Weeknight Favorite: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Stuffed bell peppers are a well-loved meal in many households, but what if you could enjoy all the same great flavors with a fraction of the prep time? That’s where the Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole comes in. It takes the traditional elements of stuffed bell peppers—ground beef, bell peppers, rice, and cheese—and combines them in an easy-to-make casserole that’s perfect for weeknights.

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This casserole has all the richness of a home-cooked meal, with flavorful ground beef, tender rice, and the slight sweetness of sautéed bell peppers, all brought together with melted cheddar and pepper jack cheeses. It’s a perfect crowd-pleaser that the whole family will love.

The Inspiration Behind Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

The inspiration for this dish comes from classic stuffed bell peppers, a dish that many of us grew up with. Instead of stuffing individual peppers, which can be time-consuming, this casserole simplifies the process while keeping all the delicious elements intact. By layering everything in a casserole dish, you get the same mix of flavors and textures with minimal effort.

The addition of Cajun seasoning and Worcestershire sauce adds a punch of flavor to the beef mixture, while the melted cheddar and pepper jack cheeses create a gooey, cheesy top that pairs perfectly with the rice and peppers. It's comfort food at its finest, with a modern twist.

Why Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Will Become Your Weeknight Favorite

This casserole is not only flavorful but also incredibly easy to make. You only need one dish, which means less cleanup, and it's a great way to use up ingredients you might already have on hand, like bell peppers and ground beef. The combination of melted cheeses and the savory beef and rice mixture makes it an ideal dinner for busy nights when you want something hearty and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

It’s also versatile—if you prefer a bit more spice, you can add extra red pepper flakes or swap in spicy sausage for the ground beef. The recipe is easy to customize to your personal taste, making it a flexible option for many occasions.

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Fun Facts: Bell Peppers and Cajun Seasoning

Did you know that bell peppers come in a variety of colors, each with its own distinct flavor? Green bell peppers tend to have a slightly bitter taste, while red, yellow, and orange bell peppers are sweeter. This casserole uses green bell peppers, which add a slight bitterness that balances the richness of the beef and cheese.

Cajun seasoning, often associated with Louisiana cooking, adds a smoky, spicy depth to the dish. It's made with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper, giving this casserole an extra layer of bold flavor. The use of Worcestershire sauce adds a tangy, umami richness that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This casserole is a great option for meal prep, as it stores well in the refrigerator and can be easily reheated. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or place it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.

For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake it in the oven to reheat.

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Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef
• 2 green bell peppers, diced
• 1 cup onions, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for extra spice)
• 3 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 ½ cups rice
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
2. Cook the beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the vegetables and seasonings: To the skillet, add the diced bell peppers, onions, and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the Cajun seasoning, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.
4. Combine the rice and broth: Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, and rice to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Assemble the casserole: Pour the beef and rice mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Spread it out evenly, then top with the shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheeses.
6. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve and enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Final Thoughts

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a simple, one-dish meal that offers all the comforting flavors of stuffed bell peppers in a convenient, easy-to-make casserole. With bold flavors from the Cajun seasoning and Worcestershire sauce, combined with melty cheese and savory beef, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish has you covered.