Transform your favorite stuffed green peppers into a hearty, one-pan delight with this Unstuffed Green Pepper Casserole! Perfectly seasoned ground beef (or turkey for a lighter twist) is combined with tender bell peppers, fragrant garlic, and savory onions, then layered with diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and a touch of Italian seasoning for a bold, comforting flavor. With fluffy rice cooked directly in the casserole and gooey mozzarella melted on top, this dish delivers all the beloved stuffed pepper flavors without the extra hassle. Ideal for busy weeknights, this 40-minute oven-baked casserole is a family-friendly meal that serves six generously. Garnish with fresh parsley and pair with a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying dinner.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for 3 minutes or until softened and fragrant.
Stir in the diced green bell peppers and cook for another 5 minutes until slightly tender.
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, uncooked rice, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Allow the mixture to come to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and let cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
After 25 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, and return to the oven uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy!
Calories |
3181 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 174.6 g | 224% | |
| Saturated Fat | 70.2 g | 351% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 524 mg | 174% | |
| Sodium | 3857 mg | 168% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 234.0 g | 85% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.0 g | 75% | |
| Total Sugars | 35.1 g | ||
| Protein | 161.3 g | 323% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 1929 mg | 148% | |
| Iron | 19.1 mg | 106% | |
| Potassium | 3441 mg | 73% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.