Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving the classic flavors of stuffed peppers with a whole lot less fuss, then this Stuffed Pepper Casserole is your new best friend. Imagine juicy ground meat, sweet bell peppers, tender rice, zesty tomatoes, and all that melty cheese goodness, all bubbling together in cozy, one-pan harmony. It’s a comfort food dream, bringing color and flavor to your table with just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients and a few simple steps. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want plenty of leftovers for the week, this dish promises all the nostalgia of traditional stuffed peppers without any of the extra work.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this casserole is how each straightforward ingredient plays a special role—building layers of taste, texture, and color that make every bite irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need to make your own Stuffed Pepper Casserole shine:

• Olive oil: Sautéing everything in olive oil creates a flavor-packed foundation and keeps the casserole juicy.
• Ground beef or ground turkey: Choose your favorite for a hearty, protein-rich base; beef brings classic richness, while turkey keeps things lighter.
• Onion (diced): A must for sweetness and depth; it melts into the background but makes a major difference.
• Bell peppers (red, green, or yellow, chopped): These are the stars! Use a mix of colors for extra vibrancy and sweet, tangy flavor.
• Garlic (minced): Because everything’s better with a little garlicky kick.
• Tomato sauce: Provides the lush, savory sauciness that pulls everything together.
• Diced tomatoes: Adds bright flavor and juicy bites throughout the casserole.
• Beef or chicken broth: Helps cook the rice and lends depth to the sauce—choose whichever you love best.
• Italian seasoning: For that herb-infused aroma that brings the whole dish to life.
• Smoked paprika: A little smoky warmth makes this truly comforting.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning every single bite just right.
• Uncooked long-grain white rice: The rice soaks up all those flavors and makes the casserole hearty and tender.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: For that perfect, gooey finish on top—don’t skimp!
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty depth that perfectly balances the mozzarella.
• Fresh parsley (optional garnish): A pop of green for freshness and flair when serving.

How to Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gets everything ready so you can smoothly transition your casserole from stovetop to oven for that bubbly, golden finish. Trust me, a preheated oven is the secret to irresistible cheese on top!

Step 2: Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high. Toss in your ground meat and diced onion, cooking and stirring until the meat is deeply browned and the onion is tender—about 6 to 7 minutes. Don’t rush this step, as it creates flavorful caramelized bits that make your Stuffed Pepper Casserole extra tasty.

Step 3: Add Bell Peppers and Garlic

Chop up those colorful bell peppers and add them to the pan with the minced garlic. Sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the peppers start to soften and the garlic fills your kitchen with delicious aromas. This is how you layer that classic stuffed pepper flavor in every bite!

Step 4: Stir in Wet Ingredients, Seasonings, and Rice

Now pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), broth, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and uncooked rice. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly mixed, and bring it up to a gentle boil. This step ensures the rice will slowly soak up all that savory goodness.

Step 5: Simmer Until Tender

Reduce the heat, cover your skillet or Dutch oven, and let it all simmer gently for 18 to 20 minutes. The rice will become tender and most of the liquid will be absorbed, infusing every spoonful with rich, herby, peppery flavor. Give it an occasional stir and embrace the cozy anticipation!

Step 6: Cheese It and Bake

Once it’s thickened and the rice is perfectly cooked, take the pan off the heat. Sprinkle your casserole generously with mozzarella and Parmesan. Transfer the uncovered skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. As soon as you see that cheese melted and bubbling (with little golden patches!), you’re ready for the best part.

Step 7: Finish and Garnish

Remove the casserole from the oven and, for a flourish of freshness, scatter chopped fresh parsley over the top. This last touch elevates the whole dish, adding a pop of color and herby aroma that’s simply irresistible.

How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Garnishes

Stuffed Pepper Casserole loves to be finished with a flourish. Try freshly chopped parsley for color, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for heat, or even a zigzag of tangy sour cream for richness. These little extras bring freshness and personality to every serving.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a one-pan wonder, but a side salad with a zesty vinaigrette, some warm crusty bread, or steamed green beans can round out the plate. For comfort food vibes, it’s hard to beat a scoop alongside buttery mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop generous portions into individual bowls for a rustic, homestyle feel or, for fancier occasions, serve it in colorful bell pepper “boats” for a show-stopping look. You can even top each serving with a perfectly cooked fried egg for an extra-rich weekend brunch twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any extra Stuffed Pepper Casserole will keep beautifully in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and deepen, making those leftovers every bit as delicious—and maybe even better—on day two or three.

Freezing

If you want to make a double batch or save some for a future busy weeknight, Stuffed Pepper Casserole freezes well for up to 2 months. Make sure it cools completely before packing into freezer-safe containers, and label them with the date for tasty organization.

Reheating

To reheat, simply scoop the desired portion into a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely—microwave in 1-minute bursts until hot, stirring as needed. For larger quantities, bake covered at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly. You can add a splash of broth to refresh the texture if needed.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! If swapping in brown rice, just increase the broth by about 1/2 cup and simmer for 35 to 40 minutes until the rice is fully tender. Keep in mind, brown rice adds a slightly nutty flavor and extra fiber to your Stuffed Pepper Casserole.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

It’s super easy! Just swap the ground meat for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth. The casserole keeps its hearty, satisfying texture while becoming completely meat-free.

Can I prepare Stuffed Pepper Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole all the way up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply top with cheese and bake until bubbly and golden!

Is this dish gluten-free?

Stuffed Pepper Casserole is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a certified gluten-free broth. Always double-check your labels if gluten is a concern in your kitchen.

How can I add extra veggies or nutrition?

Feel free to mix in extra chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms along with the peppers for even more veggie power. You can also substitute cauliflower rice for a lower-carb, veggie-forward adaptation.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting about a bubbling, cheesy Stuffed Pepper Casserole right out of the oven—it feels like a big, warm hug in a dish. Whether you’re a longtime fan of stuffed peppers or just discovering this cozy casserole, this recipe promises plenty of flavor and smiles around your table. Give it a try soon, and don’t forget to make enough for leftovers—you’ll be glad you did!

Print