Unstuffed Bell Pepper Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
- 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.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Move the cooked beef mixture into an 11×8 inch baking dish evenly spreading it out.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
