There’s something magical about a hearty casserole that fills your kitchen with delicious aromas and draws everyone to the table. Stuffed Pepper Casserole is one of those creamy, comforting, and oh-so-flavorful dishes that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends at home. Did you know the original stuffed peppers were believed to be a clever way to use up leftovers? Now, this casserole version takes all the best parts—juicy peppers, savory beef, melty cheese—and serves them up in a single, easy dish. It’s the definition of family-friendly! If you’re a fan of my Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake, you’ll love how quickly and cost-effectively this casserole comes together. Get ready to add a new go-to favorite to your dinner rotation!
What is Stuffed Pepper Casserole?
Ever wondered what happens when classic stuffed peppers and a lazy-day casserole have a delicious baby? That’s how Stuffed Pepper Casserole was born! Instead of tediously filling each pepper, you toss it all together for an easier, flavor-packed meal. Who named it? Maybe someone who was tired of stuffing peppers one by one! As the saying goes, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach—and this dish just might be proof. If you’ve never tried the deconstructed version, this is your sign. Go on, dive in and let us know if you miss stuffing those peppers by hand!
Why You’ll Love This
You’ll absolutely adore this comforting casserole for so many reasons. First, it takes the rich, savory experience of eating stuffed peppers and turns it into a fuss-free, weeknight-ready meal—no fancy assembly required. Second, making it at home is light on your wallet. You get big, bold flavors and plenty of servings for less than it would cost to order takeout or prep individual stuffed peppers. And third, it’s all about the toppings: gooey cheddar cheese, tender peppers, and zesty tomatoes combine into something that’s both nostalgic and new. If you love my Beef Enchilada Skillet, you’re going to want to add this casserole to your next meal plan. So grab your favorite casserole dish and give it a try tonight!
How to Make
Quick Overview
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is the definition of simple comfort food. With just one pan and less than 45 minutes, you’ll have a dish that’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with vibrant flavor. There’s no tricky layering, and you don’t even have to precook the rice if you use leftovers. Everything bakes together for an irresistibly creamy texture and a dinner everyone will want seconds of!
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup cooked white rice
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), cooked rice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Top evenly with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
What to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole With
For the perfect meal, pair this casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or some steamed broccoli for freshness. Crusty garlic bread makes a tasty side for soaking up the cheesy, saucy goodness. If you want to round things out, try serving it with a refreshing cucumber salad or a simple fruit salad for a pop of sweetness. And don’t forget a chilled glass of lemonade or your favorite red wine to make dinnertime extra special!
Top Tips for Perfecting
- If you’re out of ground beef, feel free to swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For a vegetarian twist, use plant-based crumbles and vegetable broth for that same hearty texture and taste.
- Precooked rice (leftover or microwaveable) saves time, but you can also use brown rice for extra fiber.
- Mix up the cheese: Monterey Jack and mozzarella add different flavors and melt beautifully.
- Don’t overbake! Pull it from the oven once the edges are bubbling and the cheese is melty and golden.
- If making ahead, assemble everything except the cheese and bake a day later, topping with cheese right before reheating.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a meal prep superstar! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes. Want to freeze it? Let the casserole cool, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above for a quick homemade dinner anytime.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to the point of adding cheese, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the cheese and bake when ready to eat.
Can I use brown rice or cauliflower rice instead of white rice?
Yes! Brown rice gives more fiber, and cauliflower rice is a great low-carb swap. Both work well—just make sure they’re cooked before adding.
Can I freeze Stuffed Pepper Casserole?
Definitely. Cool, wrap tightly, and freeze. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake or microwave as usual.
How do I make it spicier?
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the mix. You can also top with spicy salsa before serving!
Is there a vegetarian version?
Yes! Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans (like black beans), and use your favorite vegetarian cheese.
Conclusion
Stuffed Pepper Casserole is proof that hearty, family-style dinners can also be quick, budget-friendly, and incredibly delicious. With tender beef, sweet bell peppers, and lots of gooey cheese, it checks all the boxes for comfort food—without any fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal planning, or feeding a hungry crowd, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table. Try it tonight, and don’t forget to explore even more easy casseroles right here on the blog. Happy cooking!
Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Casserole Dish
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1 medium Onion, diced
- 1 medium Green Bell Pepper, diced
- 1 medium Red Bell Pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes
- 1 cup Cooked White Rice
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), cooked rice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Top evenly with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!