Dinner

Unstuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Recipe

ByVictor Layne October 16, 2025October 16, 2025

Introduction

This Unstuffed Bell Pepper Casserole offers all the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers without the fuss of hollowing out vegetables. It’s a hearty, comforting dish packed with ground beef, bell peppers, and melted mozzarella, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a baked casserole that has a visible layer of melted white cheese with browned spots on top, sprinkled with small green herbs. Beneath the cheese layer, there are chunks of red and green bell peppers mixed with a sauce and browned ground meat or textured vegetable protein, creating a textured and colorful mix. The edges show browned sauce that touches the white sides of the dish. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a checkered cloth and green and red bell peppers in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chopped yellow onion
3 cups chopped bell peppers (2 cups green, 1 cup red recommended)
2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
1 ½ cups beef broth (chicken broth or water can be used)
15 oz canned diced tomatoes, liquid drained
1 cup minute rice
5 oz tomato paste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a frying pan over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned on the outside but still slightly pink inside. Use a folded paper towel to soak up excess grease in the pan.
Step 3: Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and chopped bell peppers to the beef. Stir to combine and soften the vegetables slightly.
Step 4: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly, then remove the pan from heat and set aside.
Step 5: In a large bowl, combine the beef broth, drained diced tomatoes, minute rice, and tomato paste. Stir until well mixed.
Step 6: Add the beef and vegetable mixture to the bowl and stir everything together evenly.
Step 7: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Step 8: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for an additional 15-18 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a lower-carb option, replace the minute rice with cauliflower rice.
Add chopped mushrooms or zucchini for extra vegetables and flavor.
Use a combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a richer topping.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the seasonings.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This casserole also freezes well—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A white rectangular baking dish holds a layered casserole that appears to have three main layers: the bottom layer is a mix of cooked rice and ground meat with a reddish-brown sauce, the middle layer features chunky green and red bell peppers, and the top layer is covered with melted white cheese that has some browned spots and is sprinkled with small green herb pieces. The casserole sides show some cheese and sauce slightly browned and bubbling, giving a rich, hearty look. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with green and red bell peppers and fresh green parsley in the background. A plaid cloth with black and beige stripes is partially under the baking dish on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Cooking times and moisture content may vary slightly, so watch the casserole closely as it bakes.

Do I need to drain the grease from the cooked beef?

Draining excess grease helps prevent the casserole from becoming too oily. Using a paper towel to soak up the grease is an easy method after browning the beef.