If you're looking for a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish, you've come to the right place. This stuffed pepper casserole recipe offers all the deliciousness of traditional stuffed peppers but in a convenient, layered casserole form. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or even for serving at gatherings. Read on to discover how to make this mouthwatering dish that will become a family favorite!
What is a Stuffed Pepper Casserole?
A stuffed pepper casserole is a deconstructed version of classic stuffed peppers, where all the essential components—bell peppers, ground meat, rice, tomatoes, and cheese—are layered and baked together in one dish. This version of the dish is not only quicker to prepare, but it also offers a hearty and satisfying meal that is easy to serve to a crowd. Plus, it's an excellent way to use up extra vegetables or ingredients you may already have in your pantry.
Ingredients List for Stuffed Pepper Casserole
For this stuffed pepper casserole recipe, you'll need a variety of ingredients that come together to create a well-balanced and flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- Bell Peppers: 4-5 medium-sized bell peppers, any color, diced
- Ground Meat: 1 pound of ground beef, turkey, or chicken
- Rice: 1 cup of uncooked white or brown rice
- Onion: 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- Tomato Sauce: 1 can (15 oz) of tomato sauce
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (15 oz) of diced tomatoes, with juice
- Broth: 1 cup of beef or chicken broth
- Cheese: 2 cups of shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing
Seasonings and Spices:
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon of smoked or sweet paprika
- Oregano: 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning blend
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for a little heat
- Bay Leaf: 1 bay leaf for added depth of flavor
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about a stuffed pepper casserole is its versatility. You can easily adapt the recipe based on dietary needs, preferences, or what you have on hand. Here are some substitutions and variations you might consider:
- Meat: Substitute ground meat with ground chicken, turkey, or even plant-based meat for a vegetarian version.
- Rice: Use quinoa, farro, or cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a different texture and flavor. For a low-carb option, try using riced cauliflower.
- Cheese: Swap mozzarella or cheddar with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, provolone, or even a dairy-free alternative if you’re lactose intolerant.
- Vegetables: Add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to increase the nutritional value.
- Spices: Customize the spice level by adding more red pepper flakes, or introduce a different flavor profile with cumin, coriander, or curry powder.
- Tomato Products: If you don’t have tomato sauce or diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes or even a jar of marinara sauce can work as substitutes.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making a stuffed pepper casserole is a straightforward process, and with these step-by-step instructions, you’ll have dinner ready in no time.
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your casserole will cook evenly.
- Cook the Rice: In a medium pot, cook 1 cup of rice according to the package instructions. Once done, set it aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Bell Peppers: While the rice is cooking, wash and dice the bell peppers into small, bite-sized pieces. Set them aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it starts to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Meat: Add the ground meat to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the Peppers and Spices: Stir in the diced bell peppers, paprika, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 5-7 minutes until the peppers start to soften.
- Incorporate the Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, and broth. Add the bay leaf. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Combine with Rice: Remove the bay leaf and stir in the cooked rice. Make sure the rice is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Layer in Casserole Dish: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the shredded cheese.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Once done, let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve.
How to Cook Stuffed Pepper Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking a stuffed pepper casserole is easy, but following these steps will ensure you achieve the best results.
- Step 1: Cook the Rice – Preparing the rice ahead of time ensures it absorbs all the flavors of the casserole.
- Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Meat – Cooking the vegetables and meat together allows the flavors to meld and develop.
- Step 3: Simmer the Tomato Sauce Mixture – Letting the sauce simmer with the peppers and spices enhances the depth of flavor.
- Step 4: Combine and Bake – Mixing the cooked rice with the meat and pepper mixture ensures even distribution of flavors throughout the casserole.
- Step 5: Top with Cheese and Bake – Adding cheese on top creates a delicious, golden crust that complements the hearty filling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a simple dish like stuffed pepper casserole can have its pitfalls. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Overcooking the Rice: If the rice is overcooked before baking, it can become mushy after being baked in the casserole. Cook it just until al dente.
- Not Draining the Meat: Failing to drain excess fat from the cooked meat can make the casserole greasy. Always drain the fat before adding other ingredients.
- Undercooking the Peppers: If the bell peppers are not cooked long enough before baking, they may remain too firm. Sauté them until they start to soften.
- Skipping the Simmering Step: Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to deepen and meld. Don’t skip this step for a richer taste.
- Using Too Much Cheese: While cheese is delicious, too much can make the casserole overly rich and greasy. Stick to the recommended amount for a balanced dish.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation plays a key role in how appetizing your stuffed pepper casserole looks. Here are some tips to make your dish visually appealing:
- Use a Colorful Baking Dish: A bright-colored dish can add a pop of color to your table and make the casserole look more inviting.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley, basil, or cilantro on top of the casserole before serving for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve with a Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the casserole.
- Add a Slice of Bread: Serving the casserole with a slice of crusty bread or garlic toast can make it a more complete meal.
How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Stuffed pepper casserole is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways:
- As a Main Dish: Serve generous portions of the casserole as the main course, accompanied by a simple side salad.
- As a Side Dish: This casserole can also be a side dish, especially when paired with grilled chicken or fish.
- For Meal Prep: Portion out individual servings and store them in the fridge for easy reheatable meals throughout the week.
Presentation Ideas for Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Elevate the presentation of your stuffed pepper casserole with these ideas:
- Individual Servings: Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation, perfect for dinner parties.
- Family-Style: Bring the casserole dish straight to the table and serve family-style, letting everyone help themselves.
- Layered Appearance: Ensure that each serving shows off the layers of peppers, rice, and cheese for a visually appealing plate.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe Tips
For a successful stuffed pepper casserole, keep these tips in mind:
- Prep Ahead: Chop the vegetables and cook the rice ahead of time to make assembly quicker.
- Double the Recipe: This casserole freezes well, so consider making a double batch and freezing one for later.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you like your food spicier, add extra red pepper flakes or even some diced jalapeños to the mix.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly diced tomatoes, garlic, and herbs can enhance the flavor of the casserole compared to canned or dried options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake it when you're ready to serve.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Q: Can I freeze stuffed pepper casserole?
A: Absolutely! After baking, let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: What can I serve with stuffed pepper casserole?
A: This casserole pairs well with a green salad, garlic bread, or a side of steamed vegetables.
Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
A: Yes, you can substitute ground beef with turkey, chicken, or a vegetarian meat alternative.
Conclusion
Stuffed pepper casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're feeding a large family, meal-prepping for the week, or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress. With its rich flavors, gooey cheese, and tender peppers, this casserole is both satisfying and easy to make. Try out different variations to suit your taste, and don’t forget to follow the tips to avoid common pitfalls. Enjoy this delicious meal and make it a staple in your recipe collection!
PrintStuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Enjoy a delicious and easy stuffed pepper casserole recipe featuring tender ground beef, rice, and tomatoes. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners. Make it with simple ingredients and follow our step-by-step instructions for a flavorful meal. Keywords: stuffed pepper casserole, easy casserole recipe, ground beef casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 3 bell peppers (chopped)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion, garlic, and chopped bell peppers. Cook until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the rice is fully cooked.
- Remove foil, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For added flavor, you can use different colored bell peppers or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for spice.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
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