Looking for a hearty and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare? This Quick and Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole recipe is a perfect choice! It’s a one-pan dish that combines all the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers without the hassle of actually stuffing them. In this article, we’ll guide you through every step of the process, providing helpful tips, ingredient substitutions, and ideas to make your casserole even more delicious. Read on to discover how to make this fantastic dish that your family will love!

What is a Stuffed Pepper Casserole?
A Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a deconstructed version of classic stuffed peppers. Instead of stuffing whole bell peppers with a meat, rice, and vegetable mixture, all the ingredients are combined in a baking dish and cooked together. It’s quicker, easier, and perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal without too much fuss. The casserole delivers all the same satisfying flavors—sweet bell peppers, savory ground beef or turkey, hearty rice, and melty cheese.
Ingredients List for Stuffed Pepper Casserole
- Ground beef or turkey: 1 lb (can also use a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian version).
- Bell peppers: 3 large peppers, diced (use a mix of red, yellow, and green for a colorful presentation).
- Onion: 1 medium onion, finely chopped.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
- Rice: 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown, or even quinoa as a healthier alternative).
- Tomato sauce: 1 can (15 oz) of tomato sauce or marinara sauce.
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes, drained.
- Beef or chicken broth: 1 cup (for moisture and flavor).
- Italian seasoning: 1 tablespoon (oregano, basil, thyme blend).
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Cheese: 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (or a combination).
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon for sautéing.
Ingredients List for Toppings and Add-ons
- Fresh parsley or cilantro: Chopped, for garnish.
- Sour cream: For serving.
- Hot sauce: For those who like a spicy kick.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: To sprinkle on top before serving.
- Red pepper flakes: If you want to add some heat.
Substitutions and Variations
- Ground turkey or chicken can easily replace ground beef for a leaner option.
- Quinoa can be used instead of rice for a higher protein content and slightly nuttier flavor.
- Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb option if you’re looking to cut down on carbohydrates.
- Vegan option: Use plant-based ground meat and dairy-free cheese to make the casserole vegan.
- Add black beans or corn for an extra texture and Southwestern twist.
- For a cheesy twist, try adding cream cheese or a dollop of sour cream directly into the casserole mixture for extra creaminess.
- Mexican variation: Add taco seasoning, swap mozzarella for Mexican blend cheese, and serve with guacamole.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the rice: Prepare your rice according to package instructions. Set aside.
- Brown the meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add the vegetables: Stir in the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Season and add liquids: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Combine with rice: Once the meat and vegetable mixture is ready, stir in the cooked rice. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Transfer to casserole dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.
How to Cook Stuffed Pepper Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking a Stuffed Pepper Casserole is simple and straightforward. Start by preparing the rice and browning your meat. Next, sauté the vegetables with garlic, and then mix everything together with your sauces and seasonings. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top it with cheese, and bake. It’s that easy! The result is a delicious, cheesy, and hearty meal that is perfect for feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not draining the meat: If you’re using beef with a higher fat content, make sure to drain the fat after browning it. Excess fat can make the casserole greasy.
- Overcooking the peppers: Bell peppers should be softened but not mushy. Avoid overcooking them during the sautéing process, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Undercooking the rice: Ensure that the rice is fully cooked before adding it to the casserole. If it’s undercooked, it won’t soften properly in the oven.
- Too much liquid: Be careful not to add too much broth or sauce, as it can make the casserole watery. Stick to the recommended amounts or slightly reduce the liquid if using watery vegetables.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When serving your Stuffed Pepper Casserole, you want it to look as good as it tastes. Here are a few tips to elevate the presentation:
- Serve the casserole with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for a creamy contrast to the savory casserole.
- Serve with a side salad for a balanced meal or a few slices of crusty garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.
How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Stuffed Pepper Casserole is incredibly versatile. It can be served on its own as a complete meal, thanks to the inclusion of protein, vegetables, and rice. You can also pair it with a side of steamed vegetables, a light green salad, or some garlic bread to round out the meal. For a fun twist, try serving it in individual ramekins or small dishes for personalized portions.
Presentation Ideas for Stuffed Pepper Casserole
- Serve it family-style, straight out of the casserole dish, with a big serving spoon. Garnish with fresh herbs and maybe a few slices of fresh bell pepper on top for color.
- For a more formal presentation, plate individual servings and garnish each plate with a sprig of cilantro or a slice of avocado.
- Drizzle a bit of hot sauce in an artistic swirl on top of the casserole before serving for a spicy kick and added visual appeal.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe Tips
- For a meal-prep hack, make the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate it overnight, and bake the next day. This also allows the flavors to develop more fully.
- To save time, use frozen, pre-chopped bell peppers and onions or a microwavable rice packet.
- If you're looking for a richer flavor, mix in a handful of grated Parmesan cheese along with the mozzarella for an extra cheesy kick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great option for meal prepping or hosting.
2. Can I freeze Stuffed Pepper Casserole?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole, let it cool completely, and then cover it tightly with foil before freezing. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake until heated through.
3. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat individual servings in the microwave, or cover the casserole dish with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.
4. Can I use instant rice?
Yes, you can use instant rice to save time. Just follow the package instructions for cooking before adding it to the casserole.
5. What other vegetables can I add?
You can add veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the casserole for extra nutrients and flavor.
Conclusion
This Quick and Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole is the perfect weeknight dinner. It’s a comforting, satisfying dish that brings together the beloved flavors of stuffed peppers in a more convenient form. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize to your dietary needs or preferences. Whether you're meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or just looking for a delicious, low-effort dinner, this recipe has you covered. Give it a try, and you’ll have a new favorite casserole on your hands!
PrintQuick And Simple Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
This stuffed pepper casserole is an easy, flavorful dish combining rice, ground beef, peppers, and cheese. It's the perfect comfort food for a weeknight dinner and can be made in one pan for minimal cleanup. Packed with protein and vegetables, it's sure to become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup rice (cooked)
- 3 bell peppers (diced)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook rice according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced peppers, onion, and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in diced tomatoes, cooked rice, and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer mixture to a casserole dish, top with shredded cheese, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Use brown rice for added fiber.
- Add some spice with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
Leave a Reply