If you love the flavors of classic stuffed peppers but don’t have the time to go through all the steps, this Quick and Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole is the perfect solution! With all the delicious ingredients of traditional stuffed peppers, like ground beef, rice, and bell peppers, combined into a hearty casserole, this dish is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. It’s a family-friendly recipe that will quickly become one of your weeknight dinner go-tos. Ready in under an hour, it delivers all the goodness of stuffed peppers in a fraction of the time.
What is Stuffed Pepper Casserole?
Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a deconstructed version of the classic stuffed peppers, where the traditional filling of seasoned ground beef, rice, and vegetables is cooked together in a casserole dish with chopped bell peppers. This dish is designed for simplicity, giving you all the flavors of stuffed peppers without the hassle of individually stuffing each pepper. With minimal prep and just one pot (or pan), this casserole is the ultimate easy dinner for busy weeknights or even a make-ahead meal for the week.
Ingredients List for Stuffed Pepper Casserole
To create this quick and easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 bell peppers, chopped (any color)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella, for a milder flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
Substitutions and Variations for Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Feel free to tweak this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs! Here are some variations you can try:
- Ground turkey or sausage: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Brown rice or quinoa: Use brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a healthier, lower-carb option. Note that brown rice may require a longer cooking time.
- Add more veggies: Incorporate other vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for added texture and nutrition.
- Mexican-style: For a fun twist, add taco seasoning and top the casserole with avocado, sour cream, and cilantro after baking.
- Cheese topping options: You can use any kind of cheese you like—cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this quick and simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ground beef: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Break it up as it cooks, and season with salt and pepper. Once cooked, drain any excess fat.
- Add onions, garlic, and peppers: Stir in the chopped onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add rice, tomatoes, and broth: Stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, beef broth, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the rice absorbs some of the liquid.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add cheese and broil: Once the rice is fully cooked, remove the cover, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool slightly and serve: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro, if desired.
How to Cook Stuffed Pepper Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet, drain excess fat, then add onions, garlic, and bell peppers.
- Stir in rice, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, then cover and transfer the skillet to the oven.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the rice is tender.
- Add cheese and broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly.
- Cool slightly and serve with optional fresh herb garnish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making this Stuffed Pepper Casserole is straightforward, but here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:
- Not cooking the vegetables enough: Be sure to cook the onions, garlic, and peppers until they soften slightly before adding the rice and liquids. This ensures they become tender during baking.
- Overcooking the rice: Be careful not to bake the casserole for too long, as the rice may become mushy. Check it around the 25-minute mark to ensure the rice is tender but still has some bite.
- Not seasoning enough: Be sure to taste the beef and vegetable mixture before adding the liquids and adjust the seasoning accordingly. The flavors should be well-seasoned to bring out the best in the dish.
- Skipping the broil: Don't forget to broil the cheese at the end! This step gives the casserole a beautiful golden, bubbly finish that makes it even more irresistible.
Serving and Presentation Tips
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a hearty and filling dish, but you can elevate the presentation with a few easy touches:
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a fresh burst of flavor and a pop of color.
- Serve with a side salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole perfectly.
- Add a dollop of sour cream: For an extra touch of creaminess, serve each portion with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole
There are many ways to serve this satisfying casserole, whether for a family dinner or a casual gathering:
- Main dish: Serve the casserole on its own as the main dish. It’s filling and flavorful enough to be the star of the meal.
- With crusty bread: Pair it with some warm, crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the tomatoey goodness.
- At a potluck: This dish is ideal for potlucks or gatherings. It’s easy to make, transport, and reheat, making it a perfect option for feeding a crowd.
Presentation Ideas for Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Make your Stuffed Pepper Casserole look as good as it tastes with these simple presentation tips:
- Serve in a cast iron skillet: If you bake the casserole in a cast iron skillet, it looks rustic and beautiful right on the table.
- Garnish with cheese and herbs: Sprinkle extra cheese and fresh herbs on top for a polished, colorful finish.
- Individual servings: You can also divide the casserole into ramekins or small oven-safe bowls for individual servings, which are perfect for dinner parties or portion control.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe Tips
Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Stuffed Pepper Casserole turns out perfect every time:
- Use quick-cooking rice: If you’re short on time, use quick-cooking or instant rice to reduce the baking time. Just adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.
- Make it ahead: This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil and bake when you’re ready to serve.
- Freeze it for later: Stuffed Pepper Casserole freezes well. Assemble the casserole without the cheese, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed, adding the cheese in the last few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use brown rice in this recipe?
A: Yes! You can substitute brown rice for white rice, but keep in mind that brown rice has a longer cooking time. You may need to increase the baking time and add more liquid as needed.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it with foil and bake when you’re ready to serve.
Q: Can I freeze Stuffed Pepper Casserole?
A: Yes, this casserole freezes very well. Assemble the casserole without the cheese, cover it tightly, and freeze. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed, adding the cheese during the last few minutes of cooking.
**Q: Can I make
this dish vegetarian?**
A: You can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the ground beef and using a plant-based protein or extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or beans instead.
Q: How long does it last in the fridge?
A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Conclusion
This Quick and Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a fantastic weeknight dinner option that brings all the classic flavors of stuffed peppers without the hassle. With its flavorful mix of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and bell peppers, topped with melty cheese, this dish is comforting, filling, and easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping for a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the rich, hearty flavors of stuffed peppers in an effortless, one-pot meal!
PrintQuick And Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Quick and Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole delivers all the deliciousness of traditional stuffed peppers in a fast, one-pan meal. Combining ground beef, rice, bell peppers, and a rich tomato sauce, this casserole is easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Enjoy a flavorful, comforting dish without the hassle of stuffing each pepper!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Comfort food
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef or turkey
- Bell peppers (diced)
- Onion (chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- White or brown rice (cooked)
- Canned diced tomatoes
- Tomato sauce
- Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions, garlic, and diced bell peppers. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
- For added heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of casserole
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
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