Description

This Unstuffed Bell Pepper Casserole offers all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed bell peppers without the hassle of stuffing. Ground beef, bell peppers, onions, and rice are combined with savory tomato and Worcestershire sauce then baked to perfection with a melty mozzarella topping for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

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)

Seasonings and Sauces

2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper

Liquids and Bases

1 ½ cups beef broth (can substitute chicken broth or water)
15 oz canned diced tomatoes, drained
5 oz tomato paste

Grains and Cheese

1 cup minute rice
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Cook Ground Beef: In a frying pan over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and break it into small pieces using a spatula. Cook until browned on the outside but still slightly pink inside. Drain excess grease by swirling and soaking it up with a folded paper towel.
Sauté Vegetables: Add the minced garlic, chopped yellow onion, and chopped bell peppers to the browned beef. Stir and cook briefly to blend the flavors.
Season the Meat Mixture: Mix in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper thoroughly. Remove from heat and set aside.
Combine Wet Ingredients and Rice: In a large bowl, mix together the beef broth, drained diced tomatoes, minute rice, and tomato paste until well combined.
Mix with Meat and Pepper Mixture: Add the cooked ground beef and vegetable mixture to the bowl containing the broth and rice mixture. Stir everything together evenly.
Bake Covered: Pour the entire mixture into the prepared casserole dish, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly on top. Bake uncovered for an additional 15-18 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Rest and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes after baking. Then scoop onto plates and enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal.

Notes

You can substitute chicken broth or water for the beef broth if desired.
Use minute rice for quicker cooking, or regular rice but increase cooking time slightly and ensure liquid amounts are sufficient.
Feel free to adjust the seasoning amounts to your taste preference.
Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for a quick meal.
To make it spicier, add crushed red pepper flakes with the seasonings.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 38 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Unstuffed bell pepper casserole, ground beef casserole, easy dinner recipes, stuffed pepper alternative, baked casserole, one dish dinner