stuffed Pepper Casserole

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

Transform classic stuffed peppers into an easy casserole with this simple recipe. Ground beef, rice, and colorful peppers come together in one pan for a filling family meal.
Ranah
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 12:26:50 GMT
A baked casserole dish filled with ground meat, tomatoes, and melted cheese, garnished with fresh parsley. Pin it
A baked casserole dish filled with ground meat, tomatoes, and melted cheese, garnished with fresh parsley. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

I created this stuffed pepper casserole on a busy weeknight when I wanted the flavors of stuffed peppers without all the fuss. Now it's become one of our family favorites combining perfectly seasoned ground beef rice and sweet peppers under a blanket of melted cheese. The best part? It all comes together in one pan.

What Makes This Recipe Special

My family lights up every time this casserole hits the table. It transforms those classic stuffed pepper flavors into something even better. The rice soaks up all the savory goodness while the cheese creates this irresistible golden top. Plus cleanup is so easy you'll have more time to enjoy dinner together.

Your Kitchen Checklist

  • Ground Beef: I use lean but turkey works beautifully too
  • Bell Peppers: Mix colors for extra beauty and sweetness
  • Long Grain Rice: Soaks up all those amazing flavors
  • Cheese: Colby Jack is my favorite but use what you love
  • Tomatoes and Sauce: Creates that rich savory base
  • Beef Broth: Adds depth and keeps everything juicy
  • Seasonings: My special blend that makes everything pop

Let's Cook Together

Get Started:
Turn your oven to 375°F and grab your favorite casserole dish
Cook the Beef:
Brown it in a large pan breaking it up as it cooks
Add Some Color:
Toss in those peppers and onions until they soften
Season with Love:
Add all those wonderful spices that make it special
Bring It Together:
Mix in tomatoes broth rice and plenty of cheese
Into the Oven:
Top with more cheese cover and let it work its magic

Make Life Easier

I often prepare this casserole in the morning when I have more energy. Then it sits in the fridge until dinner just waiting to be popped in the oven. Such a lifesaver on busy days.

A serving spoon is lifting a portion of a cheesy, baked casserole filled with ground meat, vegetables, and topped with melted cheese, in a white baking dish. Pin it
A serving spoon is lifting a portion of a cheesy, baked casserole filled with ground meat, vegetables, and topped with melted cheese, in a white baking dish. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Kitchen Wisdom

Keep an eye on your rice as it cooks adding a splash more broth if needed. Sometimes I toss in mushrooms or zucchini from my garden. The recipe welcomes any vegetables your family enjoys.

Perfect for Busy Weeks

This casserole has saved countless weeknight dinners in my house. I love making a big batch on Sunday then portioning it out for lunches. It reheats beautifully making busy days so much easier.

Keeping It Fresh

Pop any leftovers in an airtight container and they'll stay perfect for about four days in the fridge. For longer storage I portion it into freezer containers it keeps wonderfully for up to three months.

Warming It Up

A minute or two in the microwave brings leftovers right back to life. Want that crispy cheese top again? Pop it in the oven covered with foil. The cheese melts all over again making it just as delicious as day one.

Meatless Magic

My vegetarian friends love this casserole with black beans or lentils instead of beef. The peppers and rice still soak up all those wonderful flavors creating a satisfying meat free dinner.

A close-up of a bowl filled with a savory mix of ground meat, bell peppers, rice, and melted cheese, garnished with fresh parsley. Pin it
A close-up of a bowl filled with a savory mix of ground meat, bell peppers, rice, and melted cheese, garnished with fresh parsley. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Low Carb Love

Swapping regular rice for cauliflower rice works like a charm. My sister follows a keto diet and this version has become her favorite comfort food. The cheese and seasonings make it just as satisfying.

Everyone Can Enjoy

This recipe naturally fits a gluten free diet just double check your Worcestershire sauce and broth labels. I love when everyone at the table can enjoy the same delicious meal together.

Perfect Partners

We love this casserole with a fresh green salad on the side. Sometimes I'll warm up some crusty bread to catch every last bit of sauce. Simple sides let the casserole shine.

Mix It Up

Sometimes I use sharp cheddar other times mozzarella for that perfect cheese pull. Adding olives brings a nice salty bite while extra herbs from my garden create new flavor adventures.

Feeding a Crowd

This casserole has saved many potluck dinners. It travels well stays warm and always comes home with an empty dish. Everyone asks for the recipe especially after that first cheesy bite.

A serving spoon lifts a portion of cheesy beef casserole from a white baking dish, showcasing its ingredients and melted cheese. Pin it
A serving spoon lifts a portion of cheesy beef casserole from a white baking dish, showcasing its ingredients and melted cheese. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Lighter Options

When we're eating lighter I use ground turkey brown rice and reduce the cheese. It still tastes incredible but fits better with our healthy goals. The vegetables and seasonings keep all the flavor.

Kid Approved

Even my pickiest eaters clean their plates when this casserole shows up. The cheese definitely helps but they also love the sweet peppers and seasoned rice. It's become their most requested dinner.

Freeze Some For Later

I always make extra for the freezer. Individual portions defrost perfectly for quick lunches or dinners. Having a homemade meal ready to go feels like a gift to my future self.

Simple Cleanup

One pan for cooking and one dish for baking means more time enjoying dinner and less time washing up. On busy weeknights this matters almost as much as how good it tastes.

Why We Love This Recipe

This casserole brings together everything wonderful about stuffed peppers in an easier more sharable form. It's adaptable comforting and always satisfying. Best of all it brings smiles to faces around my dinner table every single time.

A serving spoon is lifting a portion of baked casserole topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped parsley, showcasing layers of meat, vegetables, and sauce in a white dish. Pin it
A serving spoon is lifting a portion of baked casserole topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped parsley, showcasing layers of meat, vegetables, and sauce in a white dish. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different colored peppers?
Yes, you can use any combination of bell peppers you prefer. Each color offers slightly different flavors and nutrients, but they all work well in this recipe.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the casserole up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge before baking. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
→ What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken work great as lighter alternatives. You can also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version, just adjust the seasoning as needed.
→ Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, wrap well, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
→ What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. Garlic bread makes a great side dish too.

stuffed Pepper Casserole

A quick and easy casserole that combines all the flavors of stuffed peppers in one dish, featuring seasoned ground beef, rice, and three types of peppers.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes
By: Ranah

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1 casserole)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 tablespoon olive oil.
02 1.5 pounds lean ground beef.
03 1/2 cup diced onion.
04 1 red bell pepper, diced.
05 1 green bell pepper, diced.
06 1 orange bell pepper, diced.
07 2 teaspoons minced garlic.
08 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce.
09 3/4 teaspoon salt.
10 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
11 1/2 teaspoon paprika.
12 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning.
13 14 ounces diced tomatoes with juice.
14 1 cup long grain white rice.
15 1.5 cups beef broth.
16 8 ounces tomato sauce.
17 1.5 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese.
18 Fresh parsley for garnish.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 9x13 dish with cooking spray.

Step 02

Brown ground beef in large skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink.

Step 03

Mix in diced peppers and onion. Cook 5 minutes until softened.

Step 04

Stir in garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and all seasonings until well combined.

Step 05

Add tomatoes, broth, sauce, rice, and 1 cup cheese. Mix well.

Step 06

Pour into baking dish, top with remaining cheese. Cover and bake 45 minutes until rice is tender.

Step 07

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  1. Can be made ahead and reheated.
  2. Freezes well for up to 3 months.
  3. Great for meal prep and leftovers.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 baking dish.
  • Large skillet.
  • Aluminum foil.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 352
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 27 g
  • Protein: 28 g