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

7 Reasons This Stuffed Pepper Casserole Is Your New Go-To Comfort Food

Description

Hearty Stuffed Pepper Casserole with ground beef, rice, peppers & cheese. A quick one-pot meal for busy nights. Comfort food made easy!

Ingredients

Scale

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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