This casserole delivers the taste of traditional stuffed peppers without the extra work. Everything cooks together in one dish, making it simple to prepare and easy to clean up. It’s family-friendly, budget-conscious, and great for leftovers or meal prep.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef or ground turkey
Bell peppers
Onion
Garlic
Cooked rice
Tomato sauce
Diced tomatoes
Italian seasoning
Paprika
Salt
Black pepper
Shredded cheese
Directions
Preheat the oven and lightly grease a casserole dish.
Cook the ground meat in a skillet until browned, then drain excess fat.
Add onion and garlic and cook until softened.
Stir in bell peppers and cook briefly.
Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, rice, and seasonings.
Mix until well combined and transfer to the prepared casserole dish.
Cover and bake until the peppers are tender.
Remove the cover, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake until melted and bubbly.
Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes. Baking time is approximately 35 to 40 minutes.
Variations
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Add corn or black beans for extra texture. For a low-carb version, replace rice with cauliflower rice. Adjust seasoning with chili flakes for heat or smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This casserole also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make stuffed pepper casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Do I need to cook the rice first?
Yes, using cooked rice ensures even texture and proper moisture.
What type of peppers work best?
Any bell pepper color works, depending on sweetness preference.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, replace meat with beans or plant-based crumbles.
How do I keep it from drying out?
Make sure there’s enough sauce and keep it covered while baking.
Can I use instant rice?
Instant rice can work, but texture may be softer.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all ingredients used are gluten-free.
Can I add extra cheese?
Absolutely, add more on top or mix some into the casserole.
Does it reheat well?
Yes, flavors often improve after sitting overnight.
Can I make it spicy?
Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for heat.
Conclusion
Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a cozy, satisfying dish that brings classic comfort food flavors together in an easy, crowd-pleasing format. Simple to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it’s a reliable recipe you’ll want to keep in regular rotation.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a hearty one-pan dish that combines all the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers—ground meat, bell peppers, rice, and tomato sauce—into an easy, comforting meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
2 bell peppers, diced (any color)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups cooked rice
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground meat until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Stir in diced bell peppers and cook for another 3–4 minutes until slightly tender.
Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined and heated through.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and return to oven for 10–15 more minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use any bell pepper color you prefer—red adds sweetness, while green is more robust.Swap ground beef for turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian option.Add corn, black beans, or diced jalapeños for more flavor and texture.Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb variation.This casserole freezes well—cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
