Description
Unstuffed Pepper Casserole brings weeknight comfort straight from Grandma’s kitchen to your dinner table. Hearty ground beef, tender rice, and sweet bell peppers combine in a simple, satisfying meal that feeds your whole crew without complicated prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 large bell peppers
- 1 cup rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups water or broth
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Dice 3 large bell peppers, 1 medium onion, and mince 2 garlic cloves into small, uniform pieces. Prepare your cutting board and sharp knife for precise chopping.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic, breaking meat into small crumbles while cooking for 6-8 minutes until completely browned.
- Pour 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 cup uncooked rice, and 2 cups water into the skillet with browned beef. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the mixture.
- Reduce heat to low, cover skillet, and simmer ingredients for 18-20 minutes until rice absorbs most liquid and becomes tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Transfer simmered mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading evenly across surface.
- Scatter 1 cup shredded cheese across the top of the casserole, covering entire surface with an even layer.
- Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges become golden and bubbly.
- Remove casserole from oven and let rest 5-7 minutes before serving. This allows ingredients to settle and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to make the casserole lighter and more diet-friendly.
- Choose bell peppers in different colors for a more vibrant and visually appealing dish that adds extra nutrition.
- For a gluten-free version, use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to reduce carbohydrates and add more vegetables.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time to make the casserole quick and easy on busy weeknights, saving time without sacrificing flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg