Stuffed Pepper Casserole

All the Flavor of Classic Stuffed Peppers in an Easy, Comforting Casserole

If you love traditional stuffed peppers but don’t love the extra work, Stuffed Pepper Casserole is the perfect solution. This hearty, comforting dish brings together savory ground beef, tender bell peppers, flavorful tomato sauce, perfectly cooked rice, and melted cheese—all baked together in one easy casserole.

It’s a family-friendly, budget-friendly, and meal-prep-friendly recipe that’s ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or make-ahead dinners. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

What Makes Stuffed Pepper Casserole So Popular?

Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a deconstructed version of classic stuffed peppers. Instead of stuffing each pepper individually, all the ingredients are combined and baked together. This makes the recipe:

• Faster to prepare
• Easier to cook
• Just as flavorful
• Perfect for feeding a crowd

You still get that familiar stuffed pepper taste—just without the hassle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-dish meal with easy cleanup
• Comforting and filling
• Uses simple, affordable ingredients
• Perfect for leftovers and freezing
• Customizable for different diets
• Kid-approved and family-friendly

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1½ pounds ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 3 large bell peppers (any color), diced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)

Tomato Base

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

Cheese Topping

• 1½–2 cups shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or a cheese blend

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Red pepper flakes for heat
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Ingredient Tips

• Bell peppers: Red and yellow peppers are sweeter; green peppers are more traditional
• Rice: Long-grain white rice cooks best in casseroles
• Meat: Ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter version
• Cheese: Cheddar adds sharpness, mozzarella adds stretch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a large 9×13-inch casserole dish and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.

Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming oily.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion and diced bell peppers to the skillet with the meat.

Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.

Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Step 4: Season the Mixture

Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and oregano.

Stir well so the seasonings evenly coat the meat and vegetables.

Step 5: Add Tomato Ingredients

Stir in:

• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste

Mix until everything is fully combined and simmer for 3–5 minutes.

Step 6: Add Rice and Broth

Stir in the uncooked rice, then slowly pour in the broth.

Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the rice to begin absorbing liquid.

Step 7: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
Spread it out evenly and cover tightly with aluminum foil.

Step 8: Bake

Bake covered for 40–45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 9: Add Cheese

Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.

Return to the oven uncovered and bake for 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
This helps everything set and makes serving easier.

Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Tips for the Best Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Cover tightly so the rice cooks properly
• Stir the mixture well before baking
• Let rest before serving for best texture
• Add extra cheese for a richer casserole
• Taste and adjust seasoning before baking

Recipe Variations

Low-Carb Version

Replace rice with cauliflower rice and reduce baking time.

Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Mix cream cheese or extra shredded cheese into the casserole before baking.

Spicy Version

Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes.

Vegetarian Version

Replace meat with lentils, beans, or plant-based crumbles.

What to Serve With Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Simple green salad
• Steamed broccoli or green beans

This dish is hearty enough to be a full meal on its own.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Can I use cooked rice?
Yes, but reduce the broth and baking time.

Does this freeze well?
Yes, it’s perfect for freezer meals.

Final Thoughts

Stuffed Pepper Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—easy, flavorful, filling, and perfect for busy families. With all the classic stuffed pepper flavors in a simple one-dish meal, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd, this casserole is reliable, delicious, and always a hit