Stuffed Pepper Rice Bake: A Flavorful and Easy Weeknight Dinner

Craving the comforting flavors of stuffed peppers but short on time? This Stuffed Pepper Rice Bake is the perfect solution! It captures all the deliciousness of traditional stuffed peppers in a convenient and satisfying casserole. This recipe is easy to customize, making it a great way to use up leftover ingredients and create a healthy and flavorful meal that the whole family will love.

## Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Pepper Rice Bake

* **Easy to make:** No need to precook the peppers or painstakingly stuff each one. Simply layer the ingredients in a baking dish and let the oven do the work.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of seasoned ground meat, rice, peppers, tomatoes, and cheese creates a symphony of flavors.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by using different types of meat, vegetables, or cheese.
* **Healthy:** Packed with vegetables and lean protein, this bake is a nutritious and satisfying meal.
* **Great for Meal Prep:** This Stuffed Pepper Rice Bake reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping lunches or dinners for the week.
* **Budget-friendly:** Uses common ingredients that are often already in your pantry.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Ground Meat:** 1 pound ground beef, ground turkey, or ground sausage. You can also use a plant-based ground meat substitute.
* **Onion:** 1 medium onion, chopped.
* **Bell Peppers:** 2-3 bell peppers (any color), chopped. Using a variety of colors adds visual appeal.
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves garlic, minced.
* **Cooked Rice:** 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or wild rice all work well). Make sure it is cooled down a bit, so it does not interfere with baking.
* **Diced Tomatoes:** 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained.
* **Tomato Sauce:** 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce.
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons tomato paste.
* **Beef Broth (or Vegetable Broth):** 1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth.
* **Italian Seasoning:** 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning.
* **Paprika:** 1 teaspoon paprika.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Shredded Cheese:** 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh parsley, chopped green onions, sour cream, or hot sauce.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Skillet or Dutch Oven:** For browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables.
* **9×13 inch Baking Dish:** For baking the casserole.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For combining the rice mixture.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons**
* **Knife and Cutting Board**

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this delicious Stuffed Pepper Rice Bake:

### Step 1: Prepare the Ground Meat and Vegetables

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent sticking.
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground meat over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody likes greasy ground meat.
3. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook until the onions are softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir to prevent burning.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

### Step 2: Make the Rice Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth (or vegetable broth), Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients. The moisture helps everything meld together during baking.

### Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Spread half of the rice mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. This forms the base of the bake.
2. Top with the cooked ground meat and vegetable mixture. Spread it out to cover the rice.
3. Spread the remaining rice mixture over the meat and vegetables. Make sure to cover the meat evenly.
4. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. This will create a delicious cheesy crust.

### Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help to keep the casserole moist and prevent the cheese from burning. Do not skip this step.
2. Bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. Baking time might vary based on your oven.
3. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together further.

### Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Garnish with fresh parsley, chopped green onions, sour cream, or hot sauce, if desired.
2. Serve hot and enjoy! This Stuffed Pepper Rice Bake is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a side salad or crusty bread.

## Tips and Variations

* **Use different types of meat:** Try using ground turkey, ground sausage, or even shredded chicken. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based ground meat or lentils.
* **Add more vegetables:** Incorporate other vegetables like corn, zucchini, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrients. If adding vegetables that release a lot of water, you may need to adjust the amount of broth.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the rice mixture for a spicier kick.
* **Use different types of cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, Monterey jack, or provolone.
* **Make it cheesy:** For an extra cheesy bake, stir some shredded cheese into the rice mixture before layering.
* **Add a layer of cream cheese:** For a richer, creamier flavor, spread a thin layer of cream cheese over the ground meat mixture.
* **Make it in a slow cooker:** Brown the meat and vegetables as directed. Then, layer all of the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
* **Make it ahead of time:** Assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
* **Freeze it:** Let the baked casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
* **Rice variations:** Use quinoa, barley, or couscous instead of rice.
* **Pepper variations:** Poblano peppers can add a mild spicy kick. Anaheim peppers provide a slightly sweet flavor.
* **Herb Variations:** Fresh basil, oregano, or thyme can be substituted for Italian seasoning, or used in addition to it.
* **Adjust the liquid:** If the rice bake seems dry while baking, add a bit more broth (1/4 cup at a time). Conversely, if it seems too wet, remove the foil for a longer period to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
* **Don’t overcook the rice:** Be mindful of the rice texture after baking. Using precooked rice helps prevent mushiness.
* **Consider fire-roasted tomatoes:** Fire-roasted diced tomatoes can add a smoky depth of flavor to the dish.

## Serving Suggestions

This Stuffed Pepper Rice Bake is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bake.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt:** A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a cool and creamy element.
* **Hot Sauce:** For those who like a little heat, a drizzle of hot sauce is a perfect addition.
* **Guacamole or Avocado:** Adds a creamy and healthy element.
* **Cornbread:** A sweet cornbread pairs nicely with the savory flavors of the bake.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 450-550 per serving (depending on ingredients used)
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams

## Make it Vegan

To make this recipe vegan, substitute the following:

* **Ground Meat:** Use a plant-based ground meat substitute, such as Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger.
* **Cheese:** Use a vegan shredded cheese alternative. Many brands offer good melting properties now.
* **Beef Broth:** Use vegetable broth.

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Store leftover Stuffed Pepper Rice Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat in the microwave, oven, or skillet. To reheat in the oven, cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. To reheat in the microwave, heat in short intervals until warmed. To reheat in a skillet, add a little oil and cook over medium heat until heated through.

## Conclusion

This Stuffed Pepper Rice Bake is a winner! It’s a simple, satisfying, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. With its customizable ingredients and easy preparation, you can create a delicious and healthy meal that everyone will enjoy. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a hearty and comforting Stuffed Pepper Rice Bake!