There’s something incredibly heartwarming about a cozy dish that brings back memories of family dinners, and my easy unstuffed pepper casserole does just that! It combines all the wonderful flavors of traditional stuffed peppers but in a simpler, more comforting way. I remember the first time I made this for my family—everyone gathered around the table, the aroma filling the air, and smiles all around. It’s such a satisfying meal that you can whip up in no time, making it perfect for busy weekdays or a laid-back weekend. Plus, the best part? You can customize it with your favorite ingredients, making it a versatile dish that suits every palate. Trust me, once you try this unstuffed pepper casserole, it’ll become a staple in your home just like it is in mine!

Ingredients List

To make this delightful unstuffed pepper casserole, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound ground beef: You can also use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.
• 1 cup cooked rice: White or brown rice works well here. I often have leftover rice on hand, which makes this even easier!
• 2 bell peppers, diced: Choose your favorite colors—red, green, or yellow will all add a lovely sweetness.
• 1 onion, chopped: A yellow onion adds a nice flavor, but feel free to substitute with a sweeter variety if you like.
• 2 cups diced tomatoes: Canned or fresh, either will work beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: You can use fresh minced garlic for a stronger flavor if you have it.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This will give it that classic flavor profile.
• 1 cup shredded cheese: Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend will melt wonderfully on top.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season to your liking!

How to Prepare the Unstuffed Pepper Casserole

Preparing this unstuffed pepper casserole is as simple as it gets! Let’s walk through the steps together:

1. Preheat your oven: Start by warming your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole cooks evenly right from the beginning.
2. Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned. Make sure to break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat to keep it light.
3. Add the veggies: Toss in the chopped onion and diced bell peppers. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they soften up and become fragrant. This is where the magic happens!
4. Mix it all together: Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined—this will be the hearty filling of your casserole!
5. Transfer to a baking dish: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it evenly. Top it off with the shredded cheese; it’s what makes this dish so indulgent!
6. Bake: Pop it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You’ll know it’s ready when the aroma fills your kitchen!

And there you have it! Just a few steps and some patience, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have this hearty meal ready in under an hour—perfect for busy days!
• Comfort Food at Its Best: The warm, cheesy goodness of this casserole is like a warm hug on a plate, sure to satisfy your cravings.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary needs—it’s truly customizable!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love this dish, making it a great option for family dinners.
• One-Pan Wonder: Less mess means more time to enjoy your meal and less time cleaning up afterward!

Tips for Success

To ensure your unstuffed pepper casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are some tried-and-true tips that I’ve picked up along the way:

• Watch the cooking time: Keep an eye on the casserole while it’s baking. Every oven is different, so check for the cheese to be melted and bubbly, usually around the 20-minute mark, but it might need a little longer.
• Don’t skip the draining: After browning the ground beef, be sure to drain any excess fat. This keeps the dish from becoming too greasy and helps the flavors shine through.
• Substitute with ease: If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, or even lentils for a vegetarian twist. Brown rice is a great swap for white rice, too!
• Be cautious with spices: If you’re not a fan of strong flavors, start with half the amount of garlic powder or Italian seasoning and adjust to taste as you mix.
• Let it rest: After baking, allow the casserole to sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set up a bit and makes serving easier!

Variations of the Unstuffed Pepper Casserole

One of the best things about my unstuffed pepper casserole is how easily it adapts to your tastes and what you have on hand! Here are some fun variations you might enjoy:

• Different Proteins: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian option. You could also use diced chicken breast if you’re looking for something a bit different.
• Veggie Power: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like corn, zucchini, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition. They blend beautifully and add a lovely texture!
• Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to give your casserole a spicy kick.
• Herb Variations: Change up the Italian seasoning with taco seasoning for a southwestern twist, or try using fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an aromatic boost!

These variations make it easy to keep things exciting while still enjoying the comfort of this classic dish!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing leftovers from your unstuffed pepper casserole is a breeze! Once it’s completely cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for quick meals later in the week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual portions by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through. This way, you’ll savor all that delicious flavor just like the first time you made it!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying comfort food like this unstuffed pepper casserole, it’s nice to know what you’re getting! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information per serving (1 cup):

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 20g
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fiber: 2g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and any modifications you make. It’s always a good idea to check the packaging of your ingredients if you’re looking for precise numbers!

FAQ Section

Can I make this unstuffed pepper casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

What can I substitute for ground beef?
If you prefer a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works great! For a vegetarian twist, try using lentils or black beans instead—both add a hearty texture.

Can I use frozen bell peppers?
Yes, frozen bell peppers are a convenient option! Just toss them in straight from the freezer, but keep in mind they may release a bit more moisture, so you might want to adjust cooking time slightly.

How do I reheat leftovers?
To reheat, simply warm the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions if you prefer!

Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, this unstuffed pepper casserole is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free rice and check your seasoning for any hidden gluten. It’s a comforting meal suitable for everyone!

Unstuffed Pepper Casserole: 5 Heartwarming Comforts

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A comforting unstuffed pepper casserole that is easy to prepare and satisfying.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 2 bell peppers, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook until they are soft.
4. Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

• You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Substitute brown rice for white rice for a healthier option.
• Add other vegetables like corn or zucchini for extra nutrition.
• For a vegetarian version, replace meat with lentils or beans.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: unstuffed pepper casserole, easy casserole, comfort food