Description
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish combining ground beef, aromatic spices, bell peppers, diced tomatoes, and cooked brown rice, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. Baked to bubbly perfection, it's an easy way to enjoy the classic stuffed pepper flavors in a casserole form, perfect for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Veggies
- 1 pound ground beef, lean
- 1 yellow onion, small; diced
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 small bell peppers, seeded and diced
Spices and Seasonings
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon thyme, dried
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, 1 can
- 1 cup beef broth
- 3-4 tablespoons red pepper paste, or harissa
Other Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- Parsley, freshly chopped; optional
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook the Ground Beef. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef using a wooden spoon, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add Seasonings. Stir in kosher salt, minced garlic, ground black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Continue cooking until the beef begins to brown evenly.
- Add Liquids and Simmer. Pour in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and red pepper paste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the liquid is reduced by half, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Casserole. In a baking dish, spread half of the meat mixture evenly. Layer with half of the cooked brown rice, diced bell peppers, diced onion, and half the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layering once more with the remaining ingredients.
- Bake the Casserole. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve. Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Ensure the brown rice is fully cooked before adding it to the casserole for best texture.
- Use freshly grated cheddar cheese or pre-shredded cheese depending on convenience and preference.
- You can use green, red, yellow, or orange bell peppers; any will work well in this recipe.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper paste or harissa to control the spiciness of the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
