If you’re a fan of classic comfort food but crave a one-dish wonder that saves you time and effort, this Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe is about to be your new favorite. It delivers all the flavors you adore from traditional stuffed peppers—savory meat, vibrant bell peppers, aromatic spices—layered together in a hearty, cheesy bake. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, every forkful is a cozy hug of bold colors, melty cheese, and satisfying textures that make dinnertime easy and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in a handful of everyday ingredients, each playing a key role in building flavor, color, and richness. Let’s take a look at the essentials that make this Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe so irresistible.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps the beef brown beautifully.
- Lean ground beef: The main protein—juicy, hearty, and oh-so satisfying.
- Yellow onion (diced): Balances savory flavors with a touch of sweetness.
- Garlic (minced): Brings bold aroma and depth to every bite.
- Red bell pepper (chopped): Adds vibrant color and a juicy, mild sweetness.
- Green bell pepper (chopped): Offers a slight tang and a beautiful contrast in color.
- Italian seasoning: Blends in herbs for that classic, familiar seasoning note.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth without overwhelming other flavors.
- Canned diced tomatoes (with juice): Delivers moisture, brightness, and a little tangy zip.
- Canned tomato sauce: Enriches the casserole with its smooth, velvety texture.
- Cooked white rice: Fluffy and filling, it ties all the ingredients together.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey goodness with a sharp punch.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds a creamy, stretchy element that makes every bite irresistible.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkled on top for a fresh, herby finish and color pop.
How to Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Start with the Sauté
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you are. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium. Add your ground beef and cook, stirring and breaking it apart, until it’s nicely browned. Once the meat is cooked through, drain any excess fat for a lighter casserole base.
Step 2: Add the Aromatics
Sprinkle in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together with the beef for about 2–3 minutes until the onion turns soft and fragrant. This simple step fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and builds a flavorful foundation for your Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe.
Step 3: Toss in the Bell Peppers
Add both the chopped red and green bell peppers to the skillet. Let them cook for another 5 minutes. This short sizzle keeps the peppers crisp-tender, adding bite and beautiful color to every spoonful.
Step 4: Spice and Tomato Time
Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Then mix in the canned diced tomatoes with their juice and the tomato sauce. Everything should be well combined and simmer just enough to blend the flavors—your kitchen will smell incredible.
Step 5: Stir in the Rice
Now that your base is bubbling, stir in the cooked white rice. This pulls the whole mixture together, absorbing flavors and making the casserole gloriously hearty. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses generously over the top. Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is golden, gooey, and bubbling.
Step 7: Cool and Garnish
Let your casserole cool for a few minutes to set slightly. Top with a flourish of fresh parsley for a wonderful finishing touch, then serve up generous slices of this family-friendly favorite.
How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For a pop of color and a bright, fresh taste, sprinkle the finished casserole with chopped fresh parsley right before serving. If you love a little kick, add sliced jalapeños or a dusting of crushed red pepper. Even a dollop of sour cream on each portion gives your Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe that extra creamy touch everyone loves.
Side Dishes
This casserole is truly a meal-on-its-own, but if you want to round out your table, serve it alongside a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies. The flavors play well with simple sides, making your dinner feel special with minimal effort.
Creative Ways to Present
Try scooping the casserole into individual ramekins for personal servings at a dinner party, or stuff it back into halved, roasted bell peppers for an extra fun presentation. You can even make Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe muffins using a muffin tin for snack-size bites that are perfect for little hands or party platters.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole keeps like a dream. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—the flavors only get tastier as they meld together.
Freezing
If you want to save some for a busy night, let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or portion individual servings into airtight freezer containers. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly. If you’re in a rush, microwave individual servings covered until heated through. Either way, your Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe will taste just as comforting as when it was first baked.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Both ground turkey and chicken work wonderfully, yielding a lighter casserole while still packing in plenty of flavor. Just brown your meat as usual and follow the recipe from there.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Definitely. Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute, or try lentils or finely chopped mushrooms for a hearty, meatless version. You’ll still enjoy all those classic stuffed pepper flavors.
Can I use brown rice or quinoa?
Yes, you can swap in brown rice or quinoa for the white rice. Both options add extra fiber and a slightly nutty flavor, making your Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe a wholesome, filling meal.
How spicy is this casserole?
This recipe is family-friendly and mild, so don’t worry if you have little ones or spice-sensitive eaters. If you want more heat, feel free to toss in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
Can I assemble it ahead of time?
Certainly! You can assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to baking time when preparing it straight from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner hero, this Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe is here to rescue your meal plan. It’s comforting, easy to make, and guaranteed to bring smiles to your table. Give it a try—I know your family (and your taste buds) will fall in love with every cheesy, savory bite.
Print
Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe is a delicious twist on traditional stuffed peppers, combining all the flavors in an easy-to-make casserole. With layers of seasoned ground beef, colorful bell peppers, rice, and gooey cheese, this hearty dish is perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add Vegetables: Add diced onion and garlic, sauté until softened. Stir in chopped bell peppers and cook for 5 minutes.
- Season and Combine: Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and cooked rice. Stir until well combined and heated through.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top. Bake for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Brown rice or quinoa also work well in place of white rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
