Dinner Recipes

Stuffed Pepper Casserole

By Emily · October 9, 2025

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Stuffed Pepper Casserole is like all the best parts of stuffed peppers without the extra work of stuffing each one by hand. It’s got ground beef, rice, sweet bell peppers, and a tasty tomato sauce all baked together into one hearty and comforting dish. The peppers get soft and sweet, and the cheese on top melts into a golden, bubbly layer that everyone loves.

I love making this casserole on busy nights when I want something easy but still feel like I’m serving a homemade meal. One of my favorite tricks is to use a mix of colorful peppers—it not only tastes great but makes the dish look so inviting on the table. It’s one of those recipes that feels special but comes together fast, which is always a win in my book.

This casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or just enjoying leftovers during the week. I usually serve it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up all the sauce. There’s something really cozy about digging into a warm plate of this, especially when the whole kitchen smells like home.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Ground beef

This gives the casserole a rich, meaty flavor. If you want a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken work well too. For a vegetarian version, try cooked lentils or plant-based crumbles.

Bell peppers

Using a mix of red, green, and yellow peppers adds color and a nice balance of sweetness and earthiness. If you can’t find fresh peppers, frozen diced bell peppers are an easy substitute.

Rice

White rice cooks nicely in this dish, absorbing all the flavors. You can swap it with brown rice, but cook it a bit longer as it takes more time to become tender. Quinoa is another good alternative for added protein.

Cheese

A blend of cheddar and mozzarella gives that creamy, melty topping. You can use just one type of cheese, or try Monterey Jack or Colby for different flavors. For dairy-free, a plant-based cheese melts well too.

Tomato sauce and diced tomatoes

These form the saucy base. If you prefer a spicier dish, add some crushed red pepper or swap regular tomato sauce for a spicy marinara.

How Can I Cook the Rice Perfectly in the Casserole?

Cooking rice in the casserole can be tricky since it needs enough liquid and time to soften without drying out.

• Use the right amount of liquid—usually, 1 cup rice to 1 1/2 cups broth works well.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer on the stove before baking; this jumpstarts the cooking process.
• Cover the casserole with foil if you notice it drying out too fast in the oven.
• Bake long enough (25-30 minutes) so the rice softens fully; if rice isn’t tender, add a little more broth, cover, and return to oven for 5-10 minutes.

These tips help make sure your rice turns out tender and flavorful, soaking up all the tasty sauce in the dish.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven – great for cooking ingredients and baking the casserole all in one dish, which means less cleanup.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – perfect for stirring the ground beef, veggies, and rice without scratching your pan.
• Measuring cups and spoons – to get your rice, broth, and seasonings just right for perfect flavor and texture.
• Cheese grater (if using block cheese) – makes melting cheese on top easier and fresher tasting.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version that still packs protein.
• Add black beans or corn for extra veggies and a mild sweetness that pairs nicely with the tomatoes.
• Mix in diced mushrooms or zucchini for more texture and to boost the veggie content without changing flavor much.
• Try different cheeses like pepper jack for a little spicy kick or feta for a tangy twist on the topping.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe Guide

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup white rice, uncooked
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 bell peppers (mixed colors: red, green, yellow), chopped or sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth or water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning or dried basil
• 1 1/2 – 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella blend)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil

How Much Time Will You Need?

Preparing and assembling this casserole takes about 15 minutes. Baking time is approximately 25-30 minutes. Allow about 5 minutes to rest before serving. In total, you’ll spend roughly 45-50 minutes from start to finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Get Ready and Sauté Aromatics:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant—about 3 to 4 minutes.

2. Brown the Ground Beef:

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.

3. Add Peppers and Rice:

Stir in the chopped bell peppers and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until they begin to soften. Next, add the uncooked rice and mix everything well so the rice gets coated and mixed into the meat and peppers.

4. Combine Tomatoes, Broth, and Seasonings:

Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, and beef broth (or water). Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine and bring it to a gentle simmer.

5. Bake and Cheese It Up:

Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Rest and Serve:

Take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?

Yes, you can! Brown rice takes longer to cook, so either pre-cook it partially before adding or increase the baking time by about 15-20 minutes. Make sure there’s enough liquid to fully cook the rice.

Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, bake it a little longer since it will be cold from the fridge.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.

Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Protein?

Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles are great alternatives. Adjust seasonings as needed to suit your choice.