This Easy Hearty Unstuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a colorful and comforting dish. It features tender bell peppers, ground meat, and rice all baked together in one pot!
When I’m in a hurry, this casserole comes to the rescue. It’s like stuffed peppers without the fuss! I love serving it with a sprinkle of cheese on top—ultimate yum! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef gives this dish its hearty flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey works well too! You could also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian twist.
Bell Peppers: The colorful bell peppers not only add flavor but also make the dish visually appealing. Feel free to mix colors or use just one type based on your preference or what’s on hand.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is traditional for this casserole, but brown rice or quinoa can be used if you prefer a healthier option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since brown rice often takes longer to cook.
Cheese: I love adding cheddar cheese on top for extra richness, but feel free to switch it up! Mozzarella or pepper jack can add a different flavor profile, or leave it out for a dairy-free version.
How Do I Make Sure the Rice is Perfectly Cooked in the Casserole?
The key to cooking the rice perfectly in this casserole is all about the liquid ratio. Make sure to follow these steps:
- Use enough broth, as it provides moisture for the rice to cook.
- Cover the dish with foil while baking to trap steam, speeding up the cooking.
- Check the rice at the 45-minute mark. If it’s still too firm, let it cook a bit longer, adding a splash of broth if necessary.
Let it rest after baking, as the rice will finish absorbing any remaining moisture, leaving you with a fluffy texture! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Hearty Unstuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 bell peppers (red, green, yellow), diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth (or water)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 50 minutes to bake, giving a total of about 1 hour and 5 minutes from start to finish. The best part? Most of that time is hands-off while it bakes in the oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, your casserole will bake evenly and come out perfectly warm.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring for about 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and the onion looks soft.
3. Brown the Meat:
Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Cook it until it turns brown, breaking it apart with a spoon. If there’s excess fat once it’s browned, you might want to drain some away.
4. Add the Bell Peppers:
Next, stir in the diced bell peppers. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, just until they start to get a little tender—this adds a nice sweetness and flavor to your casserole.
5. Mix in the Rice:
Pour the uncooked rice into the skillet and mix it in well with the meat and veggies. This will help the rice soak up all the delicious flavors as it cooks!
6. Add the Liquid Ingredients:
Now it’s time to stir in the diced tomatoes (including all that flavorful liquid), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine.
7. Transfer and Spread:
Carefully pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Make sure it’s spread evenly for even cooking.
8. Bake Covered:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and pop it into your preheated oven. Let it bake for 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
9. Add Cheese and Finish Baking:
After 45 minutes, take the foil off. If you’d like, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Yum!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle a bit. Dish it out onto your plates, and enjoy this hearty and delicious meal!
FAQ for Easy Hearty Unstuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time slightly based on your choice of meat.
What Can I Use Instead of Rice?
If you want to swap out the white rice, consider using quinoa or brown rice. If you’re short on time, precooked rice or cauliflower rice are quick alternatives, but be sure to reduce the liquid in the casserole to avoid it becoming too watery.
Can I Make This in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or oven. If the casserole looks dry after reheating, add a splash of water or broth to moisten it up before warming!
