All the cozy flavor of classic stuffed peppers baked in a single dish. Just 10 min prep and 30 min in the oven give you tender rice, juicy beef, sweet bell peppers, and a blanket of melted cheese. Freezer-friendly, reheats like a dream, and tastes even better the next day—perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead meal prep.
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole combines the classic flavors of stuffed bell peppers into a comforting and easy-to-make dish. Featuring ground beef, rice, and a medley of herbs, it captures the essence of traditional stuffed peppers in a convenient casserole form.
The recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasoning to suit your taste.
Overview of Stuffed Pepper Casserole
The Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic stuffed bell peppers. This dish brings together layers of ground beef, colorful diced bell peppers, and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with melted cheese.
Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole is not only comforting but also easy to prepare. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
With the addition of fresh herbs, this dish captures the essence of traditional stuffed peppers while offering a convenient casserole format.
Ingredients That Shine
This casserole features a variety of ingredients that contribute to its hearty flavor. Ground beef serves as the base, providing protein and richness.
Colorful bell peppers not only add visual appeal but also a sweet crunch that complements the savory elements.
Herbs like oregano and basil enhance the overall taste, bringing a fresh aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes.
Preparation Steps
Getting started with the Stuffed Pepper Casserole is straightforward. Begin by browning the ground beef in a skillet, allowing the onions and garlic to infuse their flavors into the meat.
Once cooked, combine the beef with rice, diced bell peppers, and tomatoes, creating a vibrant mixture.
Transfer this blend into a greased casserole dish, and if desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top for that gooey finish.
Baking to Perfection
Baking the casserole is where the magic happens. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
After about 30 minutes, removing the foil lets the cheese bubble and turn golden brown, creating an inviting appearance.
The aroma wafting from the oven will surely make everyone eager to dig in.
Serving Suggestions
Once baked, the Stuffed Pepper Casserole is ready to be served. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or crusty bread, making it a complete meal.
Each serving offers a hearty portion, perfect for satisfying appetites and bringing everyone together at the table.
Customization Options
One of the best aspects of the Stuffed Pepper Casserole is its versatility. Feel free to customize the ingredients based on personal preferences.
Adding other vegetables, such as zucchini or corn, can enhance the flavor profile and nutrition.
Adjusting spices and herbs allows for a unique twist, ensuring that this dish can be enjoyed time and again without becoming repetitive.
Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
This casserole features layers of ground beef, bell peppers, and rice, all baked together in a savory tomato sauce. The dish takes about 50 minutes from start to finish and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 3 large bell peppers, diced
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef mixture with rice, diced bell peppers, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish. Spread evenly.
- Add Cheese: If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the casserole.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
Hearty Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Course: Casserole4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups cooked rice
3 large bell peppers, diced
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef mixture with rice, diced bell peppers, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish. Spread evenly.
Add Cheese: If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the casserole.
Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is bubbly.
Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work well. Keep the weight the same (about 1 lb / 450 g) and sauté until browned before folding into the casserole mix.
How do I store and reheat leftovers without the rice going soggy?
Let the casserole cool completely, then transfer portions to airtight containers. Refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave at 70 % power or in a 350 °F / 175 °C oven, covered with foil, for 15 minutes—add a splash of broth if it looks dry.
Can I assemble it ahead for busy weeknights?
Yes. Assemble everything up to the final cheese layer, wrap tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add 5–7 extra minutes to the oven time, keeping the dish loosely covered for the first half to ensure even heating.
