Unstuffed Bell Pepper Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe

Introduction

This Unstuffed Bell Pepper Casserole with Ground Beef is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines the classic flavors of stuffed peppers without the hassle of hollowing out vegetables. It’s a hearty, cheesy casserole perfect for a weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 large green peppers, chopped
• 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
• 8 oz can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup long grain rice, uncooked
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the minced garlic and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 10 minutes.
3. Step 3: Transfer the cooked beef mixture to an 11×8-inch baking dish.
4. Step 4: Add the chopped green peppers, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, uncooked rice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
5. Step 5: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 75 minutes, or until the rice is tender and no longer crunchy.
6. Step 6: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or dried oregano to the mixture before baking.
• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice, but increase the baking time and check for tenderness.
• Add diced mushrooms or chopped zucchini for more veggies and texture.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350 degrees F until heated through, or microwave individual servings until hot. This casserole freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use precooked rice instead of uncooked rice?

It’s best to use uncooked rice in this recipe so it cooks properly with the other ingredients. Using precooked rice might make the casserole too soft or mushy.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils, crumbled tofu, or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.

Unstuffed Bell Pepper Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 99 reviews

This Unstuffed Bell Pepper Casserole combines all the classic flavors of stuffed bell peppers in an easy-to-make, hearty casserole. Ground beef, tender rice, green peppers, and rich tomato sauce meld together in the oven and are topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a satisfying comfort meal perfect for weeknights.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 85 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 large green bell peppers, chopped
• 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
• 8 oz can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup long grain rice, uncooked
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Cook Ground Beef Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, minced garlic, and chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, about 10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. Transfer to Baking Dish: Move the cooked beef mixture into an 11×8 inch baking dish evenly spreading it out.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add chopped green peppers, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, uncooked rice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper on top of the beef in the baking dish. Mix everything gently but thoroughly to combine.
5. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 75 minutes, or until the rice is tender and cooked through.
6. Add Cheese and Final Bake: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, and return the casserole to the oven uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious unstuffed bell pepper casserole!

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a leaner option.
• If you prefer softer peppers, you can sauté them briefly before adding to the casserole mix.
• Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• This casserole can be prepared a day in advance and baked before serving.
• For added flavor, try adding a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or dried basil to the mixture.

Keywords: unstuffed bell pepper casserole, ground beef casserole, easy casserole recipe, baked rice casserole, comfort food, weeknight dinner