
If you love the rich, hearty flavors of stuffed peppers but want a quick and easy meal, this Stuffed Pepper Casserole is your new best friend. It combines tender ground beef, savory tomato sauce, rice, and vibrant bell peppers—all baked together in one pan for a comforting, satisfying dinner that’s bursting with flavor. You get all the goodness of traditional stuffed peppers, but without the hassle of hollowing out peppers and stuffing each one individually.
This casserole feels like a warm hug on a busy evening. It’s loaded with cozy, familiar tastes that make any dinner feel special. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, meaning less cleanup and more time to relax with your family. Perfect for weeknights or casual weekends when you want delicious food without extra effort.
🕰 A Classic Dinner Made Simple
Stuffed peppers have been a family favorite for generations, treasured for their hearty filling and fresh vegetable flavors. This casserole recipe transforms the classic into a streamlined dish that’s easier to make but just as tasty. It’s become a staple in home kitchens because it delivers big flavor and convenience in every bite.
💛 Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Pepper Casserole
You’ll love how everything cooks together, blending the juicy beef, tender rice, and sweet peppers into one delicious meal. It’s flexible—add cheese on top for extra richness or swap rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter option. It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
📝 Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Calories: ~400 per serving
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups chopped bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with chopped onion over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat. Stir in the cooked rice, chopped bell peppers, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle cheese evenly on top, if using. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
🍽 Delicious Ways to Customize
Add chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or corn for extra veggies. Swap ground beef for turkey or plant-based meat for a leaner or vegetarian version. Stir in a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Serve with crusty bread or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess fat. Add garlic and bell peppers, cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and water or broth. Mix well.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle with 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 5-7 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
It’s best to use cooked rice to ensure even cooking. If you want to use uncooked rice, increase the liquid and baking time accordingly.
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Yes, freeze before baking or after cooking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Definitely! Mix in some shredded cheese before baking for a gooey, cheesy surprise in every bite.
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free tomato sauce and seasoning. Check labels to be sure.
🌟 A Comforting Classic Made Easy
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole captures all the savory, comforting flavors you love from stuffed peppers, but in a quick and simple one-pan meal. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want a wholesome, satisfying dinner that’s sure to please everyone around the table.