If you’re searching for a cozy, satisfying meal that brings all the vibrant flavors of stuffed peppers into one simple, comforting dish, this Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe is just what you need. It’s a delightful combination of tender bell peppers, hearty ground beef, and fluffy rice, all baked to perfection with rich tomato sauce and topped with gooey melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners or feeding a crowd, this casserole captures the essence of classic stuffed peppers without the fuss of stuffing each individual pepper. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the list fool you—these ingredients are simple, fresh, and bring together layers of flavor and texture that make this stuffed pepper casserole truly shine. Each element plays a crucial role from the savory meat to the bright, sweet bell peppers, ensuring every bite is a perfect harmony of tastes and colors.
- Olive oil: A tablespoon to sauté everything evenly and add a nice richness without overpowering the flavors.
- Diced onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic foundation to the dish.
- Fresh garlic: Brings a sharp, fragrant kick that wakes up the other ingredients.
- Diced bell peppers: Adds vibrant color, crunch, and a slightly sweet flavor—any bell pepper colors work beautifully together.
- Lean ground beef: The hearty protein at the center of this recipe, lean to keep it deliciously juicy but not greasy.
- Canned tomato sauce: Adds depth and richness, helping to meld all the flavors as it bakes.
- Petite diced tomatoes: Brings freshness and a little acidity to balance the richness of the meat and cheese.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to highlight the natural flavors and create balance.
- Dried basil, oregano, and parsley: Classic Italian herbs that add warmth and a rustic, homey aroma.
- White minute rice: A quick-cooking rice that soaks up the savory juices and makes the casserole hearty and satisfying.
- Beef broth: Adds moisture and extra savory flavor that keeps the rice tender and flavorful.
- Part-skim mozzarella cheese: Finishing touch to melt on top with a beautiful golden crust and gooey texture.
How to Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Sauté
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F, which gets everything ready for the baking stage. Next, heat the olive oil in a 12-inch ovenproof skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, bell peppers, and ground beef. Sauté this delicious mix for about 10 minutes until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened. This step locks in those bold and fresh flavors that set the foundation for the whole dish.
Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients
Once your base is fragrant and browned, pour in the tomato sauce, petite diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, dried oregano, basil, rice, and beef broth. Stir everything together until fully combined. You’ll notice the rice and broth start soaking up the delicious juices right away, promising a casserole that’s bursting with flavor and great texture from every spoonful.
Step 3: Bake
Cover your skillet with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in. If you don’t have an ovenproof skillet, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and cover that tightly instead. Pop it into the oven and bake at 375 degrees F for 20 minutes. This slow bake lets the rice cook perfectly while the flavors deepen and meld.
Step 4: Add Cheese
After the initial bake, pull the casserole out and remove the cover. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly on top, then return it to the oven for another 10 minutes. This final bake melts the cheese into a bubbly, golden crust that adds a delightful texture and richness to the dish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
At this point, your stuffed pepper casserole is just about ready. The rice will have absorbed all the flavorful liquid, and the cheese will be perfectly melted and slightly browned. Serve hot and watch as everyone digs into this comforting, colorful casserole with smiles all around. It’s an effortless way to enjoy all the joy of stuffed peppers in one pan!
How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil sprinkled on top bring a burst of freshness that brightens the dish right before serving. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce if you prefer a little tang or heat. These simple touches elevate the presentation and taste, making it feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This casserole is quite filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables balances the meal with some refreshing crunch and color. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are also a fantastic companion to soak up any delicious leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting guests or want to jazz things up, try serving individual portions in small ramekins with melted cheese on top. Add a sprinkle of paprika or some finely diced red pepper for a pop of color. This makes the dish look trendy and adds a touch of fun to your table presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even better the next day. Just make sure to store it properly to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. This makes it a perfect meal prep option or a lifesaver for busy weeknights.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350 degrees F, covered with foil, until warmed through—usually about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heat. Adding a sprinkle of extra cheese on top before reheating is a tasty bonus!
FAQs
Can I use different types of rice for this recipe?
Absolutely! While white minute rice works perfectly because it cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well, you can use long-grain rice or even brown rice. Just be mindful that cooking times might need adjusting if you swap in a rice that takes longer to cook.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives, crumbled tofu, or extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Just make sure to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and adjust seasoning to keep that wonderful savory balance.
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Definitely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free beef broth and check that your canned tomatoes and tomato sauce have no added gluten ingredients. It’s a delicious gluten-free option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
How spicy is the Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe?
This version is mild and family-friendly, focusing on savory and herbaceous flavors. However, you can easily spice it up by adding red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or your favorite hot sauce either during cooking or as a garnish.
Can I make this recipe ahead and bake it later?
Yes! After sautéing and combining all ingredients (before adding cheese), cover and refrigerate the casserole for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding cheese toward the end. It’s a great way to save time on busy days while still enjoying fresh-baked goodness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with classic stuffed pepper flavors yet wonderfully simple to make, you absolutely need to try this Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of savory, colorful, and comforting, ideal for cozy family dinners or meal prep that feels anything but ordinary. Treat yourself and those you love to this all-in-one casserole and watch it become a beloved staple in your cooking rotation.
Print
Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal combining the classic stuffed pepper ingredients in an easy-to-make casserole. Ground beef, bell peppers, rice, and tomato sauce simmered together and baked with melted mozzarella cheese on top make for a comforting, family-friendly dish ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, diced (1 small onion)
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced (4 cloves)
- 3 cups diced bell peppers (2–3 bell peppers – any color)
Meat
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90-93%)
Tomato & Seasonings
- 8 oz canned tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Rice & Liquid
- 2 cups white minute rice, uncooked
- 2 cups beef broth, low or no salt
Dairy
- ½ cup part-skim mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Sauté: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 12-inch ovenproof skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers along with 1 lb of lean ground beef. Sauté everything together for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the beef is browned and the peppers and onions have softened.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the 8 oz of tomato sauce, the entire 14.5 oz can of petite diced tomatoes, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, dried basil, oregano, parsley, uncooked white minute rice, and 2 cups low or no salt beef broth. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly in the skillet or Dutch oven.
- Bake: Cover the skillet tightly with aluminum foil. If your skillet isn’t ovenproof, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and cover with a lid or foil. Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F for 20 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and flavors.
- Add Cheese: Remove the foil or cover carefully. Sprinkle ½ cup of part-skim mozzarella cheese evenly over the casserole. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted completely and starts to turn golden brown.
- Serve: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, the casserole is ready. The rice should have absorbed most of the liquid, making a cohesive and delicious meal. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful stuffed pepper casserole!
Notes
- Use any color combination of bell peppers for a vibrant and tasty dish.
- If you prefer, substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Minute rice cooks quickly and absorbs the broth well, but regular white rice can be used if cooked beforehand.
- Covering during baking ensures the rice cooks through and stays moist.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to customize the casserole.
- For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the tomato mixture.
