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Hey friends!
Are you craving something hearty and delicious? I’ve got you covered!
Today, I’m sharing my favorite stuffed pepper casserole recipe.
It’s loaded with flavor, super easy to make, and perfect for cozy dinners.
Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!
Let’s dive right in and make this tasty dish!
Possible Ingredient Alternatives
For the minced beef, ground turkey or plant-based crumbles can be used as alternatives. Ground turkey offers a leaner option with similar texture, while plant-based crumbles cater to vegetarian or vegan diets. Adjust cooking time slightly, as these substitutes may cook faster than beef. Bell peppers can be replaced with poblano peppers for a mild heat or zucchini for a different texture. These alternatives maintain the vegetable bulk while offering variety in flavor. For the rice, cauliflower rice can be substituted to create a low-carb version of the dish. Use 4 cups of riced cauliflower and reduce the beef stock to 1 cup, as cauliflower doesn’t absorb liquid like rice does. This substitution significantly lowers the carbohydrate content while adding extra vegetables to the meal.
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 65-70 minutes |
| Total Time | 80-90 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 2400-2600
- Protein: 150-170 g
- Fat: 120-140 g
- Carbohydrates: 220-240 g
Ingredients
- 2 pounds minced beef
- 2 green bell peppers, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons italian herbs blend
- 3 tablespoons concentrated tomato puree
- 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 3 cups beef stock
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain rice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp)
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
While the oven is heating, spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make for easier cleanup.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Vegetables
In a large skillet with high sides, set over medium-high heat, add 2 pounds of ground beef along with 2 diced green bell peppers and 1 diced medium onion.
Cook, breaking apart the beef, until it is no longer pink and the peppers and onions are softened.
Once done, turn off the heat.
Step 3: Season and Combine Ingredients
Drain any excess grease from the beef mixture and return it to the skillet.
Add into the skillet 4 minced cloves of garlic, 2 teaspoons of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, 1 1/2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, 3 tablespoons of tomato paste, a 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes, 3 cups of beef broth, and 1 1/2 cups of uncooked long grain rice.
Thoroughly stir this mixture until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Casserole
Transfer the mixed ingredients into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
Bake for about an hour, stirring midway to ensure the rice cooks evenly.
The casserole is fully done once the rice is tender and cooked through, so total baking time might vary.
Step 5: Melt Cheese Topping
Once the casserole is finished baking, carefully remove it from the oven and top with 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
Return the baking dish to the oven for another 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
After the cheese has melted, take the casserole out of the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy your hearty and flavorful casserole with family and friends!
