Stuffed Pepper Casserole

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Stuffed pepper casserole delivers everything people love about classic stuffed peppers—savory beef, tender peppers, tomato-rich sauce, rice, and melty cheese—but without the extra steps of stuffing and baking individual peppers. By cooking everything together in one pan, the flavors meld more deeply, and the process becomes far more weeknight-friendly.

This inside-out version is hearty, comforting, and practical. The rice cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing the seasoned tomato and beef flavors, while the peppers soften just enough to stay distinct instead of turning mushy. A generous layer of melty cheese finishes the dish, tying everything together into a cohesive, satisfying casserole.

It’s a dependable dinner option when you want comfort food that feels familiar, filling, and easy to adapt based on what you have on hand.

What You’ll Like About This Recipe

• All the flavor of stuffed peppers, less work. Instead of stuffing and arranging individual peppers, everything cooks together in one dish. You still get the classic flavor profile—beef, peppers, tomato, and rice—but with far less hands-on time.
• Rice cooked directly in the sauce. Cooking the rice in the tomato-beef mixture allows it to absorb flavor as it softens, resulting in a casserole that tastes cohesive rather than layered or separate.
• Balanced texture throughout. The peppers become tender but not limp, the beef stays juicy, and the rice cooks up fluffy rather than mushy. Each component remains distinct while still working together.
• Comforting and filling. This is a true one-dish meal with protein, vegetables, starch, and cheese all in one pan, making it satisfying without the need for multiple sides.
• Flexible and forgiving. The recipe adapts easily to different proteins, cheeses, and vegetables, making it ideal for cleaning out the fridge or adjusting to family preferences.

Ingredient Notes

• Ground beef – Lean ground beef keeps the casserole rich without excess grease. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted with slight seasoning adjustments.
• Bell peppers – A mix of green and sweet peppers adds both depth and sweetness. Cutting them evenly ensures consistent texture.
• Onion and garlic – Build the savory base and enhance the beef without overpowering the dish.
• Worcestershire sauce – Adds umami and depth, reinforcing the beefy flavor.
• Diced tomatoes and tomato sauce – Create a balanced, saucy base that’s not too thick or too watery.
• Beef broth – Provides enough liquid for the rice to cook while deepening the overall flavor.
• White rice – Long-grain rice works best for even cooking and clean texture. Avoid quick-cooking or parboiled rice.
• Fontina cheese – Melts smoothly and adds richness. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a mild provolone also work well.

Steps to Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole

1. Brown the ground beef properly before stirring to develop flavor and avoid steaming.
2. Add the onions, peppers, and garlic once the beef is partially cooked so they soften without losing structure.
3. Stir in the seasonings, tomatoes, sauce, broth, and rice, ensuring the rice is fully submerged for even cooking.
4. Bring everything to a gentle simmer before baking so the rice begins absorbing liquid right away.
5. Cover tightly during baking to trap steam, allowing the rice to cook through evenly.
6. Finish with cheese, then let the casserole rest so the rice finishes absorbing liquid and the cheese melts smoothly.

Pro Tips

• Rice: Stir once before baking, then leave it alone so the rice cooks evenly.
• Peppers: Cut peppers into similar-sized pieces to prevent uneven texture.
• Pan: Use a wide, oven-safe skillet or shallow baking dish so liquid reduces properly.
• Resting: Let the casserole stand covered so the texture sets before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Mexican Inspired: Add some black beans and season the meat (try fresh Mexican chorizo) mixture with taco seasoning or chili powder. Top the finished dish with diced avocado and cilantro, or serve it with sour cream or guacamole.
• Italian-inspired: Use part or all Italian sausage, sliced mushrooms, Italian seasoning, or oregano for flavor, and mozzarella cheese.
• Spicy: Add diced jalapeño, Fresno, or poblano peppers, and use pepper jack cheese. Finish the dish with a drizzle of hot sauce.
• Turkey or chicken version. Use ground turkey or chicken and swap beef broth for chicken broth.
• Cheesy upgrade. Add a small amount of cheese directly into the casserole before baking for extra richness.

What to Serve With a Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Bread: A crusty bread is an excellent choice, or you might serve the stuffed pepper casserole with a bread machine focaccia or this pull-apart garlic loaf made with biscuits. These garlic butter crescent rolls are easy to fix and delicious with the dish.
• Salad: The tanginess of a Caesar salad or green salad with a simple vinaigrette would complement the stuffed pepper flavors. You can also serve the casserole with a side of coleslaw.

How to Store

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Reheat covered in the oven or gently in the microwave, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.