If you’re in the mood for something hearty, cheesy, and packed with comforting flavor, then say hello to this Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Beef Casserole a cozy twist on classic stuffed peppers that skips the fuss but keeps all the flavor. Juicy ground beef, tender rice, vibrant bell peppers, and gooey melted cheese come together in one bubbling, satisfying bake. It’s easy, delicious, and hits the spot every single time. Trust me, this one’s a keeper and it’s totally weeknight-friendly.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Beef Casserole

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Feels like a Sunday dinner but works just as well for meal prep or a potluck dish.

Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples like rice, ground beef, and peppers.

Quick and Easy: No stuffing required! Everything’s layered into one dish with minimal prep.

Customizable: Swap in ground turkey, use brown rice or cauliflower rice, or spice it up with jalapeños.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Beef Casserole

This casserole takes the essence of stuffed peppers and turns it into an easy, cheesy weeknight win. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground Beef: Lean and savory, this forms the hearty base of the dish.

Bell Peppers: Red, green, yellow use a mix for color, sweetness, and crunch.

Cooked Rice: White or brown rice both work. It’s the comforting filler that brings everything together.

Onion and Garlic: Aromatic and flavorful, these build the base of your casserole.

Tomato Sauce: Rich and tangy, it creates that saucy layer that coats every bite.

Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture and juicy bursts of tomato flavor.

Worcestershire Sauce: Deepens the savory flavor with a subtle umami kick.

Seasonings: Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Cheddar Cheese: Shredded and melty sprinkled generously over the top.

Mozzarella Cheese: For that gooey, stretchy, golden finish.

Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, herby touch before serving.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Combine Ingredients: In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat, then add chopped onions and garlic. Cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Add diced bell peppers and cook for another 3–4 minutes until slightly tender. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Assemble the Dish: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice with the beef and pepper mixture. Stir in half the cheese.

Cook to Perfection: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Finishing Touches: Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes after baking to set up and cool slightly. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.

Serve and Enjoy: Scoop into bowls and dig in! It’s the ultimate comforting bite.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 480

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Beef Casserole

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Serve with a crisp green salad to balance out the richness
Add a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of salsa on top for a tangy kick
Pair with crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up all that saucy goodness
Serve alongside steamed green beans, broccoli, or corn for a full plate
Turn leftovers into burrito or taco fillings the next day

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Use leftover rice or microwave rice packs to save time
Mix in a handful of black beans or corn for a Southwestern twist
Let the casserole rest before serving it helps the layers settle
Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt and flavor
Make ahead and refrigerate unbaked just pop it in the oven when ready

FAQ’s

1 Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.

2 Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.

3 What kind of rice works best?
White, brown, jasmine, or even cauliflower rice all work—just make sure it’s cooked before mixing in.

4 Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, either works great as a lighter alternative.

5 What cheese melts best for this casserole?
A combo of cheddar and mozzarella is perfect for flavor and stretch, but you can use Monterey Jack or pepper jack too.

6 How spicy is it?
Mild, unless you add red pepper flakes or spicy tomatoes adjust to your taste.

7 Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just check your Worcestershire sauce and tomato products to ensure they’re gluten-free.

8 What veggies can I add?
Zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or corn are great additions for added nutrition and texture.

9 How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

10 Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely—skip the meat and add beans, lentils, or a plant-based ground alternative.

Conclusion

Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food cheesy, saucy, meaty, and loaded with flavor in every bite. It takes all the goodness of classic stuffed peppers and turns it into a cozy, no-fuss dinner the whole family will love. Whether you’re prepping for a week of easy meals or serving up something hearty on a chilly night, this casserole delivers big on taste and comfort. One scoop in, and you’ll be hooked.

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