Stuffed Pepper Casserole Bake (Print-Friendly Version)
Ground beef, peppers, rice, and tomatoes baked with cheese—comfort in every bite for weeknight dinners.
# What You’ll Need to Make This:
→ Casserole Base
01 -
450 g ground beef
02 -
1 medium onion, diced
03 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
1 to 2 medium bell peppers, any color, diced
05 -
200 g long grain rice, such as jasmine or basmati
06 -
480 ml beef broth (optional, for added moisture)
07 -
410 g diced tomatoes, drained
08 -
225 g tomato sauce
09 -
1 teaspoon salt
10 -
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
11 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano and 0.5 teaspoon dried basil)
12 -
0.5 teaspoon paprika
→ Topping
13 -
170 g Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
14 -
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
# How to Prepare:
01 -
Set oven to 190°C and allow it to fully preheat.
02 -
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until thoroughly browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
03 -
In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring, until onion becomes translucent and garlic is fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Add diced bell peppers and continue to cook for another 3–4 minutes until peppers start to soften.
04 -
Stir in uncooked rice, then pour in 480 ml beef broth or water. Add drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Mix thoroughly, ensuring all rice is submerged.
05 -
Increase heat to medium-high and bring contents to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 15–20 minutes. Check at 15 minutes; if too dry before rice is tender, add up to 120 ml more broth or water. Remove from heat once rice is cooked; fluff mixture with a fork.
06 -
Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top. Place skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
07 -
Carefully remove skillet from oven using oven mitts. Allow to cool for several minutes. Top with chopped parsley or basil if desired. Serve warm.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
For a lighter alternative, substitute ground beef with poultry such as chicken or turkey.
02 -
Use long grain varieties like jasmine or basmati for the best texture; brown rice requires more liquid and extended cooking time.
03 -
Swap Monterey Jack with cheddar, mozzarella, or a cheese blend based on preference.
04 -
Additional vegetables such as corn, zucchini, or spinach can be incorporated for enhanced flavor and nutrition.