Hey there, fellow food lovers! I’m so excited to share my go-to recipe for unstuffed pepper casserole! This dish is like a cozy hug in a baking dish, capturing all the delicious flavors of stuffed peppers without the hassle of actually stuffing them. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty and comforting, it’s super simple to whip up. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder that’s packed with ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and melty cheese. Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds! Let’s dive into this deliciousness together!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make my delicious unstuffed pepper casserole. Trust me, it’s straightforward, and you probably have most of these ingredients on hand!
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups bell peppers, chopped (any color you like!)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups diced tomatoes (canned works great!)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)
These simple ingredients all come together to create a comforting and flavorful dish that will make your kitchen smell amazing! Make sure to grab everything before you start, and let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Unstuffed Pepper Casserole
Alright, let’s get down to the fun part—making this delicious unstuffed pepper casserole! I’ll walk you through each step, and I promise it’s easier than you think! Just follow along, and soon you’ll have a delightful meal ready to serve.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your casserole cooks evenly and gets that beautiful golden top. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, grab a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Add your pound of ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. You’ll want to brown it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s no longer pink. This step adds so much flavor, and your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Now it’s time to add the diced onion and chopped bell peppers to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 4-5 minutes until those veggies are soft and fragrant. This is where the magic really starts to happen!
Step 4: Mix in Remaining Ingredients
Once your veggies are nice and tender, stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Make sure to mix everything well so those flavors can blend together beautifully. It’s going to look colorful and inviting!
Step 5: Transfer and Bake
Now, transfer that wonderful mixture into a baking dish. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil, and pop it in the oven for 30 minutes. This will help steam the rice and meld all those flavors. Just a little patience, and it’ll be worth it!
Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil (watch out for steam!) and sprinkle your shredded cheese all over the top. Return it to the oven for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You’re going to love how it looks and smells!
Tips for Success
Here are some handy tips to make sure your unstuffed pepper casserole turns out just perfect! First off, don’t be afraid to mix up the bell peppers—using a rainbow of colors makes it even more fun and flavorful. If you want a little kick, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper for some heat. Oops! And remember, if you’re not a fan of ground beef, turkey or a meat alternative works just as well! Just avoid overcooking the beef; it should be browned but not dry. Trust me, these little tweaks can elevate your dish to the next level!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for each serving of my unstuffed pepper casserole. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this will give you a great idea of what to expect!
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
This casserole is not only delicious but also packed with a good balance of protein and carbs. Perfect for fueling your busy days!
FAQ Section
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the unstuffed pepper casserole a day in advance. Just follow the recipe up to the baking step, cover it tightly with foil, and pop it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, take it out, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed. It’s a fantastic option for meal prep or if you’re hosting a gathering!
What can I substitute for ground beef?
If ground beef isn’t your thing, no worries! You can swap it out for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, since different meats can vary in how quickly they cook. Trust me, it’ll still be delicious!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just let the casserole cool down, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll last in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it in the oven or microwave. Just make sure it’s heated all the way through before diving back in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with my unstuffed pepper casserole! Here are just a few of the highlights that make this dish a total winner:
- Super Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go without the fuss of stuffing peppers!
- Comforting Flavors: It’s packed with all the classic flavors of stuffed peppers, making it a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for any night of the week.
- One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash means more time to relax! Everything cooks together in one baking dish for easy cleanup.
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the veggies or use a different protein. You can make it your own based on what you have on hand!
- Great for Meal Prep: This casserole keeps well, so it’s ideal for making ahead or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.
- Kid-Friendly: With its cheesy topping and tasty ingredients, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters!
Trust me, once you try this casserole, it’s bound to become a staple in your home!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve made this delicious unstuffed pepper casserole, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it to elevate your meal! Here are some of my favorite ideas:
- Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the hearty casserole. It adds a refreshing crunch!
- Garlic Bread: Who doesn’t love garlic bread? The buttery, garlicky goodness makes an excellent side, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans add a pop of color and extra nutrients to your plate. Plus, they’re super easy to prepare!
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can bring some brightness and balance to the richness of the casserole. It’s also a great make-ahead option!
- Rice or Quinoa: If you want to make it a bit heartier, serve the casserole over a bed of rice or quinoa. It’s a delightful way to soak up all the flavors!
Feel free to mix and match based on your family’s favorites. Whatever you choose, this casserole is sure to shine on your dinner table!
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Unstuffed Pepper Casserole: 5 Simple Steps to Joyful Cooking
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious unstuffed pepper casserole that brings the flavors of stuffed peppers without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups bell peppers, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add the onion and bell peppers. Cook until soft.
- Stir in the rice, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil, top with cheese, and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use any color bell pepper you like.
- For extra flavor, add some chili powder or cayenne pepper.
- Feel free to substitute ground beef with turkey or a meat alternative.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: unstuffed pepper casserole, easy casserole, ground beef recipes
