Stuffed Pepper Casserole: A Cozy, Cheesy One-Pan Classic
📝 Introduction: The Comfort Food Magic of Stuffed Pepper Casserole
There are some nights when only comfort food will do — and for my family, this stuffed pepper casserole has become that go-to dish. 💛 It was first inspired by those chaotic weeknights when everyone was tired, homework was on the table, and we needed something simple, hearty, and healthy to bring us together. I remember tossing this together on a whim one chilly fall evening, craving the flavor of classic stuffed peppers without all the prep — and just like that, a new stuffed pepper casserole family favorite was born.
Stuffed peppers themselves have a rich culinary history. They trace back to Spanish, Mexican, and Mediterranean cuisines, where peppers were filled with flavorful combinations of rice, meat, vegetables, and herbs. But the modern stuffed pepper casserole? That’s a smart American twist, streamlining the flavors of the traditional dish into an easy, one-pan bake — perfect for today’s busy cooks.
It’s no surprise this stuffed pepper casserole is loved around the globe. Top fans include: 🇺🇸 USA, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇬🇧 UK, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇫🇷 France, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇳🇿 New Zealand.
And why the surge in casserole popularity? One-pot meals are trending because they’re quick, convenient, and comforting — exactly what we crave when life gets busy.
Compared to traditional stuffed peppers, this casserole offers:
✔️ Less prep time
✔️ More flexibility with ingredients
✔️ Easier to serve and store
✔️ All the same cozy flavors with half the effort!
👉 Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole — another hearty, comforting one-pot meal that casserole fans would enjoy!
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7 Reasons This Stuffed Pepper Casserole Is Your New Go-To Comfort Food
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Hearty Stuffed Pepper Casserole with ground beef, rice, peppers & cheese. A quick one-pot meal for busy nights. Comfort food made easy!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook ground beef in a skillet until no longer pink; drain excess fat.
- Add onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté until soft.
- Simmer the Mixture
- Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and rice.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Let simmer until rice is tender and mixture thickens.
- Bake Until Golden & Bubbly
- Transfer mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 more minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
🍴 What You’ll Need
Essential Kitchen Tools for Casserole Success
One of the best parts about making this Stuffed Pepper Casserole is that you don’t need any fancy gadgets—just a few kitchen basics. Having the right tools on hand helps streamline prep and ensures your casserole bakes up bubbly and delicious.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 9×13-inch baking dish – the ideal size for even cooking and generous portions
- Large skillet or sauté pan – for browning the meat and building flavor
- Sharp knife and cutting board – to easily dice onions, peppers, and garlic
- Foil (optional) – great for covering if you prefer a softer, steamier top
Ingredients Prep Tips
A few smart prep steps make this dish even faster to pull together:
- Dice your onions and peppers in advance and store them in the fridge — a huge time-saver on busy nights
- Pre-cook your rice earlier in the day or use leftover rice from a previous meal
- Grate cheese fresh if you can — it melts better and gives that irresistible gooey top
- Ground turkey or beef both work great; choose whichever fits your dietary preferences
And here’s a bonus tip: double the batch and freeze one for an effortless dinner later on. Future you will thank you! 😉
🧂 Ingredients for the Perfect Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Pantry & Fridge Staples
When life gets hectic, having a go-to recipe packed with simple, familiar ingredients is a true timesaver — and this easy stuffed pepper casserole is just that. 🌶️🥘 It blends wholesome pantry staples with fresh veggies to create a healthy stuffed pepper casserole that’s as nourishing as it is comforting.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this satisfying one-pan pepper casserole:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil — for sautéing your base aromatics
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey — choose your favorite protein for your ground beef pepper casserole
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 bell peppers, any mix of colors, chopped — the stars of this stuffed bell pepper casserole
- 3 cloves garlic, minced — bold flavor begins here
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano — earthy, herbaceous notes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika — a warm and savory touch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes — adds texture and natural acidity
- 1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce — provides a rich tomato base
- 2 cups cooked rice — brown or white rice both work great
- 1½ cups shredded cheese — for a cheesy stuffed pepper casserole finish
- Fresh parsley, optional — adds brightness at the end 🌿
This quick stuffed pepper casserole recipe is incredibly flexible, which makes it ideal for a weeknight stuffed pepper dinner.
Optional Flavor Boosters
Craving extra complexity or heat? These flavorful additions can elevate your low carb stuffed pepper bake or bulkier rice-based casseroles alike:
- Red pepper flakes — a touch of heat
- Italian seasoning — for herby Mediterranean flair
- Fresh chopped basil or cilantro — perfect for brightness
- Worcestershire sauce — adds rich umami depth
- Grated Parmesan cheese — a nutty topper you’ll crave
Mix and match based on what’s in your pantry. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this stuffed pepper casserole delivers big flavor with minimal effort. 🙌
🍳 Instructions: How to Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Browning the Meat & Peppers
Bringing this Stuffed Pepper Casserole to life is surprisingly simple—and it all starts with layering flavors right from the skillet. This quick stovetop prep is what gives your casserole that rich, hearty taste we all crave. 🍴
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F so it’s ready to go when your filling is complete.
2️⃣ In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
3️⃣ Place your ground beef or turkey into the skillet to begin cooking. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, break it apart and cook until fully browned and no longer pink—about 5 to 7 minutes.
4️⃣ Mix in the chopped onions, sliced bell peppers, and finely minced garlic. Sauté for another 5–7 minutes, or until the veggies soften and become fragrant. You’ll start smelling that irresistible aroma at this point! 😋
Building Layers of Flavor
With your meat and veggies cooked, it’s time to bring the whole dish together with deep, savory flavor.
5️⃣ Add oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to flavor the blend. Stir everything thoroughly so the spices coat each bite.
6️⃣ Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Mix well, then reduce heat slightly and let it simmer for about 5 minutes—this step allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
7️⃣ Now, fold in your cooked rice. Stir until evenly combined. Take a quick taste and adjust seasonings as needed (a pinch more salt or paprika can do wonders!).
Baking to Perfection
Now for the final, bubbly finish:
8️⃣ Pour the mixture into a prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
9️⃣ Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese—choose your favorite blend for that gooey, golden topping. 🧀
🔟 Place the dish in your oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and beautifully melted on top.
Once baked, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness. Serve warm and enjoy—you’ve just made a wholesome, comforting dinner the whole family will love. ❤️
⏱️ Prep & Cook Times
Quick & Easy—On the Table in Just 40 Minutes
One reason this Stuffed Pepper Casserole has become a weeknight favorite? It’s incredibly fast from start to finish. In less than an hour, you’ll have a hearty, wholesome meal ready to serve — with hardly any dishes to wash afterward. 🙌
Here’s the simple time breakdown:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
With just a little chopping, quick stovetop cooking, and a short bake, this casserole comes together beautifully. Plus, if you prep your rice in advance or use leftovers, you can shave even more time off your dinner routine.
For even more quick-prep ideas, check out another reader favorite: Lemon Dump Cake — a simple dessert you can throw together while your casserole bakes!
🧬 Nutrition Score
Nutritional Info per Serving
Though it’s a comforting, cheesy dish, this Stuffed Pepper Casserole can absolutely fit into a balanced lifestyle. With lean protein, vegetables, and rice all in one pan, you’re getting a satisfying, well-rounded meal in every scoop. Here’s an approximate nutrition snapshot based on one serving:
- Around 350 calories per serving
- 15 grams of fat
- 20 grams of protein
- 25 grams of carbohydrates
Naturally, your exact nutrition numbers will vary depending on the ingredients you use—lean turkey will reduce fat, while extra cheese will add more richness (and deliciousness!). The beauty of this casserole is how customizable it is. 🎉
Healthier Swap Ideas
Looking to lighten things up or tailor this dish to specific dietary needs? Here are some smart substitutions and enhancements:
- Swap white rice for cauliflower rice to cut carbs and boost veggie intake
- Use ground turkey or extra-lean beef to lower the fat content
- Stir in additional veggies such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra fiber and nutrients
- Opt for low-fat shredded cheese to reduce overall calories
- Choose no-salt-added tomatoes and season to taste to better control sodium
With these simple tweaks, you can turn this already wholesome dish into something that perfectly suits your nutrition goals—without sacrificing flavor or comfort.
And if you love lightened-up comfort food, be sure to try our Zesty Roasted Beet and Orange Salad — a fresh, vibrant dish that makes a fantastic side for this casserole, too!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Storage
What to Serve with Stuffed Pepper Casserole
While Stuffed Pepper Casserole is filling enough to be a meal on its own, pairing it with a simple side can turn dinner into something extra satisfying. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting friends, here are a few easy ideas to round out your plate:
- Mixed greens salad — a light, crisp salad with vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole 🥗
- Buttery garlic toast — great for scooping up the savory sauce and adding crunch
- Steamed green beans or roasted carrots — colorful veggies bring extra nutrients and texture to the meal
- Oven-baked sweet potatoes — their inherent sweetness complements the smoky, savory flavors in the casserole.
No matter what you choose, this dish is wonderfully versatile — making it easy to mix and match with what you have on hand!
Storing & Reheating Tips
Another reason to love this casserole? It stores and reheats beautifully — perfect for busy weeks or meal prepping in advance. Here’s how to keep your leftovers tasting fresh:
- Refrigerate: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or warm in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly.
- Freeze: This casserole freezes very well! Divide into portions and place in freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with foil. It will keep for up to 3 months.
- Reheating from frozen: For best results, let the casserole thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven. This keeps the texture just right.
Looking for another cozy meal that’s also perfect for make-ahead dinners? Be sure to check out our comforting Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Gratin — it’s a reader favorite for good reason! 🥔🥩
🌀 Variations on Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Mix & Match Ingredients
One of the things I love most about this Stuffed Pepper Casserole is how flexible it is — once you’ve got the base recipe down, you can make it your own with just a few creative twists. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or experimenting with flavors, here are some fun ways to switch things up:
- Vegetarian Version → Skip the meat and swap in cooked lentils, black beans, or a mix of both for a plant-based protein boost 🌱
- Extra Cheesy → Double the cheese or layer extra cheese between the rice and meat mixture for an ultra-gooey, indulgent bake
- One-Pot Wonder → Want fewer dishes? Cook the rice right in the sauce with a little extra broth—just simmer until tender
- Low-Carb Option → Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a lighter, low-carb version
- Turn Up the Heat → Add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or even a dash of hot sauce to give it a spicy edge 🌶️
Popular Reader Variations
Over time, readers have shared tons of creative riffs on this classic casserole — here are a few favorites from the community:
- Southwestern Style → Stir in corn, black beans, cumin, and top with fresh cilantro and avocado slices
- Italian Inspired → Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef, add basil and oregano, and sprinkle Parmesan over the top
- Tex-Mex Twist → Add taco seasoning to the meat, use pepper jack cheese, and serve with sour cream on the side
- Breakfast Casserole → Swap in scrambled eggs, cooked sausage, and shredded hash browns for a fun brunch-friendly version
And if you love experimenting with fun spins on comfort food, don’t miss our bright and zesty Lemon Poppyseed Blondies — a delicious twist on a classic dessert!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Can I make this stuffed pepper casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This easy stuffed pepper casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can fully assemble it a day in advance and store it in the fridge, tightly covered. When ready to eat, simply bake it as directed — you may need to add an extra 10 minutes of bake time if it’s coming straight from the fridge. This makes it an excellent weeknight stuffed pepper dinner solution.
Can I freeze stuffed pepper casserole?
Yes, and it freezes beautifully. To freeze your cheesy stuffed pepper casserole, allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or tightly wrap the baking dish in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until hot and bubbly. Ideal for future one-pan pepper casserole nights.
How can I make this a low carb stuffed pepper bake?
To transform this into a low carb stuffed pepper bake, swap the rice for cauliflower rice. It blends seamlessly with the rest of the ingredients while slashing carbs — a smart choice if you’re following keto or low-carb meal plans. You’ll still get that delicious texture and all the bold flavors of traditional stuffed bell pepper casserole.
Is this casserole healthy?
Yes, this is a healthy stuffed pepper casserole, especially when you control the ingredients. Lean ground turkey or extra-lean beef can lower the fat content. Using brown rice adds fiber, and loading up on colorful bell peppers boosts the vitamin C and antioxidant content. Skip pre-shredded cheese and opt for freshly grated for better texture and fewer additives.
Can I make this casserole without meat?
Absolutely. For a vegetarian twist on this stuffed pepper casserole, replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or black beans. You’ll still get a hearty, satisfying dish full of flavor. Sprinkle in some extra spices or herbs to enhance depth without the meat.
What cheese works best for this recipe?
A blend of mozzarella and cheddar is a classic choice for a cheesy stuffed pepper casserole. Mozzarella melts beautifully, while cheddar adds sharpness. For more flavor, try Monterey Jack, provolone, or even a dash of Parmesan on top.
Can I use leftover rice for this recipe?
Yes! In fact, leftover rice works perfectly and can save time during busy evenings. Using cold rice even helps absorb the tomato sauce better, creating an extra flavorful ground beef pepper casserole.
What side dishes go with stuffed pepper casserole?
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but if you’d like something on the side, consider pairing it with:
A crisp green salad
Garlic bread
Roasted broccoli
A cool cucumber-yogurt dip for contrast
✅ Conclusion: A Family Favorite Made Simple
There’s something truly comforting about pulling a hot, cheesy pan of Stuffed Pepper Casserole from the oven — knowing it’s going to bring everyone around the table with smiles. ❤️
Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight, meal prepping for the days ahead, or serving it up for casual get-togethers, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort — no fussy stuffing required!
If you’ve never tried this simplified version of traditional stuffed peppers, I encourage you to give it a go. I bet it will become a go-to recipe in your household, just like it has in mine. And the best part? You can easily adapt it to fit your family’s tastes — mild or spicy, loaded with cheese or veggie-packed. There’s no wrong way to enjoy it!
👉 Have you made this recipe? I’d love to hear from you!
- Leave a comment below and tell us how yours turned out
- Rate the recipe so fellow readers can find it
- Got your own creative twist? Share it — your version might inspire someone else!
Looking for more one-pot comfort meals? You’ll love our hearty Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Gratin — another easy, family-friendly dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table. 🥘
Thank you for cooking with me — happy baking, happy eating, and I’ll see you again soon with more cozy recipes! 🍴💛