This Deconstructed Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a quick and easy dinner option that offers all the classic flavors of traditional stuffed peppers without the hassle. The savory beef filling gets cooked with peppers in a skillet, making it a delicious one-pan meal. Serve this unstuffed pepper casserole with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a complete dinner! This dish is perfect for busy weeknights as it only takes 30 minutes to prepare.
Heat the oil in a large deep skillet (at least 3-½ quart capacity with a lid). Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is soft.
Add the ground beef and break it up as it cooks and browns. Push the ground beef aside and use a spoon or baster to remove any excess grease.
Add the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Stir well to break up the tomato paste.
Add the diced tomatoes, rice, chicken broth, and diced peppers. Stir well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, lower the heat to medium-low, and cover the skillet. Cook for 18 minutes without lifting the lid.
Remove the lid and stir in 1 cup of cheese until it melts. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top of the casserole and cover it for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese melts on top.
Notes
If you don’t have a large enough skillet to make this meal, you can cook it in a Dutch oven or large pot. You need a pot or skillet that has a lid and will hold 3-½ quarts.
You can use long-grain white rice, Jasmine rice, or Basmati rice in this recipe.
If you want to use cooked rice, wait until the last 7 minutes of cooking time and add the cooked rice.