When you crave stuffed peppers but don’t want the fuss of prepping and baking each one, this Stuffed Pepper Casserole is your weeknight hero. It captures all the savory, cheesy, saucy joy of the original dish in one comforting, easy-to-serve skillet.

With just one pan and pantry staples, you can serve up a hearty meal that’s rich in flavor and family-approved. Ground beef, tender rice, vibrant bell peppers, and melty cheese come together in layers that taste like home.

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Pepper Casserole

This recipe transforms classic stuffed peppers into a cozy casserole that saves time without compromising flavor. It’s satisfying, freezer-friendly, and a crowd-pleaser at both weeknight dinners and potlucks. Plus, the gooey cheese topping adds a nostalgic, irresistible finish.

What Kind of Peppers Should I Use?

For this casserole, red and green bell peppers strike the perfect balance. Red adds a mild sweetness while green keeps things earthy and bold. You can also mix in yellow or orange for extra color and subtle flavor differences.

Ingredients for the Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Ground Beef – Brings hearty richness to the base and pairs well with the sauce and rice.

Cooked White Rice – Acts as a binder and fills out the casserole with a tender, chewy bite.

Red and Green Bell Peppers – The star vegetables; they provide sweetness, crunch, and classic flavor.

Yellow Onion – Adds aromatic depth and natural sweetness once cooked down.

Garlic – Boosts the savory base with a warm, fragrant kick.

Tomato Sauce – Helps bind the dish together and offers tangy moisture.

Diced Tomatoes – Adds texture and balances the richness of the meat.

Worcestershire Sauce – Deepens the umami flavor and enhances the meatiness.

Italian Seasoning – Adds herbal notes that echo traditional stuffed pepper flavors.

Salt and Black Pepper – Essential seasonings to balance and enhance.

Shredded Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese – Melty and golden, this combo brings the casserole together under a comforting cheesy blanket.

Fresh Parsley and Green Onions (for garnish) – Add color and a pop of freshness.

How To Make the Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook 1 lb of ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat, then stir in 1 diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Veggies

Toss in 1 chopped red bell pepper and 1 chopped green bell pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes until slightly tender but still vibrant.

Step 3: Stir in Tomatoes and Seasoning

Add 1 (15 oz) can of tomato sauce, 1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes (with juice), 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Fold in the Rice

Add 2 cups of cooked white rice and mix thoroughly until the rice is evenly coated and everything is well combined.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes. Remove foil and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Top with chopped parsley and green onions before serving.

How to Serve This Cheesy Casserole Delight

This stuffed pepper casserole feeds 6 hearty servings and pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, crusty garlic bread, or roasted veggies. A scoop of sour cream or a few pickled jalapeños on the side can add even more flair.

How to Store This Casserole for Later

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let the casserole cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. To freeze, portion into individual servings and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot and bubbly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey is a leaner option and still works beautifully with the peppers and sauce.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I make this casserole spicy?
Sure! Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or even chopped jalapeños with the bell peppers.

What’s the best rice to use?
Long-grain white rice is classic, but you can also use jasmine or brown rice. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding.

Can I add beans or corn?
Yes, black beans or sweet corn can bulk it up and add flavor. Stir them in with the rice in Step 4.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you love this Stuffed Pepper Casserole, you’ll want to try these delicious twists too:

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Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Author: Mia McKenny
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This cozy stuffed pepper casserole is a one-pan wonder that transforms all the classic stuffed pepper flavors into an easy dinner idea. With seasoned ground beef, bell peppers, hearty rice, and melty cheese, it’s a weeknight-ready, family-approved comfort meal. Perfect when you need a quick dinner, a healthy-ish option, or simply new dinner ideas that deliver big flavor with minimal fuss.

Instructions

1. In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.

2. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened, about 3 minutes.

3. Stir in chopped red and green bell peppers. Cook for another 5–6 minutes.

4. Mix in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.

5. Fold in cooked white rice until everything is evenly combined.

6. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.

7. Remove foil and broil for 2–3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

8. Let rest 5 minutes, then top with parsley and green onions before serving.

Notes

Use cooked rice to avoid excess liquid.

Broil the cheese at the end for a bubbly golden crust.

Let it rest before serving so it sets up nicely.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
Calories: 425
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: stuffed pepper casserole, easy dinner, one-pan meals