If you love traditional stuffed peppers but don’t have the time or patience to stuff each one, this Stuffed Pepper Casserole is the perfect solution. It delivers all the classic flavors of the original—tender bell peppers, seasoned ground beef, rice, and rich tomato sauce—but in a simple, comforting one-pan bake. I tried this version on a busy weeknight, and it was not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor. It’s warm, filling, and ideal for feeding the whole family with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole takes everything you love about classic stuffed peppers and transforms it into a cozy, no-fuss casserole. It’s hearty, flavorful, and can be made entirely in one skillet, which means fewer dishes to clean. The mix of juicy ground beef, aromatic vegetables, fluffy rice, and gooey melted cheese makes it the ultimate comfort food. It’s also perfect for meal prep—the leftovers taste even better the next day. Plus, it’s easy to customize with different proteins or grains, making it a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat all year long.
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Stuffed Pepper Casserole – A Hearty, Flavor-Packed One-Pan Comfort Dish
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a hearty, one-pan meal that has all the comforting flavors of classic stuffed peppers — but in an easy, deconstructed form. It’s filled with seasoned ground beef, rice, bell peppers, tomatoes, and cheese, baked together into a delicious and cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add onion, bell peppers, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 5–6 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add cooked rice and stir to combine evenly with the meat and vegetables.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven, garnish with parsley, and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a low-carb version, substitute cooked cauliflower rice for regular rice.
- You can make this dish ahead — assemble it, refrigerate, and bake later.
- Try using Italian sausage instead of ground beef for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground Beef: The base of the casserole—adds rich, savory flavor. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Bell Peppers: A colorful mix of red, green, and yellow peppers adds sweetness, crunch, and vibrant flavor.
Onion: Adds depth and balances the sweetness of the peppers.
Garlic: Brings a fragrant, savory note that enhances the sauce.
Diced Tomatoes: Provide a juicy, tomato-rich base for the casserole.
Tomato Sauce: Adds creaminess and ties all the ingredients together.
Cooked Rice: Makes the dish hearty and filling—white or brown rice both work great.
Beef Broth: Keeps the mixture moist and adds a deeper, meaty flavor.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the casserole that classic Italian flavor profile.
Paprika: Adds mild smokiness and a touch of color.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer.
Shredded Cheese: Mozzarella or cheddar melts beautifully over the top for a gooey finish.
Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables and adding richness.
Fresh Parsley (optional): For garnish and a fresh finishing touch.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add chopped onions, garlic, and diced bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly and become fragrant. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Mix in the cooked rice until everything is evenly combined. Let it simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm and enjoy that perfect combination of cheesy, saucy, and savory goodness in every bite.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Perfect for serving 4–6 people as a main course.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes. This casserole also freezes beautifully—store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Low-Carb Option: Substitute cauliflower rice for traditional rice for a lighter version.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat.
Tex-Mex Twist: Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning and top with pepper jack cheese.
Turkey Version: Use lean ground turkey instead of beef for a healthier alternative.
Vegetarian Option: Use cooked lentils or black beans in place of meat and vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Cheesy Upgrade: Mix some shredded cheese directly into the casserole before baking for extra creaminess.
Mediterranean Style: Add olives, feta cheese, and oregano for a fresh twist.
Extra Veggies: Toss in zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to boost nutrition.
Brown Rice Version: Swap white rice for brown rice and increase the broth slightly.
One-Pot Shortcut: Use instant rice and cook directly in the sauce for fewer steps.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
2. Can I use uncooked rice?
If using uncooked rice, add an extra cup of broth and bake longer (about 45–50 minutes).
3. What’s the best cheese for topping?
Mozzarella melts beautifully, but cheddar or provolone also work great.
4. Can I use quinoa instead of rice?
Yes, quinoa is a great substitute and adds a nutty flavor.
5. How do I make it vegetarian?
Replace beef with lentils or beans and use vegetable broth.
6. Do I have to bake it?
You can skip baking and just simmer on the stovetop until the cheese melts.
7. Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze baked or unbaked for up to 2 months—just thaw before reheating.
8. Can I add beans to it?
Yes, black beans or kidney beans add extra protein and texture.
9. What sides go best with this dish?
Serve with garlic bread, salad, or roasted vegetables.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—it’s great for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Conclusion
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is everything you love about traditional stuffed peppers in an easy, comforting, and family-friendly dish. With tender peppers, savory beef, perfectly seasoned rice, and melted cheese, it’s the kind of meal that satisfies every craving. Best of all, it comes together in one pan, making it as practical as it is delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the week ahead, this casserole is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.