If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy the hearty, comforting flavors of classic stuffed peppers without all the fuss of hollowing them out one by one, this Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s an effortless one-dish meal that captures the vibrant colors and savory goodness of stuffed peppers but layered into a cozy, cheesy casserole that everyone will want seconds of. Packed with ground beef, colorful bell peppers, aromatic garlic and onions, and topped with a melty blend of mozzarella and cheddar, this recipe brings all the family-friendly satisfaction with hardly any stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward ingredients come together seamlessly to build layers of flavor and texture, each playing an important role. From the tender cooked rice that adds heartiness to the vibrant diced bell peppers that bring freshness and a pop of color, every item counts toward creating this delicious Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: Provides savory richness and protein, essential for a filling meal.
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice: Adds bulk and a soft, comforting texture.
- 3 large bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), diced: Bring sweetness, crunch, and eye-catching color.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Offers depth of flavor and aromatic sweetness when sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a punch of warmth and complexity.
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Contributes juiciness and tang.
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce: Creates a rich, saucy base that ties everything together.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that provides classic Mediterranean notes.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the natural flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and earthiness.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Delivers creamy, gooey meltiness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Offers a slightly sharp contrast and beautiful golden top.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing and enriching the dish’s flavor.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, herbal finish and lovely color garnish.
How to Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Start Your Sauté
Before diving into the fun part, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready to warmly embrace your casserole. Then, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and toss in the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté them until the onion turns translucent and the kitchen begins to smell amazing — about 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 2: Brown the Beef to Perfection
Next, add your lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This stage is crucial for building deep savory flavors. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and fully browned, about 5 to 7 minutes, then drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from getting greasy.
Step 3: Add the Bell Peppers and Let Them Soften
Time to introduce the diced bell peppers. Stir them into the beef mixture and let them cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften just a bit while still holding some texture. Their vibrant colors also make the dish look inviting.
Step 4: Incorporate Rice and Tomato Ingredients
Now stir in the cooked rice along with the canned diced tomatoes (including the juice) and tomato sauce. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to season everything beautifully. Mix well so that the flavors start mingling early on.
Step 5: Simmer to Meld the Flavors
Lower the heat and let your mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes. This step lets all those incredible flavors from the peppers, beef, tomatoes, and seasoning marry perfectly. Remember to stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the pan.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Transfer to Baking Dish
Once the simmering is done, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, letting it melt slightly into the mix. Then, transfer the whole delicious mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly so every bite will be consistent.
Step 7: Top and Bake to Golden Gooey Perfection
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes at 375°F (190°C). After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is beautifully bubbly and just beginning to brown.
Step 8: Rest and Garnish
Give your casserole a 5-minute rest once it comes out of the oven; this helps it set and makes serving easier. If you like, finish it off with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley to brighten up the presentation and add a fresh herb flavor kick.
How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or even a bit of basil add a lovely fresh pop that contrasts the richness of the dish. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a little drizzle of hot sauce if you like to jazz it up.
Side Dishes
This casserole is quite complete on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some buttery garlic bread for extra indulgence. Roasted vegetables or a simple cucumber and tomato salad would keep the meal light and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re throwing a casual dinner party, consider serving individual portions in mini ramekins or small oven-safe dishes for a charming touch. Or, add a layer of sliced mushrooms or zucchini on top for extra veggies and texture. Playing with presentation makes this homey favorite feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stuffed pepper casserole keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to deepen, making the next-day meal just as tasty.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking or after it has cooled down completely post-baking. Wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and it will keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through to keep the texture nice and prevent drying out. Microwave works too — just cover to retain moisture and heat in short bursts.
FAQs
Can I use different types of meat for this Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef is classic, ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage can create delicious variations with slightly different flavors and textures.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for cooked lentils, crumbled tofu, or a plant-based meat substitute, and use vegetable broth or a splash of soy sauce for extra umami.
Can I use frozen bell peppers instead of fresh?
You can, but fresh bell peppers offer better texture and brightness. If using frozen, thaw and drain any excess water before adding to avoid a watery casserole.
What type of rice works best in the casserole?
Both white and brown rice work well here. Brown rice adds nuttier flavor and extra nutrition but takes a bit longer to cook. Just be sure it’s fully cooked before adding.
How can I make the casserole spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while sautéing the peppers and onions, or sprinkle hot sauce on top before serving to bring some heat.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe is the kind of meal that turns busy nights into memorable family dinners with ease and flavor. It beautifully combines the comforting qualities of a classic stuffed pepper with the simple convenience of a baked casserole. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it quickly becomes one of your go-to recipes as well!
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Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines lean ground beef, bell peppers, rice, and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this casserole is baked to bubbling perfection and garnished with fresh parsley for a bright finish.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 3 large bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Grains
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
Tomato Base
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Cheeses
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Other
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat to keep the dish lean.
- Add Bell Peppers: Stir in diced bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften slightly, adding a fresh flavor to the mix.
- Combine Ingredients: Add cooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly combine all ingredients.
- Simmer Mixture: Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allow flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese Into Mixture: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese to add creaminess inside the casserole.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese and 1 cup cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat through and melt the cheese.
- Uncover and Brown: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and beginning to brown slightly for that perfect crust.
- Rest Before Serving: Take the casserole out of the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes so it sets and is easier to serve.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if desired to add a touch of color and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Brown rice adds extra fiber and nutrients, but white rice works well too.
- Adjust the cheese amounts to taste, or use a blend of your favorite cheeses.
- Adding a little crushed red pepper can add a spicy kick if preferred.
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated; bake when ready to serve.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
