Stuffed Pepper Casserole – The Best Comfort Dinner in 1 Pan

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re craving something cozy, loaded with flavor, and easy enough for a weeknight dinner, this Hearty Stuffed Pepper Casserole is the answer. A deconstructed twist on classic stuffed bell peppers, this dish brings all the familiar flavors—savory beef, tender rice, juicy peppers, and melty cheese—into one hearty casserole. Perfect for feeding the family or meal prepping for the week. It’s everything you love in one pan—no stuffing required.
Looking for more comfort food ideas? Check out our creamy scalloped potatoes recipe that pairs beautifully with hearty casseroles.

JUMP TO

What Makes This Hearty Stuffed Pepper Casserole So Irresistible?

Classic Flavors in a Simplified Format

This recipe keeps all the traditional flavors you’d find in classic stuffed peppers—ground beef, tomatoes, rice, and seasonings—but skips the time-consuming stuffing process. Instead, everything is layered and baked in one dish.

Perfect for Busy Weeknights

One of the biggest perks? It’s a one-pan meal. Toss your ingredients into a skillet, bake it off, and you’ve got a hearty dinner ready with minimal cleanup.

Kid-Friendly and Customizable

Not everyone loves green peppers, and that’s okay. This casserole lets you switch up pepper colors, use lean ground turkey, or sneak in extra veggies like corn or zucchini without complaints.

Ideal for Meal Prep or Leftovers

This dish reheats beautifully and can be portioned out for quick lunches or freezer meals. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers even better the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make It Perfect

Fresh and Pantry Staples Combine for Comfort

Here’s a quick glance at what goes into the Hearty Stuffed Pepper Casserole. All these ingredients work together to bring out rich, savory flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Ground beef	1 lb	Lean or extra lean
Bell peppers	2-3	Any color, chopped
Onion	1	Diced
Garlic	2 cloves	Minced
Rice	1 cup	Cooked white or brown
Tomato sauce	15 oz	Or crushed tomatoes
Diced tomatoes	14.5 oz	With juice
Italian seasoning	1 tsp	Dried
Salt & pepper	To taste	Adjust based on preference
Shredded cheese	1 cup	Mozzarella or cheddar
Olive oil	1 tbsp	For sautéing

Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor

Red pepper flakes for heat
Corn or black beans for bulk
Fresh herbs like parsley for garnish

How to Make Hearty Stuffed Pepper Casserole Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prep and Sauté

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until soft. Toss in the chopped bell peppers and cook until they begin to soften—about 3 minutes. Add garlic and stir until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 3: Combine Saucy Ingredients

Stir in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes (including their juice). Mix in the cooked rice. Let everything simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 4: Transfer to a Casserole Dish

Pour everything into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Flatten out the mixture with a spatula for even cooking.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake

Top generously with shredded cheese. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Don’t miss our beef stew delicious recipe if you love hearty, beef-based meals like this.

Flavor Variations to Try Next Time

Swap the Protein

Instead of beef, try:

Ground turkey or chicken for a leaner take
Plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version

Make it Tex-Mex Style

Add taco seasoning, a can of black beans, and swap mozzarella for pepper jack. Serve with sour cream and sliced avocado.

Add More Veggies

Looking for inspiration? Try ground beef zucchini boats or fold in zucchini, spinach, or even mushrooms into this casserole to up the nutrition.

Smart Tips for Storing, Freezing, and Reheating This Casserole

How to Store Leftovers Like a Pro

Once your casserole has cooled, transfer leftovers into airtight containers. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you’re using a large dish, you can cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate it that way too.

Pro Tip: Store in single-serving containers to make weeknight dinners or work lunches a breeze.

Can You Freeze Hearty Stuffed Pepper Casserole?

Absolutely. This casserole freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool fully before portioning it into freezer-safe bags or containers.

Freezer Life: Up to 3 months
Best Method: Freeze in smaller batches so you can defrost just what you need

Check out easy meatballs and gravy for another freezer-friendly dish that makes weeknight dinners simple.

Reheating: Keep It Moist and Flavorful

You can reheat in the microwave or oven. For the oven method:

Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes
Add a splash of water or broth before baking to keep things moist

Microwave: Reheat in 90-second intervals until hot, stirring between rounds.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With This Casserole

Fresh and Light Sides to Balance the Richness

This dish is warm and hearty, so pairing it with something cool and crisp balances things out. Try these:

Side Dish	Why It Works
Green salad with vinaigrette	Cuts through richness with acidity
Steamed green beans or broccoli	Simple and healthy
Easy Mexican cucumber salad	Light and zesty

Crusty Bread or Cornbread

A slice of buttered sourdough or a square of cornbread soaks up all that saucy goodness. You won’t want to waste a drop.

Want a Cozy Dessert Afterward?

Don’t miss our apple cinnamon sheet cake for a warm, sweet ending to your comfort food dinner.

Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits

What’s Inside Every Serving

This dish packs a powerful punch of protein, fiber, and flavor, making it ideal for a satisfying dinner. Here’s a general estimate per serving (based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	420
Protein	26g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fat	22g
Fiber	4g
Sugar	5g
Sodium	580mg

It’s a hearty and balanced meal, especially if you opt for lean ground beef or turkey and mix in extra veggies. Want another nutritious yet filling dinner? Discover our crockpot kielbasa and green beans—simple and family-friendly.

Creative Variations to Keep It Fresh

Make It Spicy

Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese for a fiery version. Perfect if your family loves heat.

Go Low-Carb

Swap rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbs while keeping flavor intact. You won’t even miss the grains.

Turn It into a Soup

Love stuffed peppers in soup form? Don’t miss our stuffed pepper soup recipe, which takes all the same flavors and gives them a cozy, spoonable twist.

FAQ: Hearty Stuffed Pepper Casserole

What is the best rice for stuffed pepper casserole?

Both white and brown rice work well. White rice gives a fluffier texture, while brown rice adds nuttiness and more fiber. You can even use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just add 10 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! As long as you use gluten-free tomato products and seasoning, this dish is naturally gluten-free. Always double-check labels.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Replace the ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based crumbles. Everything else stays the same for a delicious meatless version.

What if I don’t have tomato sauce?

No problem—just use a can of crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce instead. Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity if needed.

Conclusion: A Comfort Classic Worth Making Again and Again

The Hearty Stuffed Pepper Casserole is more than just an easy weeknight recipe—it’s a comfort food staple that’s adaptable, freezer-friendly, and endlessly delicious. Whether you’re meal-prepping, feeding a crowd, or just craving something cozy, this casserole delivers every time.

Looking for more cozy dinner ideas? Check out our slow-cooker chicken and gravy—rich, easy, and satisfying.

Table of Contents