There’s something about the smell of a bubbling casserole wafting through the house that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. The vibrant colors of peppers, the hearty beef, and the gooey cheese come together in a delightful dish that promises to warm not just your stomach but also your soul. Stuffed Pepper Casserole Beef offers layers of flavor and texture that will make you feel like a culinary genius, even if you just stumbled into this recipe while searching for dinner ideas. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, and your family is gathered around the table, eagerly awaiting what you’ve prepared. As you serve up generous portions of this stuffed pepper casserole, laughter fills the room, punctuated by oohs and aahs as each bite reveals its delicious secrets. Create memories and satisfy cravings with this easy-to-make comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Stuffed Pepper Casserole Beef is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free
- Rich flavors meld together beautifully for a satisfying meal
- Its colorful presentation makes it visually appealing on any table
- Enjoy it as a cozy family dinner or a potluck showstopper
Every time I whip up this dish, my kids dive in like they’re competing in an eating contest; their smiles say it all!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for best results; it adds richness without excessive grease.
- Bell Peppers: Choose bright, fresh peppers—red, yellow, or green—for a colorful presentation.
- Onion: A medium onion finely chopped brings sweetness and depth to the casserole.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances flavor; chop or mince it to unleash its aromatic goodness.
- Rice: Use long-grain white rice; it cooks perfectly and absorbs all those delightful flavors.
- Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes add moisture and tanginess—no need to peel them!
- Cheese: Shredded cheese on top creates that gooey finish; I recommend cheddar or mozzarella.
- Italian Seasoning: This blend of dried herbs gives the casserole its comforting Italian twist.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to taste preferences.
- Beef Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while adding rich flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter for easy access. Chop onions and garlic finely while enjoying their fragrant aroma filling your kitchen.
Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onions until translucent and sweet-smelling. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned—about one minute should do just fine.
Add Ground Beef: Toss in the ground beef into your skillet with the sautéed veggies. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula—this step takes about 5-7 minutes.
Add Rice and Tomatoes: Stir in rinsed rice along with canned diced tomatoes (don’t drain!). Mix well so everything gets lovely and cozy together before letting them simmer for about 2 minutes.
Pour in Broth: Pour in beef broth along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat; cover and let simmer for around 20 minutes until rice is cooked through.
Top with Cheese: Once cooked, remove from heat and sprinkle shredded cheese generously over top. Cover again until cheese melts—all that gooey goodness should take about 5 minutes!
Now you have an incredible Stuffed Pepper Casserole Beef ready to be devoured! Serve hot with some crusty bread or a fresh salad on the side for complete satisfaction.
Remember—the best part of cooking is sharing delicious food with loved ones while creating cherished memories! Enjoy every cheesy bite of this delightful dish!
You Must Know
- Stuffed Pepper Casserole Beef is a delightful twist on traditional stuffed peppers
- Packed with flavor and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings
- The vibrant colors and aromas will make your kitchen feel like a culinary haven
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the beef with onions, then add rice and spices before mixing in bell peppers and sauce. This sequence maximizes flavor while keeping everything tender.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or plant-based options. You can also add extra veggies like corn or zucchini for added texture and nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly seasoned beef, let it brown well before adding anything else
- Cooked rice can be substituted with quinoa for a gluten-free option
- Adding cheese on top during baking creates a deliciously gooey finish that everyone loves
Memories of my family devouring this casserole always bring a smile. The clean plates and happy faces made all the effort worthwhile every time I made it!
FAQ
What can I serve with Stuffed Pepper Casserole Beef?
This dish pairs nicely with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread.
Can I freeze Stuffed Pepper Casserole Beef?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to three months in an airtight container.
How long does it take to cook Stuffed Pepper Casserole Beef?
It typically takes about 30 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to bake until bubbly.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole Beef
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Warm up your chilly evenings with this irresistible Stuffed Pepper Casserole Beef. This hearty dish combines lean ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and gooey cheese, all baked together for a flavorful experience that the whole family will love. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, this recipe is as easy to prepare as it is delicious. Create lasting memories around the dinner table with each comforting bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 3 medium bell peppers (any color), chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onions until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes).
- Mix in rice and canned diced tomatoes (do not drain). Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in beef broth, add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover to simmer for about 20 minutes until rice is cooked.
- Remove from heat and top with shredded cheese. Cover until melted (about 5 minutes).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg