This Easy Hearty Unstuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a cozy dish filled with colorful bell peppers, ground meat, and rice. It’s like a hug in a bowl, warm and comforting!
Making this casserole is a breeze—just mix, bake, and you’re all set! I love how the peppers add a nice crunch, and it’s perfect for busy nights when you need something tasty fast.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I prefer using ground beef for its rich flavor, but ground turkey or chicken work well too! They are leaner and healthier options. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they might cook faster.
Bell Peppers: Use a mix of colors for a vibrant dish! Red, yellow, and green peppers each have their own flavors. If you’re sensitive to bell peppers, zucchini or mushrooms are tasty substitutes.
Rice: I like using white rice for texture, but brown rice can add a hearty touch. If you want to keep it low-carb, riced cauliflower is a great alternative.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar gives a great taste, but you can swap it for Mexican blend cheese or mozzarella if you prefer something milder or gooier!
How Do You Make Sure the Peppers Are Perfectly Soft?
The key to soft, flavorful peppers is cooking them properly before baking. Start by sautéing them in the skillet with the ground beef and spices; they only need about 5 minutes on medium heat. This quickly softens them and enhances their sweetness without overcooking later in the oven.
- Cook onions until softened first, then add ground meat.
- When adding diced peppers, cook until just tender.
- Don’t skip stirring well to coat all the peppers evenly with seasonings!
How to Make Easy Hearty Unstuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 bell peppers (mixed colors), diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. You’ll be enjoying your delicious meal in around 40-45 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to have it ready to go for when your casserole is mixed and ready to bake!
2. Cook the Base Ingredients:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until it’s softened and translucent. This adds a wonderful flavor to the dish.
3. Brown the Meat:
Add the ground beef (or turkey/chicken) to the skillet. Cook it until it’s browned and cooked through, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spatula. If there’s any excess fat, make sure to drain it off so the casserole isn’t greasy.
4. Add the Flavor:
Next, stir in the minced garlic, diced bell peppers, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for an additional 5 minutes. You want the peppers to soften up a bit while soaking in all those delicious flavors!
5. Combine Everything Together:
Now, add in the can of diced tomatoes (with all the juice), tomato sauce, and your cooked rice. Stir everything well to make sure it’s all mixed together and heated through.
6. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer this yummy mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, sprinkle 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. This will melt into a delicious layer!
7. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and once it’s bubbly and the cheese is nicely melted, it’s ready to come out!
8. Finish and Serve:
Once you take it out of the oven, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps to set it a little, making it easier to scoop out. Enjoy your hearty meal!
Now you have a delightful, easy casserole that captures all the flavors of stuffed peppers—minus the fuss of stuffing them!
FAQ for Easy Hearty Unstuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives for a lighter option. You can also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary, especially with leaner meats.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or oven until heated through. If it looks a bit dry, adding a splash of water or tomato sauce can help revive the moisture!
Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Yes! You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. If freezing before, assemble the dish but don’t bake it; cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. If freezing after baking, cool it completely, then cover and freeze. Reheat from frozen at a lower temperature until warmed through.
What Should I Serve With This Casserole?
This casserole is delicious on its own, but it pairs well with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. You can also serve it with sour cream or fresh herbs for added flavor!
