  • Oven-Baked: Classic method with bubbly cheese and rich flavor
  • Skillet-Only: Skip the oven—cover and melt cheese on stovetop
  • Slow Cooker: Cook beef first, then combine and cook on low for 4 hours

📜 History

Traditional stuffed peppers originated in Europe and the Mediterranean, where vegetables were filled with grains and meats. Over time, American kitchens adapted the dish with rice, ground beef, and tomato sauce. The casserole version was born from busy home cooks looking for the same flavor with less preparation—and it quickly became a weeknight staple.

🧩 Formation of the Dish

This casserole layers flavor instead of stuffing individual peppers. Cooking everything together allows the rice to absorb the savory tomato juices while the peppers soften naturally, creating a unified, comforting dish with minimal effort.

❤️ Why People Love This Recipe

  • Easy one-pan meal
  • Budget-friendly ingredients
  • Kid-approved comfort food
  • Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
  • Customizable with any veggies or cheese

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with garlic bread or a green salad
  • Add a dollop of sour cream on top
  • Pair with roasted vegetables for extra color

🥰 Conclusion

This Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole delivers bold, familiar flavors in the simplest way possible. Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for yourself, this dish brings warmth, comfort, and satisfaction to the table—no stuffing required.

✨ Make it once, and it will become a regular in your kitchen!

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