Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Warm, cheesy, and full of comfort, this Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole is everything you love about classic stuffed peppers—but without all the fuss. It’s a hearty one-pan meal that delivers bold flavors and satisfying texture in every spoonful, blending tender rice, seasoned ground beef, sweet bell peppers, and melted cheese into a perfect family-friendly dish.

What makes this casserole shine is how effortlessly it comes together. Instead of stuffing individual peppers, everything cooks together in one skillet or baking dish, saving you time without sacrificing flavor. It’s ideal for weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd.

---

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole without hassle, you’ll want to have a few essential kitchen tools ready:

• Large Skillet or Oven-Safe Sauté Pan: This is where all the magic happens. It needs to be big enough to hold the beef, veggies, rice, and sauce. Bonus points if it can go from stovetop to oven.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Great for breaking up ground beef and stirring everything evenly.
• Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: Crucial for chopping your bell peppers, onions, and garlic quickly and safely.
• Cheese Grater: If you’re shredding your cheese fresh (and you should!), this tool brings maximum meltiness to your casserole.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Precision helps with balancing the seasonings and liquid amounts.

Having these tools prepped ensures your cooking process is smooth, efficient, and enjoyable.

---

Ingredients for the Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Ground Beef – A savory base that adds richness and protein to every bite.
• Bell Peppers (Red and Green) – These add sweetness, crunch, and color contrast.
• Onion – Builds the aromatic foundation that ties everything together.
• Garlic – For a pop of bold, warm flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes – Offer acidity and moisture that blends well with the beef and rice.
• Tomato Sauce – Deepens the tomato flavor and creates a cohesive sauce.
• White or Brown Rice – The starch that soaks up all the flavors and adds texture.
• Beef Broth – Enhances the savory profile while helping cook the rice.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Melts into a gooey, golden topping that finishes the dish.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt & Pepper – For layered seasoning that pulls the casserole together.

Each ingredient plays a critical role in developing the dish’s comforting depth, from the hearty meat to the vibrant veggies and creamy cheese topping.

---

How To Make the Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, cook chopped onions and bell peppers with a bit of oil over medium heat until softened. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until fully browned and no pink remains. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Stir in Tomatoes and Rice

Mix in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it all combine well with the beef mixture.

Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in beef broth, stir well, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until rice is tender.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top. If using an oven-safe skillet, transfer it to the oven and broil for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or a dollop of sour cream if desired.

---

How to Serve and Store Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole

This casserole is best served hot, straight from the skillet, with a side of crusty bread or a crisp green salad. The cheesy topping paired with the savory filling makes it a satisfying main course all on its own.

For storing leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or warm them in the oven until heated through. It also freezes beautifully—store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey works well as a lighter alternative. You may want to add a bit more seasoning to enhance flavor.

Do I have to cook the rice beforehand?

Nope! The rice cooks right in the skillet along with the other ingredients, soaking up all those savory juices.

What type of cheese is best for topping?

Cheddar is classic, but a mix of Monterey Jack and mozzarella also melts beautifully and adds creaminess.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap the beef with plant-based crumbles or extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.

How spicy is this recipe?

This version is mild, but you can kick it up by adding red pepper flakes or using spicy diced tomatoes.

Is this gluten-free?

It can be! Just double-check that your broth and other packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.

---

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you loved this Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole, you might also enjoy these cozy, flavor-packed dishes from Life With Olivia:

• Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole – Creamy, cheesy, and layered with flavor.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole – A fancy favorite made family-style.
• Mexican Cornbread Casserole – Spicy, hearty, and topped with golden cornbread.
• Cheesy Pizza Tater Tot Casserole – Kid-friendly and bursting with pizza flavor.
• Chicken and Stuffing Casserole – Like Thanksgiving in a dish!

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

You can follow me on Pinterest @scherer29 for daily recipe inspiration and even more weeknight favorites.

Let me know in the comments if you added a spicy twist, used a different protein, or topped it with a different cheese blend. Your spin might be someone else’s new favorite!

---

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?