Are you looking for a delicious, hearty, and easy-to-make recipe that will satisfy the whole family? Look no further than this Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole recipe! It’s everything you love about stuffed bell peppers, but in an easier, more convenient form. This casserole combines ground meat, rice, vibrant bell peppers, and a blend of flavorful spices, all topped off with a cheesy, golden crust. Keep reading to discover how you can make this mouthwatering dish in just a few steps!

What is a Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole?
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a deconstructed version of traditional stuffed bell peppers. Instead of filling individual bell peppers with a mixture of ground beef, rice, and seasonings, everything is combined in a casserole dish. This recipe offers the same bold, comforting flavors as classic stuffed bell peppers, but with less prep work and time. Perfect for weeknights or as a make-ahead meal, this casserole will become a favorite for its rich flavor and simplicity.
Ingredients List for Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful and hearty casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or chicken)
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
- 3 large bell peppers (any color, diced)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella, if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth (for cooking the rice)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
These ingredients combine to create a balanced meal with a mix of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables, making it a satisfying option for any occasion.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best parts about this Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is how versatile it can be. Here are some popular substitutions and variations you can try to suit your dietary preferences or ingredient availability:
- Meat Alternatives: If you don’t eat beef, feel free to swap it out with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative.
- Rice Options: White rice works great for this recipe, but you can also use brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- Vegetable Add-ins: While bell peppers are the star of this dish, you can add in other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to increase the nutritional content.
- Cheese Choices: Cheddar is a popular option, but feel free to mix it up with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack cheese for added heat.
- Spice It Up: For those who love a little kick, add some red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or even a splash of hot sauce to the mix.
- Make it Vegetarian: To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the meat and increase the amount of rice and veggies, or use a plant-based protein like lentils or tofu.
Feel free to experiment with these ideas to make the casserole uniquely yours. It’s a flexible recipe that can be adjusted to fit your taste or dietary needs.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly.
- Cook the Rice: In a medium-sized pot, bring your beef or chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked. Set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced bell peppers, onions, and garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent.
- Mix the Casserole Base: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, browned ground beef, sautéed vegetables, diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish, then pour the mixture into the dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving.
How to Cook Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking a Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is easier than you might think, and the entire process can be broken down into simple steps. First, you need to prepare the rice and ground meat separately. This ensures that each component is perfectly cooked and flavorful. Once that’s done, sauté the bell peppers, onions, and garlic to bring out their natural sweetness. Combining the cooked ingredients with seasonings, tomatoes, and marinara sauce creates a robust, savory base. Finally, the casserole is topped with cheese and baked until bubbly and golden. It’s that easy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though this recipe is straightforward, there are a few common mistakes that could lead to less-than-perfect results. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your casserole turns out great every time:
- Overcooking the Rice: Be sure not to overcook your rice before adding it to the casserole, as it will continue to cook in the oven. You want it slightly undercooked to avoid a mushy texture.
- Not Draining Excess Fat: If you’re using ground beef, make sure to drain off any excess fat after browning it. Too much grease can make the casserole oily and heavy.
- Not Seasoning Enough: Don’t forget to taste your mixture before baking. Adjust the seasoning as necessary, especially if you’re using low-sodium broth or sauce.
- Skipping the Cheese Topping: The cheese adds a creamy, delicious contrast to the hearty filling. Don’t skimp on it!
Serving and Presentation Tips
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a hearty meal, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be beautifully presented. When serving this dish, consider these presentation ideas:
- Serve in Individual Portions: Scoop the casserole into individual bowls or plates, ensuring each portion has a good mix of meat, rice, peppers, and cheese.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top adds color and a touch of freshness to balance the rich flavors.
- Pair with a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can complement the casserole and balance out its richness.
Presentation Ideas for Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Presentation is key when serving a casserole, even if it’s a family-style dish. Here are a few ideas to make your Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole look as good as it tastes:
- Colorful Plates: Serve the casserole on brightly colored plates to contrast with the warm tones of the dish.
- Layer the Cheese: For an extra cheesy, Instagram-worthy dish, consider adding a second layer of cheese halfway through baking for a gooey, melty interior.
- Add Fresh Vegetables on the Side: A few slices of fresh tomato or cucumber alongside the casserole add freshness and color to your plate.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Recipe Tips
To make your Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole even more delicious and efficient, consider these extra tips:
- Make it Ahead: This casserole can be prepped in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, just pop it in the oven to heat it through.
- Freezing the Casserole: This recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole but hold off on baking it. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for an easy lunch or dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use different types of rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, wild rice, or even quinoa if you want to change things up. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different grains may take longer to cook.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the meat altogether and add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini. You could also use lentils or a plant-based meat substitute for added protein.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like spice, consider adding diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or even a little cayenne pepper to the mix.
Can I use store-bought sauce?
Yes, a good quality store-bought marinara or tomato sauce works perfectly in this recipe. If you have a homemade sauce, even better!
How can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a fantastic one-dish meal that delivers all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed bell peppers with much less hassle. It’s versatile, customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead. With its rich flavors, cheesy topping, and hearty ingredients, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your home. Try it today, and enjoy a delicious, easy meal that everyone will love!
PrintStuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Recipe
This stuffed bell pepper casserole recipe combines savory ground beef, rice, and colorful bell peppers in a cheesy, baked dish. It's easy to prepare, nutritious, and a family favorite. Keywords: stuffed bell pepper casserole, ground beef casserole, bell pepper casserole recipe, easy casserole dish, baked stuffed peppers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 large bell peppers, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup rice, cooked
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced bell peppers, onion, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until softened.
- Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for beef.
- Add extra veggies like corn or black beans for more texture and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
Leave a Reply