Simple Stovetop Stuffed Pepper Casserole
If you’re craving the comforting flavors of stuffed peppers but don’t have the time for all that prep, this Simple Stovetop Stuffed Pepper Casserole is the answer! All the hearty ingredients—juicy ground beef, tender bell peppers, and rice—come together in one pan for a meal that’s both easy and deeply satisfying. With a touch of tomato sauce and a hint of seasoning, this dish brings classic stuffed pepper taste to the table in a fraction of the time. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a no-fuss dinner that everyone will love.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- 1 lb Ground Beef – Adds hearty flavor and protein; you can use lean ground beef to reduce fat content if preferred.
- 2 Green Peppers, diced – Fresh, crisp green bell peppers bring a mild sweetness and classic stuffed pepper taste to the dish.
- 1 Red Pepper, diced – Adds a pop of color and a slightly sweeter flavor than green peppers.
- 1 Medium Onion, diced – Aromatic and savory, the onion enhances the dish’s depth of flavor.
- 1 Tsp Oregano – This herb adds an earthy, slightly peppery taste and a Mediterranean touch.
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced – Infuses the skillet with a warm, bold flavor; adjust quantity to taste if you like more or less garlic.
- 2 Cups Beef Broth – Helps cook the rice and adds a rich, savory base to the skillet; use low-sodium broth if you prefer to control salt levels.
- 1 (15 oz) Can Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes – Adds a smoky depth and subtle sweetness, perfect for enhancing the flavor of the skillet.
- 1 (8 oz) Can Tomato Sauce – Provides a smooth, tangy base to help the ingredients meld together.
- 1 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar – Adds a touch of acidity and a hint of sweetness, balancing out the savory flavors.
- 1 Cup Rice (your choice) – The hearty base of the dish; long-grain white or brown rice works well, or use your favorite rice variety.
- Salt and Ground Black Pepper, to taste – Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste preference.
- 2 Cups Monterey Jack Cheese – Creamy and melty with a mild, slightly tangy flavor, this cheese is perfect for creating a gooey, delicious topping.
WHY UNSTUFFED PEPPER CASSEROLE WILL BE A FAMILY FAVORITE?
- Easy One-Pan Meal – This unstuffed pepper skillet keeps cleanup to a minimum, making it a quick and hassle-free dinner option that everyone loves.
- Customizable Ingredients – With the option to switch up the veggies, protein, or cheese, you can adapt the recipe to suit everyone’s tastes and dietary needs.
- Classic Comfort Flavors – The familiar taste of stuffed peppers in a skillet makes this dish both satisfying and family-friendly—perfect for weeknights!
HOW TO MAKE ONE PAN UNSTUFFED PEPPER SKILLET MEAL?
Time needed: 40 minutes
- Saute the Beef and Vegetables:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 lb of ground beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up as it browns. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Add the diced green and red bell peppers (2 total), and 1 diced medium onion to the skillet. Sauté with the beef for 3-4 minutes, or until the veggies start to soften. Then, stir in 4 minced cloves of garlic and 1 tsp of oregano. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Liquid and Tomatoes:
Pour in 2 cups of beef broth, the 15 oz can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and the 8 oz can of tomato sauce. Stir everything together, then add 1 tbsp of balsamic vinegar for an extra depth of flavor. - Stir in Rice and Season:
Add 1 cup of rice (your choice of type) to the skillet, stirring it well into the sauce. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. - Simmer Until Rice is Tender:
Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - Add Cheese:
Once the rice is tender, sprinkle 2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Serve:
Give the skillet a good stir to mix the melted cheese throughout, then serve hot. Enjoy this comforting, flavorful unstuffed pepper skillet!
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Absolutely! You can prepare and assemble the casserole, refrigerate it, and bake it the next day. Add a few minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture to bring some heat to the dish.
Avoid using watery vegetables, and if using cooked rice, make sure to drain any excess moisture roasted tomatoes also add flavor without too much liquid.
You can add chopped zucchini, mushrooms, carrots, or even spinach for extra nutrition. Sauté them
the onions and peppers for best results.
UNSTUFFED PEPPER CASSEROLE RECIPE ADD-INS AND VARIATIONS:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version with a similar texture.
- Quinoa instead of Rice: Substitute quinoa for rice to add extra protein and fiber, and it cooks in about the same time.
- Add Italian Sausage: Mix in ground Italian sausage for a burst of flavor and a little spice, especially if you enjoy a more savory, robust taste.
- Cheddar or Mozzarella Cheese: Use cheddar or mozzarella instead of Monterey Jack, or mix cheeses for a custom flavor.
- Spicy Variation with Jalapeños: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, making it more like a Tex-Mex version.
- Vegetarian Option with Beans: Omit the meat and add black beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas for a hearty, vegetarian-friendly casserole.
CAN PEPPER CASSEROLE BE PREPARED USING OTHER COOKING METHODS?
To make this unstuffed pepper casserole in the crockpot, start by browning the ground beef with the onions, garlic, and diced peppers in a skillet over medium heat. Once the meat is fully cooked and the veggies are softened, transfer the mixture to the crockpot. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, balsamic vinegar, rice, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well to combine, then cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the rice is tender. About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the Monterey Jack cheese on top, allowing it to melt perfectly into the dish.
If you prefer to bake it in the oven, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brown the ground beef, onion, garlic, and peppers in a large skillet, then transfer them to a greased baking dish. Mix in the beef broth, fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, balsamic vinegar, rice, and seasonings, stirring until well combined. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 45–50 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked. In the last 10 minutes of baking, remove the foil, add the cheese, and let it melt for a gooey, delicious finish.
WHAT IS COMMONLY SERVED WITH STOVETOP UNSTUFFED PEPPERS?
This Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is a hearty and flavorful dish on its own, but it pairs perfectly with a variety of sides to round out the meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the savory, cheesy casserole, providing a fresh contrast. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are also great options to help soak up any leftover sauce. For a heartier addition, serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or roasted potatoes, making it a well-rounded, satisfying dinner for the whole family.
HOW DO YOU STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVER GROUND BEEF AND PEPPER CASSEROLE?
To store leftovers of your Unstuffed Pepper Skillet, simply place the cooled dish in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you can use the stovetop or microwave. On the stovetop, heat the dish over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. In the microwave, cover the container with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, until hot.
CAN LEFTOVER PEPPER SKILLET BE FROZEN FOR LATER CONSUMPTION?
Yes, leftovers of Unstuffed Pepper Skillet can be frozen for later consumption. To freeze, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. Be sure to label it with the date for easy tracking. The dish can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.
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Simple Stovetop Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Equipment
- Large Dutch Oven
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 2 Green Pepper (diced)
- 1 Red Pepper (diced)
- 1 Onion (diced)
- 1 Tsp Oregano
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 Cups Beef Broth
- 1 (15 oz Can) Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz Can) Tomato Sauce
- 1 Tbs Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 cup Rice (use your favorite)
- Salt and Ground Black Pepper (to taste)
- 2 Cups Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 lb of ground beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up as it browns. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Add the diced green and red bell peppers (2 total), and 1 diced medium onion to the skillet. Sauté with the beef for 3-4 minutes, or until the veggies start to soften. Then, stir in 4 minced cloves of garlic and 1 tsp of oregano. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Liquid and Tomatoes: Pour in 2 cups of beef broth, the 15 oz can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and the 8 oz can of tomato sauce. Stir everything together, then add 1 tbsp of balsamic vinegar for an extra depth of flavor.
- Stir in Rice and Season: Add 1 cup of rice (your choice of type) to the skillet, stirring it well into the sauce. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.
- Simmer Until Rice is Tender: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Cheese: Once the rice is tender, sprinkle 2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Give the skillet a good stir to mix the melted cheese throughout, then serve hot. Enjoy this comforting, flavorful unstuffed pepper skillet!