Craving the taste of stuffed peppers but short on time? This Quick and Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole delivers all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers in a fraction of the time! By turning it into a casserole, you get a hearty, flavorful dish that’s easy to prep and bake in one pan. It's packed with ground beef, tender rice, bell peppers, and a cheesy tomato sauce that will have your family asking for seconds. Ready in under an hour, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep for the week ahead. Keep reading to find out how to make this delicious stuffed pepper casserole step-by-step!
What is a Stuffed Pepper Casserole?
A Stuffed Pepper Casserole takes all the delicious components of traditional stuffed peppers—ground beef, rice, bell peppers, tomatoes, and cheese—and combines them into a convenient, one-pan casserole. Instead of stuffing each individual pepper, everything is mixed together in a baking dish and baked until bubbly and golden. This simplifies the process and saves time without sacrificing any of the delicious flavors.
Ingredients List for Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Quick and Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole:
- Ground Beef (1 lb)
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.
- Bell Peppers (3 medium, diced)
- Use a variety of colors (red, green, yellow) for a pop of color and flavor.
- Onion (1 medium, diced)
- Adds a savory base to the casserole.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- Garlic brings a rich, aromatic flavor to the dish.
- Cooked Rice (2 cups)
- You can use white, brown, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Tomato Sauce (1 can, 15 oz)
- This helps to create the rich tomato base.
- Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz)
- Fire-roasted tomatoes add an extra smoky flavor, but regular diced tomatoes work just as well.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon)
- Adds a savory depth of flavor.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon)
- A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme to give the casserole an herbaceous touch.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, divided)
- Use sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor, or mozzarella for a melty, mild topping.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
- Essential for seasoning the dish.
Ingredients List for Optional Add-Ins
Want to customize your casserole? Here are some optional add-ins you can try:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner option, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Black Beans (1 cup, drained and rinsed): Adds extra protein and fiber.
- Corn (1 cup, frozen or canned): Adds a sweet, crunchy texture.
- Jalapeño (1-2 diced, optional): For a spicy kick, add some diced jalapeño.
- Fresh Herbs (such as parsley or cilantro): Add a fresh garnish right before serving for extra flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is flexible, and you can make a few swaps based on your dietary preferences or what you have on hand:
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute cooked rice with cauliflower rice to reduce the carb count.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and use a plant-based ground beef alternative or black beans for a hearty, meatless version.
- Cheese Alternatives: Use a dairy-free cheese to make this casserole lactose-friendly.
- Different Grains: Instead of rice, you can use cooked quinoa, farro, or even small pasta like orzo for a twist.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to whip up this Quick and Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole in no time:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Break it up with a spoon and cook until fully browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté the onions, garlic, and bell peppers in the same skillet.
- Add the diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Mix in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the cooked rice with the meat and vegetable mixture.
- In a large mixing bowl (or in the skillet if it’s big enough), combine the cooked rice with the ground beef and pepper mixture. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
- Layer the casserole in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the mixture into the baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.
- Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden, crispy top, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish and serve.
- Once the casserole is out of the oven, sprinkle with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro if desired. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Cook Stuffed Pepper Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
For quick reference, here’s a simplified version of the cooking instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Brown ground beef; drain.
- Sauté onions, peppers, and garlic until softened.
- Mix in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and seasoning.
- Combine the cooked rice with the beef mixture.
- Layer in a greased baking dish, top with cheese, and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes for a crispy top, then serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make sure your Stuffed Pepper Casserole turns out perfectly every time, avoid these common mistakes:
- Not Draining the Ground Beef: Be sure to drain excess grease after browning the ground beef. This prevents the casserole from becoming too greasy.
- Using Uncooked Rice: This recipe calls for pre-cooked rice. Make sure your rice is fully cooked before mixing it with the other ingredients.
- Overcooking the Vegetables: Sauté the bell peppers and onions until just tender to avoid them becoming too mushy during baking.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Although casseroles are typically served family-style, you can still make this dish look great with these tips:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro on top adds color and freshness.
- Serve with a Side Salad: A crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette will cut through the richness of the casserole.
- Pair with Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side to complement the tomato and beef flavors.
How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with these sides for a well-rounded dinner:
- Side Salad: A light salad with a lemon vinaigrette or balsamic dressing pairs well with the hearty casserole.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted broccoli or green beans for added nutrition.
- Crusty Bread: A side of crusty bread or garlic toast is perfect for soaking up the rich tomato sauce.
Presentation Ideas for Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Elevate your casserole presentation with these ideas:
- Use a Decorative Baking Dish: Bake and serve the casserole in a brightly colored or ceramic dish for a beautiful table presentation.
- Top with Extra Cheese: Add an extra sprinkle of cheese and broil for a golden, bubbly finish.
- Serve in Individual Portions: For a fancier touch, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or bowls.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe Tips
To ensure your Stuffed Pepper Casserole turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great meal-prep option.
- Freezer-Friendly: This casserole freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.
- Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd, you can easily double the recipe and bake it in a larger dish. Just adjust the baking time as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Absolutely. Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until hot.
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, you can use any type of cooked rice, including brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or black beans to make it vegetarian.
Conclusion
This Quick and Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a delicious and time-saving way to enjoy all the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers in a convenient casserole form. With hearty ingredients like ground beef, rice, and bell peppers, combined with a cheesy tomato sauce, this one-dish meal is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins, and enjoy a warm, comforting meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Try it tonight!
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Quick and Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Quick and Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole recipe brings all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers into an easy-to-make, one-pan dish. Featuring seasoned ground beef, bell peppers, rice, and a delicious tomato sauce, this casserole delivers the taste of stuffed peppers without the hassle of stuffing. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a hearty and flavorful family meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 3 bell peppers (chopped)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Stir in the chopped bell peppers, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, rice, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
- Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use brown rice for a healthier option, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with black beans or plant-based crumbles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
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