Cheesy Inside-Out Green Pepper Casserole
Savor the deliciousness of stuffed green peppers without the fuss! This Cheesy Inside-Out Green Pepper Casserole combines the classic flavors you love into an effortless one-dish meal. Ground beef, tender rice, and juicy tomatoes meld together with vibrant green peppers and gooey cheese, creating a cozy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a family gathering. Your loved ones will be asking for seconds, and you’ll appreciate the minimal prep time and cleanup involved.
4-6
Servings
200
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Beef
1 lb (browned and drained)
Chopped Onion
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
Stewed Tomatoes
1 (16 ounce) can (cut up)
Green Pepper
1 large (chopped (or several green peppers, to taste))
Long Grain Rice
1/2 cup (uncooked)
Water
1/2 cup (added as is)
Worcestershire Sauce
2 teaspoons (added as is)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (added as is)
Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (added as is)
Shredded Cheese
4 ounces (or more, to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
3
Transfer the beef mixture to a greased 2-quart casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
4
Add the stewed tomatoes (with their juices), chopped green pepper, uncooked long grain rice, water, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
5
Stir the mixture well to combine all ingredients.
6
Cover the casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil, and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
7
After the baking time, remove the cover and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
8
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9
Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
20g
Carbs
12g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Inside-Out Green Pepper Casserole?
It is a deconstructed version of stuffed green peppers that combines ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and peppers into a simple, one-dish baked meal.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 4 to 6 servings.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories, 9g of fat, 20g of carbohydrates, 12g of protein, and 1g of fiber.
Do I need to cook the rice before adding it to the casserole?
No, you use 1/2 cup of uncooked long grain rice. It will cook in the oven using the liquid from the tomatoes and added water.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long should the casserole bake?
The casserole should bake covered for 1 hour, followed by an additional 5 minutes uncovered to melt the cheese.
Can I substitute the ground beef with another meat?
Yes, you can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative.
What type of cheese works best for the topping?
While the recipe calls for 4 ounces of shredded cheese, sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend works perfectly.
Do I have to drain the stewed tomatoes?
No, do not drain them. The juices from the can are necessary to provide the moisture needed to cook the rice.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A greased 2-quart casserole dish is the recommended size for these ingredient quantities.
Can I use brown rice instead of long grain white rice?
You can, but brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time, so you may need to adjust the water and baking duration.
Is it necessary to brown the beef before baking?
Yes, you should brown the beef and onion in a skillet and drain the fat before placing it in the casserole dish to ensure proper texture and flavor.
Should I cover the dish while it's in the oven?
Yes, cover it with a lid or aluminum foil for the first hour to trap steam and cook the rice, then remove it to melt the cheese.
What if my rice is still crunchy after an hour?
If the rice is still firm, add a splash more water, re-cover, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before sealing and freezing for up to 3 months.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
You can add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or use a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies instead of plain stewed tomatoes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check your Worcestershire sauce label as some brands contain barley malt vinegar.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
You can, but you will need to add extra salt and perhaps a bit more water since canned stewed tomatoes are seasoned and very juicy.
What is the role of Worcestershire sauce in this dish?
It adds a savory, umami depth that complements the beef and tomatoes.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely. Diced carrots, corn, or black beans would be great additions to increase the fiber and nutrient content.
What is the best way to reheat the casserole?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or the whole dish in a 350 degree oven until heated through.
Does the recipe contain any sugar?
There is no added sugar in this recipe, though there may be small amounts of natural sugar in the tomatoes and onion.
How much onion is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion.
Can I use instant rice?
If using instant rice, you will need to significantly reduce the baking time and liquid, otherwise the rice will become mushy.
Why is it called 'Inside-Out'?
It is called 'Inside-Out' because the ingredients usually found inside a stuffed pepper are mixed together in a casserole instead.
Can I use different colored bell peppers?
Yes, red, yellow, or orange bell peppers can be used for a sweeter flavor profile.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, greasing the 2-quart dish helps prevent the rice and cheese from sticking to the sides.
Is there a specific prep for the green peppers?
The green peppers should be chopped into bite-sized pieces before being stirred into the mixture.
How long should I let it cool before serving?
Letting it sit for 5-10 minutes helps the casserole set and makes it easier to serve.