When life gets busy and mealtime feels like a chore, there’s nothing more satisfying than a one-dish wonder that checks all the boxes: easy, nutritious, comforting, and family-approved. Enter the Stuffed Pepper Casserole—a modern take on a nostalgic classic that turns all the bold, vibrant flavors of traditional stuffed peppers into a hearty, simplified dish baked to perfection.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something warm and filling, this casserole is the answer. In this comprehensive post, we’ll dive into the recipe, break down its ingredients, share tips and variations, discuss nutrition, and answer frequently asked questions. By the end, you’ll see why this dish deserves a permanent place in your recipe rotation.

What Is a Stuffed Pepper Casserole?

At its core, stuffed pepper casserole is a deconstructed version of stuffed bell peppers. Instead of painstakingly hollowing out and stuffing individual peppers, everything—the rice, meat, veggies, seasonings, and tomatoes—is cooked together in one pan or baking dish.

This version still offers:

• The sweetness and color of fresh bell peppers.
• The savory satisfaction of seasoned ground meat.
• The comforting starchiness of rice.
• A burst of acidity from tomatoes.
• Gooey optional cheese for a melty, golden finish.

But it’s all mixed together, baked in one dish, and served in scoopable, family-style portions. That means less prep, less fuss, and more flavor.

Who Will Love This Recipe?

This dish appeals to almost everyone. It’s especially perfect for:

• Busy families: It feeds a crowd and requires minimal cleanup.
• Meal preppers: It stores and reheats beautifully.
• Budget-conscious cooks: Made with everyday pantry staples.
• Comfort food lovers: It’s warm, filling, and feels like home.
• Picky eaters: The familiar flavors make it kid-friendly.
• Healthy eaters: Packed with lean protein, fiber, and veggies.

Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable. You can make it vegetarian, low-carb, dairy-free, or keto with just a few tweaks.

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at the magic behind each ingredient and why it works in the recipe.

🥩 1 lb Ground Beef or Turkey

Your protein powerhouse. Ground beef adds rich, savory flavor, while ground turkey offers a leaner alternative with fewer calories. Both work wonderfully. Want to go plant-based? Use lentils or vegan ground meat.

🍚 1 Cup Uncooked Rice

Rice bulks up the dish and soaks in all the flavors. Long grain white rice works best, but brown rice, jasmine, or even quinoa are welcome substitutions. Just adjust liquid and cooking time accordingly.

🌶 3 Cups Diced Bell Peppers (Red, Green, Yellow)

The heart of the dish. Bell peppers add crunch, color, and sweetness. A rainbow of red, green, and yellow offers a visual feast and balanced flavor. Red peppers are the sweetest; green are earthier.

🧅 1 Onion, Diced

Classic aromatics like onion provide depth. It caramelizes slightly when sautéed, building the foundation of flavor in the dish.

🍅 2 Cups Diced Tomatoes (Canned or Fresh)

Tomatoes give acidity and moisture. Canned diced tomatoes are convenient and consistent, but fresh ones work beautifully in summer. Use fire-roasted for added smokiness.

🧄 1 Tsp Garlic, Minced

Essential for savory complexity. Garlic boosts the umami and rounds out the meat and tomatoes.

🍗 2 Cups Beef or Vegetable Broth

This is your simmering liquid, helping the rice cook evenly and infuse with flavor. Choose low-sodium broth so you can control the salt. Vegetable broth works great for vegetarians.

🌿 1 Tsp Italian Seasoning

A pre-mixed blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary adds a herbal edge that pairs perfectly with tomatoes and peppers.

🧂 Salt and Pepper to Taste

Always season as you go! These simple seasonings elevate the natural flavors of each ingredient.

🧀 1 Cup Shredded Cheese (Optional)

For that irresistible cheesy crust. Use cheddar for sharpness, mozzarella for melt, or pepper jack for a little kick.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s walk through each step of the process in detail. Even beginner cooks can follow along and succeed.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). A consistent temperature ensures the casserole bakes evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Grab a large skillet or sauté pan and brown 1 lb of ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Add Veggies

Toss in the diced onion and bell peppers. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. This step builds flavor and gives the veggies a head start before baking.

Step 4: Stir in Garlic, Tomatoes, Rice, Broth, and Seasonings

Add in:

• 1 tsp garlic
• 2 cups diced tomatoes
• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 2 cups broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil. This is when the rice starts absorbing flavor.

Step 5: Simmer

Reduce heat to low and cover the pan. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until rice is mostly cooked through and the mixture thickens slightly.

Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.

Step 6: Transfer to Casserole Dish

Once your mixture is thick, spoon it into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread it evenly for even baking.

Step 7: Add Cheese (Optional)

If using cheese, sprinkle it evenly across the top. Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend work best.

Step 8: Bake

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes. The top should be golden, the cheese melted, and the casserole bubbly around the edges.

Step 9: Serve & Enjoy

Scoop out generous portions and serve hot. Add fresh herbs (like parsley or basil) for a pop of color and freshness if desired.

How to Customize This Recipe

One of the best things about this casserole is how flexible it is. Here are just a few ways you can make it your own:

🥬 Make It Vegetarian

• Swap the meat for lentils, chopped mushrooms, black beans, or a plant-based ground substitute.
• Use vegetable broth and load up on extra veggies like zucchini, spinach, or carrots.

🍚 Use Different Grains

• Brown rice: Heartier and more nutritious, but takes longer to cook (simmer for 40–45 minutes).
• Quinoa: Adds a nutty flavor and cooks quickly.
• Cauliflower rice: Great for a low-carb version. Add at the end of cooking to avoid overcooking.

🧀 Add Different Cheeses

• Sharp cheddar
• Monterey Jack
• Pepper jack (for heat)
• Feta (for a Mediterranean twist)

🌶 Spice It Up

• Add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne, or chopped jalapeños to the mix.
• Swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex twist.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a full meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, try:

• Green salad with vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or crusty rolls
• Roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or asparagus
• A light soup like tomato basil or minestrone

How to Store and Reheat

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze individual portions or the whole casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• Microwave: Reheat individual portions in 60–90 second bursts.
• Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

These values are approximate and based on using lean ground turkey and no cheese:

• Calories: 370
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugars: 6g

Add cheese or beef and expect a slightly higher calorie and fat count.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.

Can I use pre-cooked rice?

Yes. If using pre-cooked rice, reduce the broth to about 1 cup and reduce the stovetop simmering time. Just enough to heat everything through before baking.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

No problem! Substitute with a mix of:

• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/4 tsp thyme

Or get creative with taco seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or curry spices for a twist.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just ensure your broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free. No wheat-based ingredients here.

Can kids eat this?

Definitely. This recipe is mild and familiar, making it great for picky eaters. You can dice the veggies smaller or omit the cheese if needed.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Make This Tonight

In a world of complicated recipes and endless takeout options, the humble Stuffed Pepper Casserole stands out as a comforting, wholesome, and downright delicious dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight but satisfying enough for any occasion.

It’s nutritious, packed with color and flavor, and hits all the right comfort food notes without weighing you down. Whether you stick to the classic or add your own twist, it’s a dish that’s sure to earn repeat requests from your family or dinner guests.

What’s Next?

📌 Pin this recipe to your casserole or comfort food boards!
📝 Leave a comment below—did you try this with brown rice, cheese, or a spicy twist?
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📸 Tag us on social media with your casserole creations—#StuffedPepperCasserole

Thanks for stopping by. Here’s to cozy casseroles, full bellies, and fewer dishes in the sink!