Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole – A Comforting One-Pan Family Meal

Introduction to Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Stuffed peppers are a classic comfort food—sweet bell peppers filled with a hearty mix of rice, meat, vegetables, and spices, baked until tender and flavorful. But while delicious, traditional stuffed peppers can sometimes feel like a lot of work, especially when you’re short on time. Enter the easy stuffed pepper casserole: all the beloved flavors of stuffed peppers, simplified into a one-pan, family-friendly dish.

This casserole skips the step of hollowing out and stuffing individual peppers. Instead, chopped bell peppers, seasoned ground beef or turkey, rice, tomatoes, and cheese are layered together in a baking dish. The result is a hearty, cheesy, and flavorful casserole that captures the spirit of stuffed peppers without the extra effort.

It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or potlucks when you want a dish that feeds a crowd with minimal fuss. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it a go-to recipe for leftovers and freezer-friendly meals.

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Why Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole Is a Weeknight Hero

There are endless casserole recipes out there, but this one stands out for its convenience and flavor. Here’s why it’s a winner for families and home cooks alike:

1. Less Prep, More Flavor

No need to carefully stuff peppers one by one—just chop, mix, and bake.

2. Budget-Friendly

It uses affordable, pantry-staple ingredients like rice, ground meat, canned tomatoes, and cheese.

3. Kid-Approved

Since everything is mixed together, picky eaters are more likely to enjoy the flavors without being intimidated by a whole stuffed pepper on their plate.

4. Great for Meal Prep

This casserole can be made ahead, frozen, and reheated, making it ideal for batch cooking.

5. Flexible Recipe

Swap rice for quinoa, beef for ground chicken, or add extra veggies to make it suit your family’s needs.

When life gets busy, this casserole is the kind of wholesome, comforting meal that saves the day.

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Health Benefits of Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Don’t let the word “casserole” fool you—this dish can be both indulgent and nutritious, depending on how you prepare it.

Bell Peppers

• High in Vitamin C → Boosts immunity and skin health.
• Rich in antioxidants → Helps fight inflammation.
• Low in calories → Adds volume and flavor without heaviness.

Lean Protein (Ground Beef, Turkey, or Chicken)

• Protein-rich → Builds and repairs muscle.
• Iron and B vitamins → Support energy levels.

Rice or Grain Base

• Provides energy from complex carbs.
• Brown rice or quinoa boost fiber and nutrient content.

Tomatoes

• Lycopene-rich → May lower risk of heart disease.
• Adds acidity to balance flavors.

Cheese

• Calcium and protein for strong bones.
• Can be used in moderation or swapped with plant-based alternatives.

With just a few ingredient swaps, stuffed pepper casserole can be made low-carb, gluten-free, or dairy-free, proving that comfort food can also be nourishing.

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Key Ingredients for Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole

This casserole comes together with simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry.

Main Ingredients:

• Ground beef or turkey → The protein base of the dish.
• Bell peppers (any color) → Sweet, tender, and colorful.
• Cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice) → The filling grain.
• Onion and garlic → For depth of flavor.
• Canned diced tomatoes or tomato sauce → Adds moisture and richness.
• Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack) → Melty, gooey topping.

Seasonings:

• Salt and black pepper
• Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme)
• Smoked paprika or chili flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Optional Add-Ins:

• Black beans → For added protein and fiber.
• Corn → Adds sweetness and texture.
• Spinach or zucchini → Sneak in extra veggies.
• Quinoa → A protein-packed rice alternative.

By adjusting these ingredients, you can make your stuffed pepper casserole as hearty, cheesy, or veggie-packed as you like.

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Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Now that we’ve covered why this dish is so great and what goes into it, let’s walk through the cooking process.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Cook 1 ½ cups rice (or use pre-cooked rice).
• Chop 3–4 bell peppers into bite-sized pieces.
• Dice 1 medium onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic.

Step 2: Cook the Meat and Vegetables

• In a large skillet, cook 1 pound ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned.
• Add onion, garlic, and bell peppers; sauté until softened.
• Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

• Stir in:
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
  • 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
  • Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste
• Simmer for 5–10 minutes to let flavors blend.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

• In a large baking dish, combine the cooked rice with the meat and tomato mixture.
• Stir until evenly mixed.

Step 5: Top with Cheese and Bake

• Sprinkle with 1–2 cups shredded cheese.
• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for color.

This dish comes out hearty, cheesy, and full of that stuffed pepper flavor—without all the work of stuffing.

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