Rain poured outside my kitchen window as my daughter drummed impatiently on the counter—first day back at school, and nothing made from school lunch menus excited her. I had a leftover green pepper and ground beef in the fridge and decided to turn this into a cozy casserole experiment.

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While chopping veggies, she perched nearby, curious. The skillet sizzled with onions, peppers, and garlic, and the aroma drew in my husband from his home office. By the time the rice simmered in broth and tomatoes, the kitchen smelled like a comforting hug.

When I stirred in cheese, she practically hopped up and down in anticipation. Once served, even picky eaters polished their plates. That evening, laughter over shared bowls made me realize simple meals can feel celebratory.

Now, Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Beef Casserole is my favorite choice: nourishing, family-approved, and unexpectedly fun on hectic school nights or fuzzy weather weekends.

Short Description

Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Beef Casserole is a hearty one-pot meal combining ground beef, bell peppers, rice, tomatoes, broth, and melted cheese—simple, family-friendly, and full of flavor.

Key Ingredients

450 g ground beef
2 bell peppers, chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
425 g canned low-sodium beef broth
425 g canned diced tomatoes
180 g uncooked long‑grain white rice
75 g shredded mozzarella cheese
75 g shredded cheddar cheese

Tools Needed

Large nonstick skillet with lid
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking dish if finishing under the broiler (optional)

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Beef
Warm skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until mostly browned, breaking into crumbles. Drain fat if needed.

Step 2: Add Vegetables
Stir in chopped onion and bell peppers. Cook 5–10 minutes until vegetables soften.

Step 3: Aromatics
Add minced garlic. Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt.

Step 4: Combine Seasonings & Liquids
Stir in Worcestershire, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, broth, diced tomatoes, and rice. Mix well.

Step 5: Simmer
Increase heat until mixture boils. Reduce to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook 20 minutes, stirring halfway. Rice should be tender and liquid mostly absorbed.

Step 6: Melt Cheese
Remove lid and stir in half the mozzarella and cheddar until creamy. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top, cover to melt or briefly broil if oven-safe.

Step 7: Serve Hot
Let rest a few minutes. Scoop servings into bowls or straight from the skillet.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Balanced Comfort: Beef, rice, veggies, and melting cheese in one satisfying dish

One-Pot Prep: Saves time and cleaning effort

Family-Friendly: Mild seasoning and colorful veggies that kids accept

Versatile: Easy to swap in turkey, brown rice, or extra veggies

Nutritious Twist: Peppers and onions add fiber and flavor with minimal fuss

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Rice undercooked: Make sure liquid simmers steadily and rice has time to absorb.

Mushy peppers: Chop peppers uniformly and stir gently to avoid over-softening.

Burned garlic: Add garlic after veggies soften and keep the heat moderate.

Dry casserole: Use full broth and tomatoes, and stir halfway through simmer to prevent sticking.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Serve straight from skillet or into a warm casserole dish for casual dinners

Garnish with chopped parsley or extra cheese for freshness

Pair with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli

Great served family-style or in individual bowls

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days

Reheat in microwave or pan until heated through; stir to restore texture

Add a splash of broth if mixture seems dry during reheating

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice?
Choose brown rice, but extend simmer time and adjust liquid slightly.

2. Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Yes, just adjust salt slightly since poultry is leaner.

3. Is it freezer-friendly?
Freeze cooked casserole in portions. Reheat from frozen in oven or microwave.

Can I add other veggies?
Yes, zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms work well chopped fine.

How spicy is it?
Very mild, add crushed red pepper or chili flakes if you like heat.

Tips & Tricks

Mix rice into the veggies before adding liquids to prevent clumping

Use pre-chopped frozen peppers to save time

Let casserole rest a few minutes before serving for flavors to meld

Stir in extra cheese right before serving for gooey topping

Recipe Variations

Mexican-Style Variation:
Use taco seasoning instead of Italian. Add corn and black beans. Top with pepperjack cheese and serve with salsa.

Creamy Version:
Stir in ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt after cheese to make it creamy and tangy.

Low-Carb Option:
Skip rice. Add extra peppers or cauliflower rice and reduce broth.

Final Thoughts

That evening, as we gathered plates in the cozy glow of the kitchen light, I realized how a simple skillet dinner can bring warmth and connection. Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Beef Casserole hits the mark: nutritious enough for busy school-night cooking, hearty enough to fill growing kids, and flexible enough to adapt when ingredients or schedules shift.

It’s a recipe that feels homemade and forgiving, the kind that welcomes leftovers without losing its charm. This casserole reassures me that cooking doesn’t need to be complicated to feel comforting—just honest ingredients, melted cheese, and the company of those who appreciate a home-cooked meal.

Simple Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Beef Casserole