Imagine a mouthwatering dish that combines the classic flavors of stuffed peppers with the convenience of a one-pan casserole. This Undone Stuffed Pepper Casserole is about to become your new weeknight dinner hero! Packed with savory ground beef, tender bell peppers, and gooey melted cheese, this recipe transforms the traditional stuffed pepper into a quick, easy, and absolutely irresistible meal that will have your family begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup rice, uncooked
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add chopped bell peppers to the skillet and sauté with the beef for 3-4 minutes until peppers begin to soften.
- Stir in uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Transfer the beef and rice mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the dish.
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Return to oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Drain the ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole. Use a colander or carefully tilt the pan to remove excess fat.
- For extra flavor, consider using different types of bell peppers or adding a mix of colors for a more vibrant dish.
- If you want to make this recipe ahead of time, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack for a spicy kick or a Mexican blend for added complexity.
- Make it a complete meal by serving with a side of crusty bread or a light green salad.
- For a low-carb version, substitute cauliflower rice for the regular rice.
- Always let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow it to set and make serving easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 70mg
