Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole takes everything you love about classic stuffed peppers and turns it into a simple, one-pan meal. Juicy ground meat, tender bell peppers, rice, and savory tomato sauce are layered with melted cheese for a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan meal with easy cleanup
• All the flavor of stuffed peppers with none of the fuss
• Family-friendly and filling
• Great for leftovers and make-ahead dinners
• Customizable with your favorite ingredients

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef or ground turkey
• Bell peppers (any color), chopped
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Cooked rice (white or brown)
• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes (optional, for added texture)
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• Olive oil or butter

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Meat and Veggies: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and chopped bell peppers. Sauté until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Brown the Meat: Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
4. Add Sauce and Seasonings: Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3–5 minutes to let the flavors blend.
5. Combine with Rice: Add the cooked rice to the skillet and mix until fully combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with shredded cheese.
7. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 5–10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve: Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Low-carb option: Use riced cauliflower instead of rice.
• Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the meat mixture.
• Cheesy twist: Mix some of the cheese into the filling before baking.
• Add beans: Stir in black beans or kidney beans for extra protein.
• Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and add lentils or extra veggies like zucchini and mushrooms.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave in short intervals until hot.

Freezing: Freeze before or after baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use uncooked rice?

No, the rice should be fully cooked before adding to the casserole to ensure even cooking.

What kind of peppers should I use?

Any color works! Red, yellow, and orange are sweeter, while green has a sharper flavor.

Can I use ground chicken?

Yes, ground chicken or turkey both work well as lean alternatives.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

What cheese is best?

Mozzarella and cheddar are great options, but feel free to use a blend or your favorite.

How do I make it creamier?

Stir in a little sour cream or cream cheese before baking for a creamy filling.

Can I use leftover rice?

Absolutely! This is a great way to use up cooked rice from a previous meal.

Is this gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all your ingredients (especially sauces) are gluten-free.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Definitely. Mushrooms, corn, spinach, or zucchini make great additions.

How do I keep it from drying out?

Don’t skip the foil in the first half of baking. It traps moisture and keeps the casserole tender.

Conclusion

Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a weeknight-friendly twist on a classic favorite. It delivers the same hearty, savory flavors of traditional stuffed peppers without all the extra prep. It’s warm, filling, and incredibly simple — the kind of dish that always hits the spot and keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

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