If you are looking for a heartwarming dinner that combines all the flavors of stuffed peppers into one comforting dish, then this Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It brings together savory ground beef or turkey, colorful bell peppers, tender rice, and melty cheese in a way that is as simple to make as it is delicious to eat. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this casserole is guaranteed to satisfy cravings and brighten up any mealtime with its cozy, well-balanced taste and inviting aroma.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, delivering layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this casserole irresistibly good. From the juicy bell peppers and savory ground beef to the creamy melted cheese and fragrant Italian seasoning, these ingredients work in harmony to create a dish that feels both familiar and special.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the meat and soften vegetables while adding a light fruity flavor.
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey: The protein base that brings richness and heartiness.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a sweet and aromatic layer to the flavor profile.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a warm, savory kick that complements the meat perfectly.
- 2 bell peppers, chopped (any color): Freshness and vibrant color that brighten the dish and add slight crunch.
- 1 cup uncooked white rice: Absorbs all those delicious juices, resulting in tender, fluffy grains.
- 2 cups beef broth or chicken broth: Infuses the rice and mixture with savory depth and moisture.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices: Adds tangy sweetness and moisture for a juicy casserole.
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce: Thickens the casserole and enhances the tomato flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that ties all the elements together beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and lovely color.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and brings out all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a gentle heat to keep the dish lively.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese: The gooey, melty finishing touch that makes every bite dreamy.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of freshness and color on top.
How to Make Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or an oven-safe pan over medium heat. Add your ground beef or turkey, cooking it until it’s browned and crumbly. This step is key—it develops deep, savory flavor and sets the tone for the entire casserole. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from getting greasy. Then add diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell peppers, cooking for about 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables have softened just right and released their sweet aromas.
Step 2: Mix in Rice, Tomatoes, and Seasonings
Next, stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, and broth. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper over the mixture. This combination creates a rich sauce that will soak into the rice as it cooks, infusing every grain with bold flavor. Bring everything to a gentle simmer—this is the moment when all the ingredients start to mingle their tastes beautifully.
Step 3: Let the Rice Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for about 18 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This ensures the rice cooks evenly, absorbing all the wonderful juices and flavors around it. The result is tender rice that’s bursting with the essence of beef, bell peppers, and spices, creating the perfect base for your casserole.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake Until Bubbling
Once the rice is cooked, it’s time for the melty cheese magic. If you’re using an oven-safe skillet, sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella right on top. If not, transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish before adding the cheese. Pop it into your preheated oven at 375°F and bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top. This final step brings comforting warmth and a velvety texture to the whole dish.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
After baking, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top if you like a fresh, herbal note and a splash of color. This simple garnish adds just the right finishing touch before serving this cozy casserole to your eagerly waiting family or friends.
How to Serve Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Besides parsley, try a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese for richness. Fresh basil or green onions are also fantastic for adding brightness and small bursts of herbal flavor that lift the whole dish.
Side Dishes
This casserole stands strong on its own but pairs wonderfully with light, crisp salads or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or green beans. A side of warm crusty bread or garlic bread can also round out the meal, perfect for soaking up any delicious sauce leftovers on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this casserole inside halved roasted bell peppers or in individual ramekins for a personal touch. You can also sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top alongside the cheese before baking for an irresistible crunchy topping that adds texture and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. This way, your delicious leftovers stay fresh and are easy to grab for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you want a comforting meal later, just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights, batch cooking, or meal planning.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in a 350°F oven covered with foil until heated through. If needed, add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out and keep the rice tender and moist.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Just remember brown rice takes longer to cook and absorbs more liquid, so increase your broth by about 1/2 cup and extend the simmering time accordingly to ensure it softens completely without drying out.
Can I substitute ground turkey for ground beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works wonderfully in this casserole. It’s a great way to lighten the dish without sacrificing flavor, especially when combined with the bold seasonings and juicy vegetables.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be, depending on the broth and tomato products you use. Be sure to select broths and canned tomatoes labeled gluten-free to keep the entire dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in diced zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots to boost nutrition and texture. Just add them when you sauté the onions and peppers so they soften nicely as the casserole cooks.
What cheese do you recommend?
Cheddar and mozzarella both melt beautifully but offer different flavors; cheddar brings sharpness, while mozzarella adds creamy stretchiness. You can even mix them for the best of both worlds or try a mild Monterey Jack for something subtle and melty.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that makes comfort food exciting and approachable. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you want something satisfying but uncomplicated. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll love how simple it is to create such a wholesome, colorful, and flavorful meal that everyone will be asking for again and again!
Print
Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole combines the classic flavors of stuffed peppers into a simple, comforting one-pot meal. Ground beef or turkey cooks with bell peppers, rice, tomatoes, and flavorful seasonings, then topped with melted cheese for a hearty, delicious dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bell peppers, chopped (any color)
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups beef broth or chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for melting the cheese topping later in the recipe.
- Cook the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or oven-safe pan over medium heat. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften, releasing their flavors.
- Add Rice and Liquids: Stir in the uncooked white rice, diced tomatoes with juices, tomato sauce, and broth. Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet or pan and reduce heat to low. Cook gently for 18 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Add Cheese and Bake: If your skillet is oven-safe, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top and transfer the pan to the preheated oven. If not, transfer the casserole mixture to a greased baking dish, top with cheese, and bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh touch. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty stuffed pepper casserole.
Notes
- You can substitute brown rice for white rice; increase broth quantity and cooking time accordingly.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or some crushed red pepper flakes.
- This casserole makes excellent leftovers and freezes well for future meals.
