If you love the comforting flavors of classic stuffed peppers but crave the convenience of a weeknight casserole, this Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole is destined to become a staple at your dinner table. It combines the savory satisfaction of seasoned ground beef or turkey, the brightness of colorful bell peppers, and that irresistible cheesy topping, all baked together in one hearty, oven-to-table dish. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this crowd-pleaser is packed with wholesome ingredients and bold, familiar flavors that make every bite feel like home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole lies in its accessible, everyday ingredients. Each one plays a key role in bringing layers of flavor, heartiness, and vibrant color to this dish, ensuring every serving is both comforting and satisfying.
- Ground Beef or Ground Turkey: The main protein brings savory depth; choose whichever you prefer for a lighter or richer casserole.
- Olive Oil: A touch of healthy fat that helps everything sauté perfectly and adds extra flavor.
- Onion: Infuses the base with sweetness and aroma for that classic casserole foundation.
- Garlic: Three cloves breathe savory life into each bite; fresh is best for unbeatable flavor.
- Bell Peppers: Use any colors to add bursts of sweet crunch and plenty of color; two are all you need!
- Uncooked White Rice: Rice soaks up all the juices and transforms into the ultimate comfort base inside your casserole.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: Tomatoes (with their juice!) keep the dish moist and tangy, while tying the filling together.
- Tomato Sauce: Provides richness and gives the casserole its familiar stuffed pepper taste.
- Low-Sodium Beef or Chicken Broth: Adds loads of flavor while keeping everything juicy; opt for low-sodium so you can control the seasoning.
- Italian Seasoning: Brings a boost of herby goodness; it’s your shortcut to a balanced flavor depth.
- Salt: Just enough to enhance all the fresh flavors without overpowering.
- Black Pepper: A little heat and zing to round out each forkful.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Bubbly, melty cheese on top makes this casserole irresistible.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (Optional): The finishing touch for freshness and a pop of color before serving.
How to Make Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F and grab a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven. That way, you can sauté, simmer, and bake all in one pan, making clean-up a breeze. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, simply start in a regular pan and transfer everything to a casserole dish before baking.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil over medium and add the diced onion. Let it sizzle for 2–3 minutes until it starts to soften. Sprinkle in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. These two are the unsung heroes, setting the stage for the wonderful depth of flavor that defines this Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole.
Step 3: Brown the Meat
Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet and break it apart as it cooks. Continue sautéing until it’s fully browned, ensuring there’s no pink left. If there’s extra fat, carefully drain it off. This step locks in the savory flavors that make the casserole so hearty.
Step 4: Add the Peppers and Rice
Toss in the diced bell peppers, followed by the uncooked rice. Stir everything well so the rice gets coated in those flavorful juices and infuses with the colorful bell peppers. This combination forms the “stuffed” vibe of your casserole.
Step 5: Mix in the Tomatoes, Sauce, and Broth
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (juice and all), tomato sauce, and broth. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure every grain of rice and piece of pepper is equally immersed in that savory tomato base, which ties all the flavors together.
Step 6: Bake Until Tender
Cover your skillet or Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid or foil. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, until the rice is fluffy and tender. This step is where the magic happens: the rice absorbs all those juices, the peppers soften, and everything melds beautifully.
Step 7: Top with Cheese and Finish Baking
Peek in and check that the rice is cooked, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Pop the casserole back in, uncovered, for another 5–10 minutes until the cheese is melty, golden, and bubbling—just the way comfort food should be.
Step 8: Rest and Garnish
Let your Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole rest for about 5 minutes before you serve. This brief pause allows all the flavors to settle and makes it easier to scoop. If you like, scatter chopped parsley on top for an extra burst of freshness and color.
How to Serve Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Garnishes
A handful of chopped fresh parsley is the classic finishing touch for Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole. You can also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, thinly sliced green onion, or even a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor and creaminess. Each garnish adds a beautiful pop of color or a new layer of taste, making each plate look and feel special.
Side Dishes
This casserole is more than filling on its own, but you can serve it alongside a crisp mixed green salad or some steamed green beans for a burst of freshness. Garlic bread or a slice of warm, crusty baguette also pairs wonderfully, perfect for soaking up any saucy leftovers.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elevated twist, try spooning the casserole into hollowed-out roasted bell peppers for a fun, individual serving. Or, serve it family-style in a large cast iron skillet straight from the oven, letting everyone—and their eyes—enjoy the bubbling, cheesy top. If you want bite-sized appetizers, scoop the filling into mini bell peppers and broil with mozzarella until golden.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole holds up beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. Allow leftovers to cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. This makes weeknight dinners or next-day lunches a breeze—just heat and eat!
Freezing
This casserole is perfect for freezing! Once fully cooled, portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire dish tightly with foil. It’ll keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, use the microwave for individual servings (a couple of minutes on high does the trick), or cover and bake in a 350°F oven until heated through. If needed, add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist, and pop on a little fresh cheese before serving to revive that just-baked flavor.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Definitely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook. You’ll want to add an extra 15–20 minutes of baking time and a bit more broth so the rice turns out perfectly tender.
How can I make this vegetarian?
It’s simple to make Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole vegetarian—just swap the ground meat for black beans, lentils, or your favorite plant-based crumble. Use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken for even more flavor.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the casserole up to the point before baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to a day. When you’re ready, bake according to the instructions, adding a few extra minutes if starting from cold.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For the best results, reheat leftovers in a covered oven dish at 350°F until warmed through, which helps preserve the casserole’s texture. The microwave is handy for single servings; just cover to retain moisture.
Is Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free broth, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Double check your ingredient labels to be sure, especially if you’re cooking for someone with a gluten sensitivity.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together and simplifies meal times without sacrificing flavor. Give it a go, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a top request from your family or friends!
Print
Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal that combines all the classic flavors of stuffed peppers in a simple casserole form. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), diced
Rice Mixture:
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Topping:
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large oven-safe skillet, cook onion and garlic, then add ground beef, breaking it apart until browned.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in bell peppers, rice, tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
- Bake: Cover and bake for 35–40 minutes until rice is tender.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top and bake uncovered until melted.
- Serve: Let rest before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use brown rice, but adjust baking time and broth amount.
- This dish reheats well and is great for meal prep.
- Make it vegetarian by using black beans or lentils.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
