Hearty Stuffed Pepper Casserole: A Comforting Twist on a Classic

Stuffed pepper casserole takes a new spin on the classic stuffed pepper dish that many people love.

This cozy meal turns the traditional recipe into an easy and satisfying baked dish that makes cooking simpler.

Families and food lovers enjoy the rich tastes and simple preparation of this crowd-pleasing dinner option.

The casserole combines all the favorite ingredients of stuffed peppers in one inviting dish, promising warmth and satisfaction.

Layers of seasoned meat, rice, and colorful bell peppers create a tasty combination that pleases different taste buds.

There’s nothing quite like this delicious and straightforward casserole to bring everyone around the dinner table for a comforting meal.

Why Stuffed Pepper Casserole Is So Filling

• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Transforms traditional stuffed peppers into an easy one-pan meal that saves precious cooking time.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious comfort food without complicated techniques.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Combines classic ingredients like ground beef, rice, and cheese that appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys a satisfying meal.
• Budget-Conscious Cooking: Uses affordable pantry staples and economical ground beef, delivering maximum taste with minimal financial investment while feeding multiple people efficiently.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Ingredient List

Main Ingredients:

• Ground Beef: Rich protein base that provides hearty flavor and substance for the casserole.
• Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetables that add sweetness and nutritional value to the dish.
• Onion: Provides depth of flavor and aromatic base for the casserole.

• Oregano: Classic herb that brings Mediterranean warmth and earthy notes.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances overall taste profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complementary spice to the dish.

• Rice: Filling grain that absorbs flavors and creates substantial texture.
• Beef Broth: Adds rich, savory liquid base for cooking rice and building depth.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides moisture and tangy brightness to the casserole.
• Tomato Sauce: Creates smooth, rich foundation for the dish.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that brings intense, pungent flavor.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds subtle sweet-tangy complexity to the overall taste.

• Cheese: Creamy element that melts and creates luxurious, golden topping.
• Parsley: Optional fresh herb for bright, green garnish and fresh flavor accent.

How To Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Protein and Aromatics

• Ground beef
• Bell peppers
• Onion
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook over medium heat until beef turns completely brown and vegetables soften.

Step 2: Activate the Garlic

Add minced garlic and sauté for approximately one minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Create the Sauce Base

• Beef broth
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Balsamic vinegar

Stir ingredients and bring mixture to a rolling boil.

Step 4: Cook the Grains

Mix in uncooked rice, cover the skillet, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice becomes tender and liquid reduces significantly.

Step 5: Incorporate Cheese

Remove skillet from heat and fold in one cup of shredded cheese until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Melt the Topping

Sprinkle remaining cheese across the surface, cover, and allow cheese to melt completely.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Transfer casserole to serving dish and optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy hot and bubbling.

Tips For The Best Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Customize Your Beef Choice: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian alternative.
• Master Rice Texture: Use long-grain white rice or quick-cooking rice to ensure perfect tenderness without becoming mushy during the cooking process.
• Boost Flavor Intensity: Add a dash of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes to enhance the overall taste profile and give the casserole a subtle kick.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve, allowing flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Cheese Variety Hack: Experiment with different cheese blends like Mexican mix, pepper jack, or sharp cheddar to create unique flavor combinations that suit your taste preferences.

How To Store And Reheat Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Refrigeration: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing.
• Microwave Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.
• Oven Reheating: Revive the casserole's original texture by placing it in a covered baking dish at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture.
• Freezing Option: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What To Eat With Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Pair with Zesty Cabernet Sauvignon: Rich red wine complements the hearty beef and bold tomato flavors, cutting through the casserole's richness with its robust tannins.
• Serve with Crisp Garden Salad: Fresh, tangy greens with vinaigrette dressing provide a light contrast to the warm, cheesy casserole, balancing the meal's heavy elements.
• Add Crusty Garlic Bread: Toasted, buttery bread helps soak up the delicious sauce and provides a crunchy texture that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Enjoy with Chilled Sangria: Fruity, refreshing drink with hints of citrus and wine creates a perfect summer-style accompaniment that brightens the casserole's deep flavors.

Ways To Remix Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Vegetarian Delight: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed meatless version that keeps all the original flavors intact.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining the classic stuffed pepper taste and texture.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking broth and tomato sauce labels to create a safe meal for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Mexican Remix: Add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and incorporate cumin for a zesty southwestern-style casserole that brings extra heat and excitement to the original recipe.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Questions

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this stuffed pepper casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat it for an easy weeknight dinner.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a different flavor profile.

• What if I don't have balsamic vinegar?

No worries. You can replace balsamic vinegar with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar to add a similar tangy depth to the dish.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free rice and ensure your broth and tomato sauce are also gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels to confirm.

Hearty Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Stuffed Pepper Casserole brings classic comfort to your dinner table with a delightful twist on traditional stuffed peppers. Layers of seasoned ground beef, rice, and melted cheese create a satisfying one-dish meal that will become a family favorite when you want something deliciously familiar.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes (petite for regular)
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Grains and Cheese:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1–2 cups Colby Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sauté ground beef, bell peppers, onion, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large high-sided pan over medium heat until meat browns completely and vegetables soften.
2. Introduce minced garlic and cook briefly until aromatic, releasing its intense flavor profile.
3. Incorporate beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and balsamic vinegar, stirring thoroughly to create a rich, integrated sauce.
4. Gently fold uncooked rice into the simmering mixture, ensuring even distribution and complete coverage with liquid.
5. Reduce heat, cover the pan, and allow the casserole to simmer quietly for approximately 20-25 minutes, monitoring rice tenderness and liquid absorption.
6. Once rice reaches desired consistency, remove from heat and fold in the first portion of shredded cheese, creating a creamy texture throughout the dish.
7. Distribute remaining cheese across the top of the casserole, allowing residual heat to melt it into a golden, bubbling layer.
8. Let the casserole rest momentarily to settle flavors and achieve optimal serving temperature.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finish before presenting to eager diners.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the casserole.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter protein option that still delivers rich flavor.
• Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch and ensure each grain remains separate and fluffy during the simmering process.
• Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to help cheese set and flav

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg