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Easy Cheesy Unstuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

easy cheesy unstuffed bell pepper casserole - featured image
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A quick and comforting casserole that captures all the flavors of stuffed bell peppers without the hassle of hollowing them out. Perfect for busy weeknights, this cheesy baked dish combines ground beef, rice, bell peppers, and a melty cheese topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 3 medium bell peppers (any color), diced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups cooked white rice (day-old preferred)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • ½ cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your baking dish lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks—about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add the chopped onion, diced bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the peppers soften and onions turn translucent—roughly 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well so the spices coat the meat and veggies evenly.
  5. Transfer the beef mixture to a large bowl. Add cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything until well combined.
  6. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  7. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the top.
  8. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  9. Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the bell peppers in the skillet; they should soften but retain a slight crunch to avoid mushiness. Drain diced tomatoes well to prevent a watery casserole. Use day-old rice for best texture. Tent with foil if cheese browns too quickly. Rest casserole 5 minutes before serving for easier scooping.

Nutrition

Keywords: bell pepper casserole, cheesy casserole, unstuffed bell peppers, weeknight dinner, easy casserole, ground beef casserole

Find it online: https://novanosh.com/easy-cheesy-unstuffed-bell-pepper-casserole-recipe-for-perfect-weeknight-dinner/