Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Stuffed Pepper Casserole is the perfect solution when you crave the rich, savory flavors of stuffed peppers but want a quicker, easier method. This one-pan dish combines ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and cheese in a skillet, creating a hearty meal ready in under an hour. If you love stuffed peppers but dislike the extra prep, this deconstructed version will become a new family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Convenience – Cook everything in a single oven-safe skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
• Classic Flavors – Enjoy the traditional taste of stuffed peppers without the hassle.
• Customizable Seasonings – Choose Italian seasoning for a classic touch or Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.
• Naturally Gluten-Free – No need for substitutions!
• Easily Adaptable – Swap the cheese for a dairy-free alternative to fit your dietary needs.

Ingredients

Everything you love about stuffed peppers, conveniently mixed into a casserole:

• Ground Meat: Lean ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option).
• Bell Peppers: A mix of red and green bell peppers for color and flavor.
• Aromatics: Onion and garlic add depth to the dish.
• Seasoning Choices: Italian seasoning for a classic taste or Cajun seasoning for a spicier kick.
• Canned Tomatoes & Broth: Provide moisture and help the rice cook perfectly.
• Rice: Long-grain white rice, rinsed to prevent stickiness.
• Cheese: A blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a gooey, melty topping.
• Extras: Olive oil for sautéing, plus salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for garnish.

How to Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the Meat & Veggies: Brown the ground beef, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat, then add diced peppers and onions. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
3. Add Flavor: Stir in garlic, seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds before adding the diced tomatoes.
4. Incorporate Rice & Broth: Stir in the rice and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover with a lid (or foil if using a casserole dish).
5. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked. If the rice is still slightly crunchy, return it to the oven with a splash of broth or water.
6. Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the casserole, then broil for 3-5 minutes until bubbly and golden.
7. Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Tips for the Best Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• For Extra Flavor, use fire-roasted or Rotel tomatoes with green chilies instead of regular diced tomatoes.
• Try a Meat Blend, combining ground beef and Italian sausage for a richer flavor.
• Don’t Skip Rinsing the Rice! This removes excess starch and ensures a fluffy texture.
• Check the Rice Before Serving – If it’s still crunchy, bake a few minutes longer with a splash of broth.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
• Freeze: Freeze the entire casserole or individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

What to Serve with Stuffed Pepper Casserole

This casserole is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a fresh salad or homemade garlic bread makes for a complete meal. Try it with:

• Beet Salad with Feta & Apples – A sweet and tangy contrast to the savory casserole.
• Wedge Salad – A crisp, refreshing starter.
• Dinner Rolls or Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.

More Comforting Casseroles

• John Wayne Casserole – A hearty, cheesy dish with a Tex-Mex twist.
• Beef Enchilada Casserole – Layers of flavor-packed beef and cheese.
• Hamburger Potato Casserole – A filling, family-friendly classic.
• Tater Tot Casserole (No Canned Soup!) – A healthier take on a nostalgic favorite.

This stuffed pepper casserole is a delicious, easy-to-make meal that delivers all the comforting flavors of classic stuffed peppers with minimal effort. Try it tonight, and you may never go back to stuffing individual peppers again!

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or Cajun seasoning for spice)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted or Rotel for extra flavor)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep – Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook Meat & Veggies – Brown ground beef, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat, then add diced peppers and onions. Sauté for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Seasoning – Stir in garlic, seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds, then add diced tomatoes.
4. Incorporate Rice & Broth – Stir in rice and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then cover.
5. Bake – Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until rice is tender. If needed, add a splash of broth and bake longer.
6. Cheese Topping – Sprinkle cheese over casserole and broil for 3-5 minutes until bubbly.
7. Serve – Garnish with parsley and enjoy!

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat – Warm in the microwave or stovetop over medium-low heat.
• Freeze – Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Enjoy this easy, flavorful stuffed pepper casserole!