All the Flavor of Classic Stuffed Peppers with Half the Effort
If you’re craving the hearty, savory goodness of stuffed peppers but don’t want to spend hours coring, stuffing, and baking individual peppers, this Stuffed Pepper Casserole is your weeknight dinner hero. It combines all the comforting flavors of a traditional stuffed pepper—tender bell peppers, seasoned ground beef, and melty cheese—into a one-pan, easy-to-serve dish the whole family will love.
Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, a beginner cook wanting to master a fail-proof casserole, or a meal prepper seeking delicious leftovers, this recipe is tailor-made for you. It’s simple, satisfying, and incredibly customizable.
Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Stuffed Pepper Casserole is the kind of dish that ticks every box: it’s hearty, flavorful, freezer-friendly, and wonderfully balanced with protein, veggies, and carbs. What sets it apart is how fast and fuss-free it is—no fussy pepper prep, no extra pots and pans.
It’s also a one-skillet wonder if you have an oven-safe skillet, which means less clean-up and more time for what matters—like enjoying dinner with your family. You can also tweak it based on what you have on hand, making it one of the most versatile meals in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy and cheesy Stuffed Pepper Casserole:
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup instant rice
- 1 cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Sauté
Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell peppers and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
2. Brown the Beef
Push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the ground beef to the other side and break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat and stir it together with the vegetables.
3. Add Seasoning and Tomatoes
Stir in the Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the diced tomatoes with their juices and the tomato paste. Mix everything thoroughly and bring it to a gentle simmer.
4. Add Rice and Simmer
Stir in the instant rice and allow it to simmer for 3–4 minutes. This lets the rice start absorbing all that rich, tomatoey flavor.
5. Top with Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheeses evenly over the top. If you’re using a standard skillet, now’s the time to transfer everything to a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Then bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, broil it for the last 2–3 minutes.
6. Let it Rest
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps it set up and makes it easier to portion out.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
To make this dish as easily as possible, here’s what you’ll want on hand:
- Large oven-safe skillet (or a skillet + 9×13-inch baking dish)
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
Tips and Variations
Use Ground Turkey or Chicken
Want a lighter version? Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning as these meats are milder in flavor.
Make It Vegetarian
Omit the meat entirely and replace it with cooked lentils or a plant-based ground alternative. You won’t miss the meat with all the bold spices and cheesy goodness.
Spice It Up
For those who like it hot, add chopped jalapeños, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or use extra pepper jack.
Add More Veggies
Throw in some mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
Use Cooked Rice Instead of Instant
If you have leftover cooked rice, you can use that instead. Just reduce the simmering time since the rice won’t need to absorb liquid.
Different Cheese Combos
Don’t limit yourself to cheddar and pepper jack. Try mozzarella for a milder melt or smoked gouda for a unique twist.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
This casserole is just as good the next day, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm a larger batch in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Food and Drink Pairings
Side Dishes:
Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts for balance.
Bread:
Serve it with crusty garlic bread or soft dinner rolls to mop up any extra sauce.
Drinks:
A medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Merlot pairs wonderfully, while a cold lager or pale ale complements the slight spice of the pepper jack. For a non-alcoholic option, try iced tea with lemon or a sparkling water with lime.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking.
Can I use brown rice instead of white instant rice?
You can, but it requires longer cooking time and more liquid. Cook the brown rice separately and stir it in before topping with cheese and baking.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just make sure to use a large enough baking dish or two medium ones. Cooking time may need to be increased slightly—bake until the cheese is bubbly and the center is hot.
Is this gluten-free?
As long as your rice and seasonings are certified gluten-free, yes! Always check labels if gluten is a concern.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
Canned diced tomatoes work best, and the recipe uses them with their juices to provide moisture and flavor. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a nice smoky depth if you want to experiment.
Final Thoughts
Stuffed Pepper Casserole is everything you love about stuffed peppers without the time-consuming prep. It’s savory, cheesy, and full of nutritious veggies and protein. Plus, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that doubles as great leftovers—what more could you ask for?
If you love quick, hearty, and family-friendly meals, this is one to bookmark and make again and again. Try it once, and you’ll find it sliding into your regular rotation.
Love This Recipe?
If you tried this Stuffed Pepper Casserole, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family, and leave a comment with your favorite variation or twist! Be sure to subscribe to the blog for more comforting, crave-worthy recipes delivered straight to your inbox. Let’s keep your kitchen full of flavor and fun.
