If you are craving all the comforting flavors of stuffed peppers but want an easier, hands-off way to enjoy them, this Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It captures the vibrant colors and savory goodness of traditional stuffed peppers, layered with tender ground beef, sweet bell peppers, tangy tomatoes, and fluffy cooked rice—all topped with a melty cheese blanket that makes every bite irresistible. This casserole brings all the charm of a classic family favorite into one simple, cozy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or any time you want a hearty, satisfying meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just the right ingredients is key to making this Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe shine. Each component plays a unique role: the ground beef brings richness, bell peppers add crisp sweetness and color, spices layer in warmth, and the cheese creates that luscious, gooey finish.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté the onions and garlic for a fragrant flavor base.
- Medium onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with a savory aroma that wakes up the palate.
- Ground beef: Provides heartiness and a satisfying meaty texture.
- Green and red bell peppers, chopped: Offer a fresh crunch and vibrant color contrast.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and highlight other flavors.
- Italian seasoning: Brings a herbaceous, slightly earthy taste that complements the tomato base.
- Paprika: Adds a gentle smoky undertone and beautiful color.
- Diced tomatoes (canned): Provide a bright, tangy component that keeps the casserole moist.
- Tomato sauce: Deepens the tomato flavor and binds the ingredients together.
- Cooked white rice: Adds body and soaks up all the delicious juices.
- Cheddar and mozzarella cheese blend, shredded: Creates a creamy, golden topping that’s hard to resist.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Offers a pop of color and a fresh herbal note for garnish.
How to Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking them until they become fragrant and translucent, which sets a flavorful foundation for the dish.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to your pan, stirring and breaking it apart as it cooks until fully browned. This step is crucial because it develops that rich, savory base. If excess grease collects, drain it off to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Add Bell Peppers
Mix in the chopped green and red bell peppers. Let them cook for about five minutes to soften slightly while maintaining some bite and their vibrant color, which is part of what makes this casserole so visually appealing.
Step 4: Season and Add Tomatoes
Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika, blending the spices thoroughly with the meat and veggies. Then stir in the canned diced tomatoes along with tomato sauce. Allow this mixture to come to a simmer, which helps all the flavors meld perfectly.
Step 5: Stir in Cooked Rice and Simmer
Fold the cooked white rice into the simmering mixture, stirring gently to combine. Let it cook for another 3-4 minutes so the rice absorbs some of the flavorful tomato juices, adding body and texture to the casserole.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle your shredded cheddar and mozzarella blend evenly over the top. This cheese layer will melt into a luscious, bubbling topping that makes every forkful delightfully cheesy.
Step 7: Bake Until Bubbly
Transfer your skillet or Dutch oven to the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Watch for that golden melted cheese and bubbling edges, signaling the casserole is ready to come out and impress.
Step 8: Rest and Garnish
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking—this helps it set and makes it easier to serve. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley if you like, adding a fresh burst of color and herbaceous flavor before serving warm.
How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or even some chopped green onions can brighten the dish visually and add a fresh herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the rich cheese and beef. For an extra kick, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes works wonderfully too.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs brilliantly with a crisp green salad to cut through the richness or steamed vegetables for an extra boost of nutrients. Crusty garlic bread or warm dinner rolls also complement the tomato-based sauce and cheesy layers perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For family-style dinners, serve the casserole straight from the skillet for a rustic vibe that encourages everyone to dig in. If you’re entertaining, individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets make each serving feel special and restaurant-quality.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prepping or enjoying quick lunches throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by placing the casserole in a freezer-safe dish and covering tightly. It will maintain its best quality for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to retain its flavors and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftover casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, a microwave works in a pinch but the oven method helps keep the cheese melty and the edges slightly crisp.
FAQs
Can I use different types of meat in the Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute can be used to customize the dish to your preferences or dietary needs while keeping that wonderful stuffed pepper flavor.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, replacing the ground beef with a hearty vegetable mixture or cooked lentils creates a delicious vegetarian version. Adding extra bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini enhances texture and flavor.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
A mix of cheddar and mozzarella is classic for its flavor and meltability, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for a sharper taste.
Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time before baking?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld even more and makes dinnertime easier.
What can I serve with leftover Stuffed Pepper Casserole?
Leftovers are great on their own or served alongside a fresh salad or steamed veggies. You can even use them as a filling for wraps or stuffed into baked potatoes for a creative meal idea.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully comforting about this Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe that makes it a true family favorite in my kitchen. The ease of preparation combined with bold, satisfying flavors means it’s sure to become a beloved staple for you and yours. Give it a try soon—you might just find your next dinner obsession!
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Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Stuffed Pepper Casserole combines the classic flavors of stuffed peppers into a comforting and easy-to-make baked dish. Ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, and rice meld together with Italian seasonings and melted cheese, making a perfect family-friendly meal that’s ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese blend
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic; cook until they are fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the pan and cook until fully browned, using a spoon to break it apart. Drain any excess grease if necessary to prevent a greasy casserole.
- Cook Bell Peppers: Stir in the chopped green and red bell peppers. Continue to cook for about 5 minutes until the peppers start to soften but still retain some firmness.
- Season and Add Tomatoes: Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Mix thoroughly. Then add the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer to blend the flavors.
- Add Rice: Fold in the cooked white rice and let the casserole simmer for another 3-4 minutes, allowing all ingredients to marry and heat through.
- Preheat Oven and Add Cheese: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese blend on top of the skillet mixture.
- Bake the Casserole: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Use brown rice instead of white for added fiber, but increase cooking time for rice preparation beforehand.
- This casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking; add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking cold.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
