Deconstructed Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
This Deconstructed Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines ground pork and beef with aromatic spices, bell peppers, rice, and tomatoes. It mimics the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers but with less fuss and more convenience, topped with melted cheddar cheese and a garnish of fresh parsley for a satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon pepper, or to taste
Other Ingredients
- ½ cup uncooked rice
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 14 ounces diced tomatoes, with juice (1 can)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Sour cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and ground beef, breaking them apart with a spoon as they cook. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the meat is no longer pink and is evenly browned.
- Sauté Vegetables and Season: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the cooked meat. Stir in smoked paprika, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, dried dill, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the spices become fragrant.
- Add Rice and Liquids: Stir in the uncooked rice, then pour in the low sodium chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Reduce heat to medium and allow the mixture to cook uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is fully cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Top with Cheese and Garnish: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole. Let it melt for a couple of minutes while still on the heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve: Spoon the casserole onto plates and serve immediately. Optionally, add a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
Notes
- You can substitute the ground pork or beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.
- For a spicier casserole, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference.
- Brown rice can be used instead of white rice, but increase the cooking time and liquid slightly to ensure it cooks fully.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- This recipe can be made vegetarian by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Keywords: Deconstructed Stuffed Pepper Casserole, stuffed pepper recipe, ground beef casserole, ground pork recipe, easy dinner, one-pan meal, comforting casserole