Craving all the flavors of stuffed peppers but without the fuss? Look no further! This cheesy stuffed pepper casserole gives you everything you love about the classic dish in a simple and satisfying casserole form. Get ready for a flavor explosion of beef, rice, peppers, and cheese – all baked to bubbly, cheesy perfection!
What is Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Casserole?
Have you ever wondered where stuffed peppers got their start? Or why something so seemingly ordinary can taste so extraordinary? The truth might be lost to history, but one thing’s for sure: the idea of stuffing tasty fillings into peppers is nothing short of brilliant! And what’s better than stuffed peppers? Why, a cheesy stuffed pepper casserole! Is it because we’re lazy? Maybe! Is it because casseroles are comforting and delicious? Absolutely!
Some might say ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,’ but I say the way to anyone’s heart is through a cheesy stuffed pepper casserole! So, ditch the stuffing and embrace this easy, cheesy alternative. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Casserole:
This cheesy stuffed pepper casserole is a weeknight dinner champion for so many reasons. First and foremost, it delivers that classic stuffed pepper taste we all crave with a fraction of the effort. Forget meticulously stuffing individual peppers! It’s also incredibly economical; using ground beef, rice, and readily available peppers makes it a budget-friendly option.
Finally, the combination of melty mozzarella and cheddar cheese creates a golden, bubbly topping that adds a decadent touch to every bite. Love a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce! Want another casserole kick? Check out my easy taco casserole recipe! Ready to transform your dinner routine? Try this cheesy stuffed pepper casserole tonight!
Key Ingredients for Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Casserole:
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Casserole:
This cheesy stuffed pepper casserole is the perfect weeknight meal because it’s easy, delicious, and comforting. The combination of savory ground beef, tender peppers, aromatic spices, and a generous blanket of melted cheese is simply irresistible. It takes about about 45 minutes to prepare, from start to finish. Let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
Add Peppers and Seasoning: Add the chopped green pepper, red pepper, and yellow pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes, until the peppers are slightly softened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
Combine Ingredients: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cooked rice and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and the cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
What to Serve Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Casserole With:
This cheesy stuffed pepper casserole is quite filling on its own, but here are a few side dish ideas to round out your meal:
- Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add a healthy and colorful side.
- Corn on the Cob: A classic summer side dish that pairs well with the flavors of the casserole.
Top Tips for Perfecting Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Casserole:
Want to make your cheesy stuffed pepper casserole even better? Here are a few tips and tricks:
- Choose Your Peppers: Feel free to use any combination of bell peppers you like. Orange, purple, or even poblano peppers will work.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for a little heat.
- Experiment with Cheesees: Try using pepper jack cheese for a spicier kick, or provolone for a milder, creamier flavor.
- Use Pre-Cooked Rice: Save time by using pre-cooked rice or leftover rice from a previous meal.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can dry out the casserole. Bake just until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the filling is heated through.
- Add Different Vegetables: Corn, zucchini, and mushrooms can be added to this casserole. This is a great way to use left over of almost past-prime veggies.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: Leftover cheesy stuffed pepper casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Freezing: To freeze, let the casserole cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts:
This cheesy stuffed pepper casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of stuffed peppers without all the effort. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a potluck dish to share, this casserole is sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a warm, cheesy, and delicious meal!
FAQs:
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute will work just as well in this recipe.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Q: Can I add beans to this casserole?
A: Sure! Black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans would all be delicious additions to this casserole. Add them along with the rice.
Q: How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
A: To prevent the casserole from drying out, make sure to cover it with foil during the first half of the baking time. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and brown.
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest