Print

Easy Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe Without Pre-Cooking Rice

easy cheesy stuffed pepper casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting and easy casserole that combines ground beef, bell peppers, uncooked rice, and cheese baked together without pre-cooking the rice, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean recommended)
  • 3 large bell peppers (any color, sliced into strips)
  • 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice (190 g)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes with juices
  • 1 cup (8 fl oz / 240 ml) tomato sauce
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups (12 fl oz / 360 ml) beef broth
  • 1 1/2 cups (6 oz / 170 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, until onions are translucent but not browned.
  4. Stir in uncooked rice, diced tomatoes with juices, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the rice.
  5. Pour the beef and rice mixture into the greased casserole dish. Arrange sliced bell peppers evenly over the top, pressing them gently into the mixture.
  6. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 50-60 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and peppers are softened.
  7. Remove foil carefully, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and return to the oven uncovered.
  8. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to set and allow flavors to meld.

Notes

If rice looks dry but is not fully cooked near the end, add a splash of broth or water, cover, and bake a few more minutes. Use long grain white rice for best results. Brown rice requires longer baking time and more liquid. For softer peppers, slice thinner or bake longer under foil. Can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef. For dairy-free, use plant-based cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed pepper casserole, easy casserole, cheesy casserole, weeknight dinner, no pre-cook rice, ground beef casserole

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/easy-cheesy-stuffed-pepper-casserole-recipe-without-pre-cooking-rice-perfect-for-busy-weeknights/