Name: Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Ground Beef Mixture: 1 pound ground beef, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 small yellow onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 red bell pepper (diced), 1 green bell pepper (diced) Remaining Ingredients: 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice, 2 cups beef broth, 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juice), 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

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If you crave all the delicious flavors of classic stuffed peppers but want something way simpler, Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole is just what your weeknight needs! With hearty ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, fluffy rice, and gooey cheese, this recipe delivers that crave-worthy comfort in one gloriously easy skillet meal. It comes together in just 45 minutes, requires hardly any chopping, and tastes even better as leftovers—trust me, this is the ultimate modern twist on a family favorite.

Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a short, simple ingredient list can add up to such bold flavor and color! Every item in this casserole serves a purpose, whether it’s lending texture, a burst of freshness, or that essential cheesy finish.

Ground Beef: Adds hearty flavor and satisfying protein; you can swap with ground turkey or a plant-based option if you like.
Olive Oil: Helps sauté your vegetables and provides a subtle richness to the base of the dish.
Yellow Onion (diced): The sweet, aromatic start that lays the foundation for flavor.
Garlic (minced): Brings a tasty savory note that ties the veggies and beef together beautifully.
Red Bell Pepper (diced): Adds natural sweetness and a pop of color.
Green Bell Pepper (diced): Brings a slightly sharper, classic pepper flavor for balance.
Uncooked Long Grain White Rice: Absorbs all the flavors and gives the casserole its signature fluffiness.
Beef Broth: Infuses the rice with extra savory depth as it cooks.
Diced Tomatoes (with juice): Juicy bits of tomato keep things fresh and prevent dryness.
Tomato Sauce: Binds everything together and gives that familiar saucy feel.
Italian Seasoning: Lends herby goodness reminiscent of traditional stuffed peppers.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making every bite pop.
Black Pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and just the right bite.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into gooey perfection, making the top utterly irresistible.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (garnish, optional): A bright, fresh finish that looks as good as it tastes.

How to Make Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and let it cook for two to three minutes, just until it’s softened and smells sweet. Next up, stir in the minced garlic and let that go for about thirty seconds—it’s a tiny step, but it truly unlocks those deep, savory flavors that make this Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole taste incredible.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Bell Peppers

Now, add the diced red and green bell peppers, followed by your ground beef. Stir everything together and break up the meat as it cooks. Let this simmer away until the beef is browned and the peppers are just starting to soften, about five or six minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat—this keeps your casserole from feeling greasy while still delivering big, bold flavors.

Step 3: Add the Rice and Saucy Ingredients

Pour in the uncooked rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir it all together so that the rice is evenly distributed and ready to soak up every savory drop. Everything should look vibrant and promise a dish packed with comfort.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Bring the whole mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover your pan. Let it simmer for twenty to twenty-five minutes. During this time, the rice will absorb the flavorful liquid, the peppers will become deliciously tender, and those tomatoes will meld perfectly with the beef. Give it a peek toward the end, and if the rice is fluffy and most of the liquid has vanished, you’re on the right track!

Step 5: Finish with Cheddar Magic

Remove your pan from the heat, then sprinkle that glorious, shredded cheddar cheese all over the top. Pop the lid back on and let everything sit for about five minutes. This brief wait time lets the cheese melt into a gooey blanket, sealing in the moisture and making the Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole simply irresistible.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, scatter some chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh, herby kick. Now you’re ready to dish up hearty spoonfuls that will win over any crowd—hungry kids, busy adults, or anyone in need of serious comfort food!

How to Serve Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Garnishes

Garnishing is the fun part that takes your Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole from homey to truly inviting. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or even a handful of sliced green onions adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh bite. You could also grate a bit of Parmesan on top for an extra punch of savory goodness if you like!

Side Dishes

This casserole is definitely a meal on its own, but it plays nicely with simple sides. Serve with a crisp mixed green salad to add freshness, or warm up some crusty bread to soak up every bit of the saucy goodness. Roasted broccoli or green beans always makes a happy partnership too.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd or planning a potluck, spoon the Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole into individual ramekins or small bowls for a charming, personal presentation. Top each with a colorful bell pepper ring or a dollop of sour cream—no one will guess how simple it was to make!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole stores like a dream. Just scoop the cooled casserole into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to four days. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making your next meal even tastier!

Freezing

This casserole is wonderfully freezer-friendly. Freeze individual portions or the whole batch in airtight containers for up to three months. Just be sure everything is completely cool before freezing to prevent freezer burn and keep that texture spot-on.

Reheating

For best results, reheat portions in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen things up if needed. Sprinkle on a little extra cheese before heating if you want an especially gooey, fresh-from-the-oven experience!

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely! Just know that brown rice takes a bit longer to cook and you may need to add a little extra beef broth to keep things nice and saucy. The nutty flavor is a delicious twist!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes—Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole is naturally gluten-free as written, provided your broth and other packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free. It’s a fantastic option for family members avoiding gluten.

Can I make this vegetarian?

You bet! Simply use your favorite plant-based ground “meat” or even cooked lentils instead of ground beef, and swap in vegetable broth. You’ll still get all the hearty texture and flavor.

How do I make it spicier?

If you like a little heat, stir in a generous pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when cooking the vegetables. A dash of hot sauce right before serving also works wonders.

What’s the best way to meal prep this dish?

Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a meal prep superstar. Cook the recipe as directed, divide it into portions, and refrigerate or freeze. It reheats like a charm, making your lunches or busy weeknights totally fuss-free!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole is pure comfort and cheer in a dish. Big flavors, simple prep, and flexible enough for any weeknight—what’s not to love? Gather your ingredients and give it a try; your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you!

Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a simple and comforting one-pot meal that combines ground beef, colorful bell peppers, rice, and gooey cheese for a delicious family dinner.

Ingredients

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 pound ground beef, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 small yellow onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 red bell pepper (diced), 1 green bell pepper (diced)

Remaining Ingredients:

1 cup uncooked long grain white rice, 2 cups beef broth, 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juice), 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef Mixture: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté onion, garlic, bell peppers, and ground beef until browned.
Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in rice, broth, tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Simmer: Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer until rice is tender.
Add Cheese: Remove from heat, top with cheddar cheese, and let melt.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.