Ground Beef And Rice Casserole With Peppers

Name: Ground Beef And Rice Casserole With Peppers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup uncooked rice; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup chopped bell peppers (red, yellow, green); 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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When I first made this Ground Beef and Rice Casserole with Peppers, I was looking for a hearty dish that could feed my whole family without breaking the bank. The combination of savory ground beef, hearty rice, and a medley of colorful bell peppers creates a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and requires just one dish, which makes clean-up a breeze. My family absolutely loved it, and I’m sure yours will too!

Created by

Elodie March

Last updated on 2026-02-23T22:33:36.556Z

Creating this casserole was a delightful experience, and the aroma that filled my kitchen while it baked was truly heavenly. I experimented with different spices and settled on paprika and garlic powder, which added just the right amount of flavor to the beef and peppers. I learned that browning the beef properly before mixing it with the rice makes a significant difference in depth of flavor.

One tip I discovered is to use a mix of colorful bell peppers. Not only do they add a vibrant look to the dish, but each color offers its own unique sweetness that enhances the overall taste. Trust me on this; it elevates the dish from ordinary to extraordinary!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Savory ground beef complemented by fresh, colorful peppers
Simple one-dish preparation saves time on cleanup
A family-friendly recipe that pleases both kids and adults

Understanding the Ingredients

The harmony of flavors in this Ground Beef and Rice Casserole with Peppers largely depends on the quality of your ingredients. The ground beef provides the protein base and infuses the dish with a rich, savory flavor. Choose a ground beef with a fat content of around 80/20 for the best balance of flavor and moisture. For an extra layer of taste, consider using grass-fed beef, which usually has more robust flavor and nutrients.

Bell peppers serve not just as a colorful addition but also add a sweetness that balances the savory aspects of the beef. Mix different colors of peppers—red, yellow, and green—not only for visual appeal but for layered flavors too. If you want to experiment, you can substitute bell peppers with zucchini or mushrooms, which will change the texture but still provide a delicious outcome.

Tips for Cooking and Baking

While browning the beef, make sure to use a large skillet that allows for even cooking. A stainless steel or cast-iron skillet works best as they can reach high temperatures and create a nice sear on the beef. Keep an eye on the beef and stir occasionally until it is browned but not overcooked; you're aiming for perfectly cooked meat, which might take around 5-7 minutes on medium heat.

When baking the casserole, covering it with foil during the first half of the cooking ensures that the rice cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors without drying out. It’s also essential to check the rice for doneness before adding the cheese. If your rice isn’t tender after the initial baking time, leave it covered and continue to bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

This casserole is perfect for serving alongside a simple green salad or crusty bread, which can help soak up any delicious juices. If you want to elevate the dish further, consider garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh flavor explosion. For some added heat, serve with a side of hot sauce or pickled jalapeños.

If you find yourself with leftovers—or you want to meal prep—this casserole keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly and store. For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your casserole.

Casserole Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 cup uncooked rice
2 cups beef broth
1 cup chopped bell peppers (red, yellow, green)
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Make sure you have everything ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious casserole.

Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat, if necessary, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent.

Mix Ingredients

Stir in the rice and beef broth into the skillet. Add the bell peppers, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well and bring to a simmer.

Bake the Casserole

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize your casserole by adding other vegetables like corn or green beans for added nutrition!

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to reduce carbs, consider substituting the rice with cauliflower rice. This will maintain the casserole's texture while lowering calories. However, be cautious not to overcook the cauliflower rice; add it in the last 15 minutes of baking to retain some bite.

For a healthier twist, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. They are leaner proteins that will still deliver a hearty flavor, particularly if you season them well. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly since these proteins can cook faster than beef.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find your casserole is too dry after baking, it may be due to not enough liquid during the cooking process. Ensure the beef broth is accurately measured, as this directly impacts the moisture content. If you ever face a dry casserole, consider adding a splash of beef broth before reheating to revive the dish.

Another common issue can be uneven cooking, particularly with the rice. If the rice isn't fully cooked after the first 30 minutes, remember to keep the dish covered and allow it to bake a bit longer—this will trap steam and help the rice finish cooking while soaking up all the flavors.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice. Just keep in mind it may require additional cooking time and more broth.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

→ Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.

→ What can I serve with this casserole?

It pairs nicely with a simple salad or some crusty bread to soak up any juices.