The Best Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinner Nights

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering stuffed pepper casserole that transforms classic flavors into a single-dish marvel.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a meal packed with bold southwestern spices.

Bell peppers, ground beef, and rice dance together in a rich tomato sauce.

Cheese melts perfectly across the top, adding a creamy texture that feels indulgent.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this dish comes together without complicated preparation steps.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

Let’s dive into a recipe that promises to become your new favorite family meal.

Casserole That Turns Stuffed Peppers Into Comfort Food

• Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up this stuffed pepper casserole with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for busy home cooks who want a satisfying meal without complicated techniques.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Streamline your cooking process by preparing most of the ingredients in a single skillet, reducing cleanup time and making meal preparation a breeze.
• Flavor-Packed Comfort Food: Enjoy a hearty dish bursting with rich beef, vibrant vegetables, and a perfect blend of seasonings that create a mouthwatering combination everyone will love.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Deliver a nutritious and delicious meal that appeals to both kids and adults, making dinnertime smooth and enjoyable for the whole family.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Essentials

• Ground Beef: Serves as the primary protein source for the casserole.

• Yellow Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that add flavor and texture.
• Garlic: Provides a robust aromatic base.

• Italian or Cajun Seasoning: Adds depth and spice to the dish.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances the meaty flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings for balanced taste.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding richness.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: Provides moisture and tangy flavor.
• Beef Broth: Helps cook the rice and adds extra depth.

• Long Grain White Rice: Serves as the main starch component.

• Shredded Cheese: Creates a melty, creamy topping.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Assembly

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet and add ground beef. Break the meat into small pieces while cooking. Cook until the beef turns a rich brown color and drain any extra fat.

Step 2: Sauté Colorful Vegetables

Toss in chopped onions, red and green bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook until vegetables become soft and onions turn translucent, releasing their aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Boost the Flavor Profile

• Italian or Cajun seasoning
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

Stir thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Combine Tomatoes and Rice

• Diced tomatoes with their liquid
• Uncooked long grain white rice

Mix all ingredients until well combined and integrated.

Step 5: Simmer and Absorb Liquids

Add beef broth to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat. Cover and let simmer until rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 20 minutes.

Step 6: Prepare and Bake the Casserole

Preheat oven to 375°F. Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese. Bake until cheese melts and becomes golden and bubbly, approximately 15-20 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Remove casserole from oven. Allow to cool briefly. Scatter fresh chopped parsley on top. Serve piping hot and savor every delicious bite.

Help for Making Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Master Rice Absorption: Add broth gradually to prevent mushy rice, ensuring each grain cooks perfectly and absorbs flavors without becoming soggy.
• Cheese Selection Boost: Experiment with sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or monterey jack for deeper flavor profiles that complement the beef and peppers.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust seasoning intensity by choosing mild Italian herbs or zesty Cajun blend, tailoring heat to personal preference without overwhelming the dish.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, storing covered in the refrigerator and baking fresh when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Swap white rice with cauliflower rice or riced broccoli to create a lighter, lower-carbohydrate version that maintains the original recipe's delicious essence.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole: Tips To Reheat Smoothly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the casserole remains fresh and tasty.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Label with the date and store for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing for longer periods to maintain quality.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread casserole in a baking dish, add a splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly. Uncover during the last 5 minutes to restore cheese's crispy texture.

Pepper Casserole Food Companions

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the casserole and cut through its hearty texture.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Prepare a light, tangy salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the casserole's richness and add a fresh counterpoint to the warm dish.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Toast crusty garlic bread to soak up the savory tomato sauce and provide a crunchy texture that contrasts with the soft, cheesy casserole.
• Cool Down with Refreshing Beverage: Offer a cold, citrusy drink like fresh lemonade or sparkling water with a slice of lemon to cleanse the palate between bites and refresh the taste buds.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe: Creative Fillings to Try

• Vegetarian Bell Pepper Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, black beans, or lentils for a hearty meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Comfort: Swap white rice with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates and create a lighter, keto-friendly alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Edition: Add diced jalapeños, swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty Mexican-inspired rendition.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, use tamari instead of Worcestershire sauce, and confirm seasoning blends have no gluten contamination.

FAQs

• Is this recipe spicy?

The level of spiciness depends on the seasoning you choose. Italian seasoning is mild, while Cajun seasoning adds a bit of heat. You can adjust the spice by selecting your preferred seasoning blend.

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking liquid and time. Brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking period, so increase the beef broth and extend the simmering time by about 15-20 minutes.

• What type of ground meat works best?

Ground beef is traditional, but ground turkey or chicken can be great alternatives. Lean meats will work well and provide a similar texture and flavor profile to the original recipe.

• Do I need to pre-cook the rice?

No, the rice in this recipe is added uncooked and will absorb the liquid during the simmering and baking process, which helps develop rich flavors throughout the casserole.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory Mexican-inspired stuffed pepper casserole delivers comforting layers of ground beef, rice, peppers, and melted cheese in one delightful dish. Hearty ingredients blend perfectly, creating a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) lean ground beef
• 1.5 cups (340 grams) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or both)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 14 ounces (400 grams) canned diced tomatoes
• Parsley for garnish

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian or Cajun seasoning
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup (190 grams) long grain white rice
• 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) beef broth

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Fire up a spacious skillet with olive oil over medium-high temperature, introducing ground beef and methodically disintegrating the meat while cooking until achieving a rich, caramelized brown tone. Drain any lingering fatty residue.
2. Incorporate diced onions, vibrant red and green bell peppers, and fragrant garlic into the seasoned meat landscape. Gently sauté until vegetable textures soften and onions turn translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Elevate the flavor profile by introducing Italian or Cajun seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Thoroughly integrate these aromatic elements to ensure a balanced distribution across the mixture.
4. Stream canned diced tomatoes with their natural juices into the skillet, followed by uncooked long grain white rice. Blend components comprehensively, creating a harmonious culinary canvas.
5. Pour beef broth into the skillet, allowing the liquid to reach a boisterous boil before reducing heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and let the mixture cuddle and meld together, approximately 20 minutes, until rice absorbs most of the liquid.
6. Transition your oven to 375°F, positioning a rack in the center. Carefully transfer the aromatic mixture into a waiting casserole dish, crowning the surface with a lavish layer of shredded cheese.
7. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, baking for 15-20 minutes until cheese transforms into a molten, golden blanket. Extract from oven, allowing momentary cooling.
8. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the surface for a vibrant finishing touch. Serve immediately, embracing the robust flavors of this comforting dish.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting seasoning intensity, perfect for those who prefer mild or bold flavors.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein alternative that keeps the dish versatile.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice to boost nutritional value and add a nutty, wholesome texture to the casserole.
• Incorporate extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to increase vegetable content and create a more nutrient-dense meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg