Introduction

There’s something magical about the aroma of peppers, onions, and garlic mingling with savory beef in the kitchen. This Stuffed Pepper Casserole captures that magic in one skillet, bringing the flavors of a classic stuffed pepper into a fuss-free, comforting dish. It’s a hearty, easy dinner recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals.

This casserole skips the tedious pepper-stuffing process without sacrificing any of the flavor. You still get the sweet bite of bell peppers, the tender chew of perfectly cooked rice, and the melty goodness of mozzarella and cheddar—all in one warm, bubbly pan.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, looking for a reliable family-friendly comfort food, or simply craving something satisfying after a long day, this recipe is the kind of meal that fills plates, warms hearts, and guarantees happy smiles at the dinner table.

 

 

What You Need

Main Ingredients

• Ground beef – Lean, flavorful protein for the base.
• Bell peppers – Red, green, or yellow for vibrant color and sweetness.
• Onion – Adds depth and natural sweetness.
• Garlic – Freshly minced for rich aroma.

Liquids & Seasonings

• Worcestershire sauce – Deepens the savory flavor.
• Beef broth (low sodium) – Keeps it rich without being overly salty.
• Diced tomatoes – Adds juiciness and tang.
• Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper – For a balanced, herby flavor.

Casserole Essentials

• Uncooked long-grain white rice – Absorbs all that flavor as it cooks.
• Mozzarella & cheddar cheese – For that irresistible melty topping.

 

 

How to Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole

1. Brown the beef – In a large skillet, cook ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks.
2. Add vegetables – Stir in onions and bell peppers, cooking 5–10 minutes until softened.
3. Garlic boost – Add garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Mix it up – Stir in broth, tomatoes, rice, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Bring to a boil.
5. Simmer – Cover, reduce heat, and cook 20 minutes, stirring halfway.
6. Cheesy finish – Stir in half the cheese, sprinkle the rest on top, cover until melted (or broil for a golden top).
7. Serve & enjoy – Scoop generous portions while hot.

 

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan dinner – Less cleanup, more flavor.
• Weeknight-friendly – Ready in about 40 minutes.
• Budget-conscious – Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
• Kid-approved – Cheesy, colorful, and mild in spice.
• Make-ahead magic – Tastes even better the next day.

 

 

Tips for Success

• Use different pepper colors for a visually appealing dish.
• Swap beef for ground turkey for a lighter option.
• Make sure to stir halfway so the rice cooks evenly.
• For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
• If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer to a casserole dish before broiling.

 

 

Variations

• Slow Cooker Version – Brown beef and veggies first, then add everything to the slow cooker on LOW for 4–5 hours.
• Tex-Mex Twist – Swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, add black beans and corn.
• Low-Carb Swap – Replace rice with cauliflower rice and reduce cooking liquid.
• Vegetarian Option – Use plant-based ground meat or lentils.

 

 

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time to about 40 minutes and add extra broth.

2. Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Let it cool, store in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.

3. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to keep it moist.

4. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cheese alternatives or skip the cheese entirely.

5. What’s the best way to meal prep this?
You can cook it fully and store in meal containers for up to 4 days.

6. Does it work with ground chicken?
Yes, ground chicken works well—just add a bit of extra oil to prevent dryness.

7. Can I add extra vegetables?
Definitely—zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach are great additions.

8. Will it be too spicy for kids?
No, it’s mild unless you add spicy peppers or hot seasoning.

9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger pot or divide between two skillets.

10. What cheese melts best for this?
Mozzarella for gooeyness, cheddar for sharp flavor—a mix is perfect.

 

 

Health Benefits

• Bell peppers – Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Lean beef – High-quality protein and iron.
• Tomatoes – Packed with lycopene for heart health.
• Onions & garlic – Natural immune boosters.

 

 

How to Serve

• With a side salad for balance.
• With crusty bread to soak up the juices.
• As a filling for stuffed burritos or wraps.

 

 

Make Ahead & Storage

• Make Ahead – Prepare through step 5, cool, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before reheating and adding cheese.
• Store – Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze – Portion into containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

 

 

Conclusion

This Stuffed Pepper Casserole takes the comforting flavors of classic stuffed peppers and turns them into a one-pan, weeknight-friendly meal. It’s hearty, cheesy, and full of wholesome ingredients—perfect for feeding a crowd or stocking the freezer for future easy dinners. With a flexible ingredient list and endless variations, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again.