Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Stuffed Pepper Casserole is like all your favorite flavors of classic stuffed peppers packed into one easy, comforting dish. With tender bell peppers, hearty ground beef or turkey, rice, and…

By Ashley • October 9, 2025 • Reading time: 6 min

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Stuffed Pepper Casserole is like all your favorite flavors of classic stuffed peppers packed into one easy, comforting dish. With tender bell peppers, hearty ground beef or turkey, rice, and a rich tomato sauce, this casserole comes together in a cozy, cheesy bake that feels like a warm hug from your oven.

I love making this dish because it saves me the time I’d spend filling each pepper individually, but I still get that satisfying mix of veggies, meat, and rice. The melted cheese on top is the best part—it adds a little gooey goodness that everyone around my table always asks for seconds of.

My favorite way to serve this casserole is with a simple green salad on the side and some crusty bread to soak up the sauce. It’s a one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a laid-back family dinner. Whenever I make it, the whole house fills with a wonderful smell that instantly makes me hungry all over again.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Ground beef: This adds rich flavor and a hearty texture. For a lighter or leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well. For a vegetarian take, try cooked lentils or crumbled tofu.

Bell peppers: The diced green and red peppers give color and that classic stuffed pepper taste. If you want a milder flavor, swap green for more red or yellow peppers.

Rice: Long grain white rice absorbs flavors nicely and cooks evenly in the casserole. You can use brown rice, but it may need extra liquid and time to cook fully.

Cheese: Cheddar adds a sharp, melty topping while mozzarella brings gooey stretchiness. Mix or match with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a little spice.

How can I make sure the rice cooks perfectly in the casserole?

The rice step is key to avoid mushy or undercooked results. Here’s what works for me:

• Start by simmering the uncooked rice with your sauce and broth in the skillet before baking. This jumpstarts the cooking.
• Keep the heat low and cover the skillet so the rice absorbs the liquid slowly for about 15 minutes.
• Stop simmering when the rice is mostly cooked but still a little bite to it—it will finish cooking in the oven.
• Covering the dish only during baking isn’t recommended here—baking uncovered lets the cheese brown nicely.

Following these tips will help the rice stay tender but not mushy, keeping the casserole moist and nicely textured.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet – great for browning meat and sautéing veggies all in one pan.
• Wooden or silicone spoon – perfect for stirring without scratching your pan.
• 9×9-inch baking dish – roomy enough for the casserole to bake evenly without spilling.
• Measuring cups and spoons – help you get the sauce and seasoning just right.
• Oven mitts – essential for safely handling the hot baking dish.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap ground beef for ground sausage for a spicier, richer flavor.
• Add diced zucchini or mushrooms for extra veggies and texture.
• Mix in black beans or kidney beans to boost protein and fiber.
• Try pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a mild kick of heat.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth (or water with bouillon)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How Much Time Will You Need?

You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes preparing and cooking the meat and veggies, plus 15 minutes simmering the rice mixture. After that, bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes. All told, it takes about 50 minutes from start to finish—including a little resting time before serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Meat and Veggies:

First, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked. Drain any extra fat from the pan to keep it from being greasy. Next, add in the diced onion, green and red bell peppers, and garlic. Cook everything together, stirring regularly, until the veggies have softened, about 5 minutes.

2. Simmer the Rice Mixture:

Now stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Season this mixture with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika if you’re using it, salt, and black pepper. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is mostly cooked but still a little firm—this way the rice won’t overcook in the oven.

3. Bake and Serve:

Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish and pour the rice and meat mixture in. Spread it out evenly and sprinkle the top with your shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Pop it into the oven, uncovered, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is hot throughout. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving, then sprinkle with fresh parsley for a lovely pop of color and flavor. Enjoy!

Can I Use Frozen Ground Meat for This Casserole?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the meat in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Cooking with partially frozen meat can cause uneven cooking and affect texture.

Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can make the rice and meat mixture a day ahead, store it in the fridge, then bake it fresh when you’re ready. Add the cheese right before baking for best results.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Cool leftovers to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Can I Substitute Brown Rice for White Rice?

You can, but brown rice usually takes longer to cook and requires more liquid. If using brown rice, pre-cook it partially or increase the broth and simmer time before baking.