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Dump-and-bake stuffed pepper casserole with visible peppers, ground beef, and rice.

Classic Dump-and-Bake Stuffed Pepper Casserole

This classic dump-and-bake stuffed pepper casserole is a convenient and delicious one-dish meal. It features ground meat, rice, bell peppers, and a savory tomato sauce, all baked to perfection with a cheesy topping.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat Mixture
  • 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetables & Sauce
  • 3-4 medium bell peppers, any color, chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 can (14.5 ounce) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (15 ounce) tomato sauce
  • 1.5 cups beef or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce optional
Topping
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or blend)

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • large bowl
  • medium bowl
  • aluminum foil

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Assemble the Casserole
  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, uncooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; mix gently.
  2. Spread the meat mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  3. Scatter the chopped bell peppers over the meat and rice mixture.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, broth, and optional Worcestershire sauce.
  5. Pour the liquid mixture evenly over the peppers and meat, then cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake and Serve
  1. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the meat is cooked through.
  2. Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, and return to the oven for 5-10 minutes until melted and bubbly.
  3. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the casserole to set.

Notes

This recipe is easily adaptable. Feel free to use any color of bell peppers you prefer. For a richer flavor, you can use a mix of ground beef and sausage. Make sure to cover the casserole tightly with foil during the initial baking to ensure even cooking of the rice. If you like a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture, or use a spicy variety of bell pepper.