Cream Cheese Cake

Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

A Comfort Food Classic with a Simple Twist

Stuffed peppers are a timeless favorite, combining tender vegetables, hearty protein, and flavorful seasonings into one satisfying dish. But when time is tight and the idea of hollowing out peppers feels like too much work, this Stuffed Pepper Casserole delivers all the flavor and comfort with none of the hassle. This casserole captures the essence of traditional stuffed peppers in an easy-to-make, family-friendly format. One skillet, one baking dish, and one cozy meal.

 

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 bell peppers (red and green), diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add chopped onion, garlic, and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until softened.

Step 3: Add Tomato and Rice

Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer for 5–7 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly and top with shredded cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden on top. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs perfectly with a fresh garden salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. It’s a great all-in-one meal, but adding a green side helps balance the richness of the dish.

Flavor Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or swap in hot Italian sausage.
• Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack, provolone, or gouda for a unique twist.
• Vegetarian Version: Use cooked lentils or plant-based crumbles in place of meat.
• Mexican-Inspired: Use taco seasoning, black beans, and a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.

Storage and Meal Prep

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: This casserole freezes beautifully. Portion it out and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the meat and rice mixture ahead of time, refrigerate overnight, and bake the next day with cheese on top.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 365
• Protein: 23g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g

Why You’ll Love It

This casserole is hearty, comforting, and incredibly flexible. Whether you use beef or turkey, rice or quinoa, or add extra veggies — it’s a budget-friendly, family-pleasing recipe that makes dinner simple. No stuffing, no special tools, no stress. 

Quick Glance

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6 generous portions

Final Thoughts

If you love the flavor of stuffed peppers but not the fuss of making them the traditional way, this Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole is your new go-to. It’s warm, cheesy, full of flavor, and comes together without any complicated steps. Great for busy weeknights or lazy Sunday dinners.

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