If you adore the comforting flavors of stuffed peppers but want a quicker, fuss-free meal, this Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine all the vibrant colors and hearty goodness packed into one dish—ground beef mingling with sweet bell peppers, tender rice soaking up rich tomato sauce, and a golden, bubbly blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. It serves up the classic pepper-stuffed flavor but with far less effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. This casserole is a warm hug on a plate that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully straightforward yet essential because each one brings something special to this vibrant casserole. From the rich ground beef to the mix of colorful bell peppers and the creamy cheeses, every component adds a layer of texture, taste, and feast-for-the-eyes appeal.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For cooking your beef and veggies with a light, fruity base flavor.
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey: Your hearty protein choice that makes the casserole filling and satisfying.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 3 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), chopped: A colorful medley bringing freshness and a gentle crunch.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: For that irresistible, aromatic kick.
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce: The rich tomato base that ties all ingredients together.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes: Adds texture and bursts of tangy tomato flavor.
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and infuses savory notes as the rice cooks.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A simple Italian herb blend to brighten the dish.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Lends a subtle smoky warmth to balance the tomatoes.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat.
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice: Cooks right in the casserole, soaking up all those rich flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top for gooey goodness.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, umami-packed punch to the cheese topping.
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley: A vibrant pop of green for freshness and presentation.
How to Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef and diced onion, and cook until the meat is nicely browned and the onion has softened, about 6 to 7 minutes. This step builds the savory foundation of your casserole, ensuring that deep flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Add Bell Peppers and Garlic
Now stir in the chopped bell peppers and minced garlic, cooking them together for 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll notice the kitchen filling with a fantastic aroma, and the peppers just beginning to soften, which is key to keeping their vibrant color and slightly crisp texture.
Step 3: Combine Sauces and Seasonings
Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and broth, then sprinkle the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper on top. Give everything a good stir to combine the flavors evenly across the dish. This creates a rich, fragrant sauce base that will soak into the rice and meat beautifully.
Step 4: Add Rice and Simmer
Stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice, bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. This step is where the magic happens, as the rice absorbs all that luscious flavor, making each bite tender and bursting with taste.
Step 5: Top With Cheese and Bake
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top. Transfer your casserole to a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes uncovered until that cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly—the perfect finish to this hearty dish.
How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a simple yet striking way to add a bright, herbal touch to your Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe. It brings a pleasant freshness that cuts through the richness and makes your dish look even more inviting on the plate.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a wonderfully complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, consider serving it alongside a crisp, green salad or some roasted seasonal vegetables. A light vinaigrette on the salad helps balance the cheesy richness of the casserole perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the casserole in individual ramekins or smaller oven-safe dishes before baking. This makes for a charming presentation whether you’re serving family or entertaining guests. Another idea is to top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of fresh lemon to add a bit of brightness and creaminess.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, let the Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to three days, making it perfect for lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. Prepare it through step 4, then let it cool before covering and freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then add the cheese topping and bake as directed. Freezing is a great way to have this comforting meal ready to go anytime.
Reheating
To reheat your leftovers, cover your portion with foil to keep moisture in and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also microwave it on medium power until heated through, though baking helps maintain that lovely crisp cheese topping best.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works just as well in this Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe and gives you the same great texture and flavor with fewer calories.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free broth and check that your tomato products do not contain any gluten additives, this casserole is naturally gluten-free and safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, swap the ground meat for a plant-based alternative or hearty beans like black beans or lentils. The flavor will be just as delicious with those substitutions!
What rice works best for this casserole?
Long-grain white rice is recommended because it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors beautifully. Avoid quick-cooking or instant rice varieties since they won’t hold up well during the simmering process.
How spicy is this casserole?
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe is mild in spice, thanks to the smoked paprika and black pepper, but you can easily adjust the heat level by adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper if you like a little extra kick.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dish that combines bold colors, comforting textures, and rich, familiar flavors in one easy recipe. The Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe does exactly that, making it the perfect go-to comfort meal to share with loved ones. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a family classic, day after day, bite after delicious bite. Give it a whirl—you won’t regret the warm smiles this casserole brings to your dinner table!
Print
Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a comforting, cheesy one-pan meal featuring ground beef, colorful bell peppers, tender rice, and a flavorful tomato sauce. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that combines the classic flavors of stuffed peppers in a convenient, hearty casserole form.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Brown Meat and Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking for about 6–7 minutes until the beef is browned and the onion is softened.
- Add Peppers and Garlic: Stir in the chopped bell peppers and minced garlic, cooking for another 2–3 minutes to soften the peppers and release the garlic aroma.
- Add Sauces, Broth, Seasonings and Rice: Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and broth. Add Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and uncooked rice. Stir well to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Covered: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet or Dutch oven, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Remove from heat, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top. Transfer to the oven and bake uncovered for 10–12 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious stuffed pepper casserole.
Notes
- For a lower-carb version, substitute cauliflower rice for the white rice and reduce the amount of broth accordingly.
- This casserole can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking, making it a convenient meal prep option.
- Use gluten-free broth to keep the dish gluten-free.
