Unstuffed Green Pepper Casserole

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.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 large green bell peppers, diced into 1-inch pieces
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup white or brown rice, uncooked
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for 3 minutes or until softened and fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the diced green bell peppers and cook for another 5 minutes until slightly tender.

Step 6

Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, uncooked rice, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Allow the mixture to come to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and let cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 9

Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Step 10

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.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Step 12

Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2393.8 grams (2393.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3181

Total Fat 174.60g	224%
Saturated Fat 70.20g	351%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 524mg	175%
Sodium 3857mg	168%
Total Carbohydrate 234.00g	85%
Dietary Fiber 21.00g	75%
Total Sugars 35.10g
Protein 161.30g	323%

Vitamin D 32IU	159%
Calcium 1929mg	148%
Iron 19mg	106%
Potassium 3441mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.8%

Protein: 20.5%

Carbs: 29.7%