Unstuffed Pepper Bake

Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this easy and flavorful Unstuffed Pepper Bake! Packed with tender ground beef, colorful bell peppers, hearty white rice, and a rich tomato-based sauce, this crowd-pleasing casserole delivers all the classic flavors of stuffed peppers—without the fuss. Topped with a generous layer of gooey mozzarella cheese and baked to perfection, it's a comforting, one-dish meal that's ready in under an hour. Perfect for busy families or meal prep, this baked dish is loaded with wholesome ingredients and seasoned with Italian herbs and smoky paprika for a burst of flavor in every bite. Serve it fresh out of the oven or enjoy leftovers for a satisfying lunch the next day!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 green bell pepper
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 yellow bell pepper
• 1 onion
• 3 garlic cloves
• 2 cups white rice, cooked
• 15 oz crushed tomatoes, canned
• 8 oz tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Wash the bell peppers and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.

Step 4

Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell peppers to the skillet with the browned beef. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables soften.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Add the cooked white rice to the skillet and mix well to combine.

Step 7

Transfer the mixture to a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 8

Top the casserole with shredded mozzarella cheese, spreading the cheese evenly over the top.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2556.5 grams (2556.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2578

Total Fat 138.30g	177%
Saturated Fat 56.90g	285%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.60g
Cholesterol 442mg	147%
Sodium 5542mg	241%
Total Carbohydrate 194.00g	71%
Dietary Fiber 21.20g	76%
Total Sugars 35.60g
Protein 146.60g	293%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1504mg	116%
Iron 20mg	111%
Potassium 3509mg	75%

*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: 47.7%

Protein: 22.5%

Carbs: 29.8%