Stuffed Pepper Casserole

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If you love the flavor of stuffed peppers but dread the hassle of prepping each one individually, this Stuffed Pepper Casserole is your perfect solution. It’s a one-pan wonder that captures all the savory, cheesy, and hearty flavors of traditional stuffed peppers with a whole lot less effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back Sunday dinners, this dish delivers big on comfort and flavor with minimal cleanup.

This casserole is layered with seasoned ground beef, tender rice, bell peppers, tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It’s satisfying, family-friendly, and endlessly customizable based on what you have on hand. Think of it as a deconstructed stuffed pepper that’s ready to serve straight from the skillet.

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What Kind of Rice Should I Use?

The best part about this recipe is its flexibility. Long-grain white rice is a go-to because it cooks evenly and fluffs up beautifully. If you prefer brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option, just adjust the liquid and cook time accordingly. Pre-cooked rice can also be used to speed things up—just fold it in at the end before baking with the cheese.

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Ingredients for the Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Ground Beef – The hearty base that brings a rich, savory flavor. You can swap it with ground turkey or sausage if you like.

Bell Peppers – A mix of green and red peppers adds color and the classic stuffed pepper taste.

Onion & Garlic – These aromatic basics are key for depth of flavor.

Diced Tomatoes & Tomato Sauce – The juicy, tangy elements that bind everything together.

Cooked Rice – Helps soak up all the tomatoey goodness while adding bulk.

Shredded Cheese – A melty, golden topping. Use cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend.

Seasonings – Think salt, pepper, Italian herbs, and a dash of paprika for warmth.

Olive Oil – For sautéing the veggies and beef to a perfect finish.

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How To Make the Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the pan and cook until fully browned. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, and drain excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Add Bell Peppers

Stir in chopped green and red bell peppers. Cook for about 5 minutes until they start to soften, maintaining a slight crunch.

Step 4: Season and Simmer

Sprinkle in salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Stir to coat the meat and veggies evenly. Add diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Fold in the Rice

Stir in the cooked rice and let everything simmer together for a few more minutes to soak up all the flavors.

Step 6: Top with Cheese and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm straight from the skillet.

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How to Serve and Store Your Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Stuffed Pepper Casserole is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, pair it with a simple green salad or a side of roasted veggies. It also goes great with a slice of crusty bread or warm garlic toast to soak up the saucy goodness.

Storing leftovers is a breeze. Simply transfer the cooled casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual servings or warm larger portions in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This casserole also freezes well—just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use uncooked rice instead of cooked?

Yes, but you’ll need to add extra liquid (like broth or water) and simmer longer until the rice is tender. Precooked rice makes things quicker and easier.

What other proteins can I use?

Ground turkey, chicken, sausage, or even plant-based crumbles all work beautifully in this casserole.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the meat and load up on beans, lentils, or extra veggies like mushrooms and zucchini for a hearty vegetarian version.

What kind of cheese melts best?

Cheddar and mozzarella are top choices for melt and flavor. Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend also work well.

Is this dish spicy?

Not as written, but you can turn up the heat by adding red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the sauté.

Can I prep it ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, just add 5 extra minutes to the oven time.

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Want More Casserole Ideas?

If this Stuffed Pepper Casserole has you craving more cozy, oven-baked goodness, you’ll love these other satisfying dishes:

• Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce for a rich and cheesy twist.
• Funeral Potatoes: Creamy, Cheesy Comfort in Every Bite when you’re after the ultimate comfort food.
• Bacon, Egg, and Hash Brown Casserole makes breakfast-for-dinner extra hearty.
• Crab Casserole if you’re in the mood for a seafood bake.
• Gooey Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole to finish your meal with a sweet treat.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it anytime you need a quick and hearty meal.

Let me know in the comments how you made this casserole your own. Did you use turkey or keep it classic with beef? Add a spicy twist or keep it mild?

I love seeing your creations and swaps! And if you’re hungry for more, check out my daily recipe drops on Pinterest @LifeWithNinaRecipes.

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