Melt-in-Your-Mouth Stuffed Pepper Casserole

A cozy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying dinner that brings all the classic flavors of stuffed peppers together in one easy casserole. Tender bell peppers, seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, fluffy rice, and plenty of melted cheese make this a perfect family-friendly comfort meal!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 3 bell peppers, chopped
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 can 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 can 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan-style cheese, optional
• Fresh parsley, optional, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Cook the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
3. Add the peppers and garlic: Stir in the chopped bell peppers and minced garlic. Cook for about 3–4 minutes, until the peppers begin to soften.
4. Build the sauce: Add the drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let everything simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors come together.
5. Add the rice: Stir in the cooked rice until evenly combined. Remove the skillet from the heat.
6. Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
7. Add the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or cheddar evenly over the top. Add the Parmesan-style cheese if using.
8. Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
9. Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

 Serving Tip

Serve this hearty casserole with warm garlic bread or a simple side salad for a complete and comforting family dinner.