Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Inside-Out Stuffed Peppers are a delicious twist on the classic stuffed pepper dish. Instead of hollowing out the peppers, this recipe combines all the savory ingredients, including ground beef, rice, and cheese, right in the casserole dish. The result is a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners. It’s a hearty one-pot dish that’s guaranteed to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes, cut up
1 large green pepper, chopped
1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice
1/2 cup water
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
Transfer the cooked beef to a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
Add the chopped onion, stewed tomatoes, green pepper, uncooked rice, water, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the casserole dish. Stir to combine.
Cover the casserole with a lid or foil and bake for about 1 hour, or until the rice is tender.
Uncover the casserole, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Add More Veggies: For added flavor and nutrients, try mixing in other vegetables like diced tomatoes, corn, or spinach.
Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to give the dish some heat.
Cheese Variety: If you’re not a fan of cheddar, you can use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
Ground Turkey or Chicken: Replace the ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the casserole in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but it will take longer to cook. Be sure to adjust the cooking time and add a little more water as needed.

2. Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

3. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

4. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of stewed tomatoes?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you may want to add a bit of extra seasoning to make up for the lack of flavor in canned stewed tomatoes.

5. Can I add more cheese to the casserole?

Absolutely! Feel free to sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking or even mix some into the casserole before baking for an extra cheesy dish.

6. Can I use a different kind of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile.

7. What should I serve with Inside-Out Stuffed Peppers?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.

8. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure the Worcestershire sauce you use is gluten-free.

9. Can I add beans to this dish?

Yes, you can add beans such as black beans or kidney beans for added protein and fiber.

10. How can I make this dish spicier?

To add heat, try adding a chopped jalapeño, chili powder, or some hot sauce to the mix.

Conclusion

Inside-Out Stuffed Peppers are a comforting and flavorful casserole that combines all the traditional stuffed pepper ingredients into an easy-to-make one-pan dish. With hearty ground beef, tender rice, and gooey cheese, this recipe is perfect for a satisfying family meal. It’s easy to customize and makes for great leftovers, too. Give it a try for a quick, flavorful dinner that will become a staple in your household!

Ezabella