Stuffed Pepper Casserole

                   Stuffed Pepper Casserole

This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a comforting one-dish dinner that brings all the classic flavors of stuffed peppers to the table without the extra work of stuffing individual peppers. Ground beef, tender bell peppers, rice, tomatoes, and melted cheese come together in a hearty casserole that is perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

With simple ingredients and plenty of savory flavor, this easy casserole is a delicious way to enjoy a classic comfort-food favorite in a convenient form.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 3 bell peppers, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1½ cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

How to Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole

1. Brown the Beef

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion begins to soften.

Drain excess grease if necessary.

2. Add the Peppers and Garlic

Stir in the diced bell peppers and minced garlic.

Cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers begin to soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.

3. Add the Rice and Sauce

Stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

Mix everything thoroughly so the rice is evenly distributed and surrounded by liquid.

4. Bake the Casserole

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on the stovetop.

Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven.

Bake for approximately 30–35 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

5. Add the Cheese

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

Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for another 5–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Spoon generous portions onto plates and enjoy while hot.

Tips for the Best Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Use a mixture of red, yellow, and green bell peppers for extra color and flavor.

Long-grain white rice works especially well because it cooks evenly and absorbs the tomato and beef flavors.

Keep the casserole covered while the rice cooks. This helps trap steam and ensures the rice has enough moisture to become tender.

Freshly shredded cheese melts beautifully over the top, but pre-shredded cheese can also be used for convenience.

What to Serve With Stuffed Pepper Casserole

This casserole is filling enough to serve as a complete meal, but it pairs nicely with garlic bread, dinner rolls, a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli.

A spoonful of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley can also be added before serving.

How to Store Leftovers

Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm larger portions in a covered oven-safe dish.

The casserole can also be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey?

Yes. Ground turkey is an easy substitute for ground beef and creates a lighter version of the casserole.

Can I use brown rice?

Yes, although brown rice generally requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. Adjust the cooking liquid and cooking time according to the rice package instructions.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Allow additional baking time if it goes directly from the refrigerator into the oven.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely. Mushrooms, zucchini, corn, spinach, or additional peppers can be added to customize the casserole.

Final Thoughts

This Stuffed Pepper Casserole takes everything you love about classic stuffed peppers and turns it into an easy, hearty one-dish meal. Savory ground beef, colorful bell peppers, tender rice, tomato sauce, and melted cheese create a comforting combination that is perfect for family dinners. With no individual peppers to fill, this recipe gives you all the familiar flavor with much less effort.