If you love the hearty flavor of traditional stuffed peppers but crave something quicker and easier for busy weeknights, Stuffed Pepper Casserole is your new best friend. This cozy one-dish wonder layers all the familiar favorites—juicy ground beef, tender rice, colorful bell peppers, and plenty of gooey cheese—into a bubbly bake that’s as festive as it is delicious. With simple prep, big flavor, and just the right amount of comfort, you’ll want to make this classic again and again!

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how pantry-friendly and straightforward this list is, yet every ingredient truly brings something special to Stuffed Pepper Casserole. Together, they create a vibrant, cheesy, and satisfying meal that wins rave reviews from both kids and adults! Let’s look at each element and what it adds to the dish.

Olive oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps brown the beef for better flavor.
Ground beef: The hearty base of the casserole, but feel free to swap in turkey or chicken for a lighter twist.
Onion (chopped): Adds savory depth and a subtle sweetness to balance the tomatoes.
Garlic (minced): Brightens every bite with classic aromatic notes.
Bell peppers (any color, diced): The superstar staple, they bring gorgeous color, sweetness, and crunch.
Italian seasoning: A simple way to infuse just the right hit of herbs—think basil, oregano, and thyme.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that tie everything together.
Uncooked long-grain white rice: Soaks up all the juices and helps make the casserole so satisfying.
Beef broth: Provides robust flavor and ensures the rice cooks up perfectly tender.
Canned diced tomatoes (with juice): Adds moisture, tang, and a vibrant tomato flavor throughout.
Tomato sauce: Helps everything meld together with a touch of luscious sauciness.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully on top for that irresistible, cheesy finish.
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Brings freshness and a pop of color to the finished dish.

How to Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s good and hot once you’re ready to bake. In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil and cook your ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it browns. This is the foundation of your Stuffed Pepper Casserole, bringing in all that savory, meaty flavor. If you see a lot of extra fat in the pan, go ahead and drain it off for a lighter result.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Peppers

Add your chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers to the skillet with the beef. Sauté everything together for about 5 minutes, or until the peppers are soft and the onions are translucent. This step is where you infuse loads of flavor and build the colorful, veggie-packed base that makes this casserole so special.

Step 3: Season and Combine

Sprinkle in your Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, stirring well to coat the beef and veggies. Next, add the uncooked rice, beef broth, canned diced tomatoes (with juice), and tomato sauce. Stir everything together until it’s thoroughly combined—a glorious mix that promises a satisfying bite in every forkful. Bring the whole mixture to a gentle simmer to start infusing the flavors and allow the rice to begin absorbing that tasty liquid.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Transfer your skillet mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so every bite gets all the good stuff! Cover the dish tightly with foil to lock in moisture and bake for 35 minutes. The rice will cook through, soaking up all those rich juices for classic stuffed pepper vibes, but with none of the fuss.

Step 5: Add the Cheese and Finish Baking

Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the casserole, and pop it back in the oven—uncovered—for about 10 minutes, or until that cheese is golden, melted, and bubbly. Trust me: this final step takes Stuffed Pepper Casserole right over the top!

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Let your masterpiece rest for 5 minutes before serving. This gives the juices a chance to settle so every scoop holds together nicely. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and a little herby freshness, if you like.

How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Garnishes

A shower of fresh parsley is always lovely atop Stuffed Pepper Casserole, but you could absolutely get creative! Try a few sliced green onions, a pinch of crushed red pepper for a kick, or even a dollop of sour cream for cool contrast. The garnish is your chance to add the perfect finishing touch and a little personal flair.

Side Dishes

While this casserole is a meal in itself, it shines even brighter alongside a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette, some warm garlic bread, or roasted veggies all make delicious partners. These sides round out the meal while letting the bold, homey flavors of the Stuffed Pepper Casserole take center stage.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try scooping individual portions into colorful bell pepper “cups” for a playful nod to the original stuffed peppers. Or serve spoonfuls in small bowls topped with extra cheese for a comforting, bowl-food vibe at parties or potlucks. However you serve it, this casserole turns any meal into something worth celebrating.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, Stuffed Pepper Casserole keeps very well! Cool any extras completely, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making reheated portions just as delicious.

Freezing

This casserole is a freezer hero. Portion leftovers into airtight containers, or wrap the whole (cooled) casserole in plastic wrap and foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to three months. Remember to label and date your stash—it’s a lifesaver on busy nights!

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm smaller portions in the microwave, or reheat larger portions (covered with foil) in a 350°F oven until heated through. If the casserole seems a little dry, add a splash of broth or water before reheating to revive its comforting moisture.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely! Just swap in uncooked brown rice, but increase both the broth and baking time a bit, as brown rice takes longer to cook and needs more liquid to reach tender perfection.

Is it possible to make Stuffed Pepper Casserole vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and substitute with cooked lentils, plant-based meat, or additional veggies like zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a flavorful, meatless version.

Can I prep this casserole ahead of time?

You bet! Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the covered bake time to ensure everything is heated through.

What kind of cheese works best?

Cheddar cheese is classic here, but you can definitely mix in (or swap for) Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper Jack for extra creaminess or a bit of heat. Use what you love!

How can I make Stuffed Pepper Casserole spicier?

If you like things with a little kick, add a pinch or two of crushed red pepper flakes, use hot Italian sausage instead of ground beef, or top servings with jalapeno slices or your favorite hot sauce.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s as joyful to make as it is to eat, you’ll adore this Stuffed Pepper Casserole. It brings all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers together in a fuss-free, family-style bake that’s sure to find its way onto your regular dinner rotation. Give it a try and share the comfort—your tastebuds and your loved ones will thank you!

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Stuffed Pepper Casserole recipe is a hearty and satisfying dish that combines all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers in an easy-to-make casserole. With tender bell peppers, seasoned ground beef, rice, and gooey melted cheese, this comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 bell peppers, diced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
2 cups beef broth
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juice
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

For Garnish (optional):

Chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef in olive oil until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add Vegetables and Seasoning: Add onion, garlic, and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté until softened. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Add Rice and Liquids: Stir in uncooked rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Bring to a simmer.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
Add Cheese: Remove foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted.
Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.