If you love classic stuffed peppers but want something quicker, easier, and just as delicious, this stuffed pepper casserole recipe is the perfect solution. It delivers all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed peppers — savory ground meat, tender bell peppers, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheese — in a simple one-dish meal.
Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
This easy stuffed pepper casserole is popular for many reasons:
- ✅ Quick and easy to prepare
- ✅ One-pan comfort meal
- ✅ Perfect for meal prep
- ✅ Budget-friendly ingredients
- ✅ Family-friendly flavors
- ✅ Customizable with different proteins and grains
- ✅ Less work than traditional stuffed peppers
Instead of stuffing individual peppers, everything cooks together in one dish — saving time while keeping all the delicious flavor.
Ingredients for Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Here’s everything you need to make a classic stuffed pepper casserole.
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 3 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked white rice (or cooked rice for faster prep)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Add-Ins
- Mushrooms
- Corn
- Black beans
- Red pepper flakes
- Worcestershire sauce
- Fresh parsley or basil
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- 9×13 baking dish or casserole dish
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing spoon
How to Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create a perfectly cooked casserole.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your casserole dish.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Meat
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
Add chopped onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 4: Add Rice and Sauce
Mix in:
- Uncooked rice
- Diced tomatoes
- Tomato sauce
- Beef broth
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
Stir well and let simmer for 3–4 minutes.
Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Cover tightly with foil.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
Step 7: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips for the Best Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Use Fresh Bell Peppers
Fresh peppers provide better texture and sweetness. A mix of colors adds visual appeal and flavor variety.
Don’t Skip the Simmer Step
Simmering ingredients before baking helps blend flavors and ensures even cooking.
Cover While Baking
Cover the traps with a lid, allowing the rice to cook properly.
Let It Rest Before Serving
Resting helps the casserole set and improves texture.
Recipe Variations You Can Try
This stuffed pepper casserole recipe is extremely versatile.
Ground Turkey Version
Replace ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter meal.
Low-Carb Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
Vegetarian Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Substitute meat with:
- Lentils
- Black beans
- Chickpeas
- Plant-based meat alternatives
Spicy Version
Add jalapeños, chili flakes, or hot sauce for extra heat.
Mexican-Style Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Add taco seasoning and black beans, then top with pepper jack cheese.
What to Serve with Stuffed Pepper Casserole
This hearty dish pairs well with simple sides:
- Garlic bread
- Fresh green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed broccoli
- Dinner rolls
- Coleslaw
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.
Reheating
- Microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes.
- Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm.
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
Values vary depending on the ingredients used.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Too Much Liquid
Excess liquid can make the casserole soggy. Measure carefully.
Undercooking the Rice
Ensure enough baking time so the rice becomes tender.
Overbaking
Too much baking can dry out the dish.
Why This Recipe Works
This stuffed pepper casserole combines classic comfort food flavors with modern convenience. Baking everything together allows the rice to absorb the savory tomato broth while the peppers soften perfectly. The melted cheese adds richness, making each bite comforting and satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make stuffed pepper casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Can I use cooked rice instead of uncooked rice?
Yes. Reduce the broth slightly and shorten the baking time.
Which bell peppers are best?
A mix of red, yellow, and green peppers provides balanced sweetness and flavor.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Simply skip the cheese or use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Final Thoughts
This stuffed pepper casserole recipe is the perfect combination of convenience, flavor, and comfort. It delivers everything you love about traditional stuffed peppers in a simple, time-saving dish. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or preparing meals ahead of time, this easy casserole is guaranteed to become a household favorite.
