Stuffed bell pepper casserole takes everything you love about classic stuffed peppers and turns it into a simple, one-pan dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It features tender bell peppers, seasoned ground beef or turkey, fluffy rice, and melty cheese, all baked together in a rich tomato sauce. This dish offers the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed peppers without the hassle of individually stuffing each one.
In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about making the perfect stuffed bell pepper casserole. From essential ingredients and step-by-step instructions to creative variations and storage tips, you’ll have everything you need to make this dish a staple in your meal rotation. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or looking for a delicious way to enjoy fresh bell peppers, this recipe is sure to impress!
A Perfect Meal for Any Occasion : Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Stuffed bell pepper casserole is not just a simple weeknight dinner—it’s a dish that fits every occasion. Whether you’re feeding a large family, meal-prepping for the week, or hosting a casual dinner with friends, this casserole is always a hit. Its rich, savory flavors appeal to both kids and adults, making it a great choice for family-friendly meals. Plus, it’s easy to double the recipe and bake a second batch to freeze for later. If you’re entertaining guests, pair this casserole with a crisp side salad, garlic bread, and a glass of red wine for a complete Italian-inspired meal. The best part? Since it’s a one-pan dish, you’ll spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying the delicious food with your loved ones. Whether served fresh out of the oven or reheated for leftovers, this casserole is guaranteed to deliver comforting, home-cooked goodness every time.
Customizing Your Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
One of the best things about this stuffed bell pepper casserole is how easy it is to customize. If you prefer a healthier option, swap the white rice for brown rice, quinoa, or even lentils for extra fiber and protein. Want to go low-carb? Use cauliflower rice instead. You can also mix in extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition. Love bold flavors? Try using spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef, or add smoked paprika and cumin for a deeper, smokier taste. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, replace the meat with black beans, chickpeas, or a meatless ground alternative. Even the cheese can be adjusted—swap cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a sprinkle of feta for a unique twist.
Why This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a Meal Prep Favorite
Stuffed bell pepper casserole isn’t just a delicious dinner—it’s also one of the best meals for meal prep. Since it reheats beautifully, you can make a large batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy it for several days without sacrificing flavor or texture. The combination of protein, vegetables, and grains makes it a balanced meal on its own, so you don’t need to prepare additional sides. Simply portion it into individual containers and store it in the fridge for quick grab-and-go lunches or easy weeknight dinners. It also freezes exceptionally well—just wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
There are so many reasons to love this dish! Here are a few:
- All the Flavor, Less Effort – Traditional stuffed peppers require stuffing each pepper individually. This casserole gives you the same delicious taste with a fraction of the work.
- One-Pan Wonder – Everything cooks in one pan or baking dish, making cleanup a breeze.
- Hearty and Satisfying – Packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, this dish is perfect for keeping you full and energized.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Great for meal prep, as it stores and reheats beautifully.
- Customizable – Use your favorite type of protein, mix in extra veggies, or swap the rice for a low-carb option like cauliflower rice.
What Does Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Taste Like?
This casserole captures the flavors of classic stuffed peppers:
- Savory and Slightly Sweet – The bell peppers provide a natural sweetness that balances beautifully with the rich, seasoned beef or turkey.
- Hearty and Comforting – The combination of rice, tomato sauce, and melted cheese creates a warm, satisfying dish.
- Perfectly Seasoned – Garlic, onions, Italian seasoning, and a hint of spice (if you like) give this casserole a bold, well-rounded taste.
Benefits of Making Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with nutritional benefits:
- Loaded with Vegetables – Bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes make this a great way to add more veggies to your diet.
- Balanced Meal – With protein, carbs, and healthy fats, this casserole is a complete meal on its own.
- Gluten-Free Option – Simply use brown rice or quinoa for a naturally gluten-free version.
- Great for Meal Prep – It keeps well in the fridge and can be frozen for easy future meals.
Ingredients for Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
To make this delicious casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
The Base:
- Ground Beef or Turkey – 1 lb (lean ground beef, turkey, or chicken)
- Bell Peppers – 3 large (red, yellow, green, or a mix), diced
- Onion – 1 medium, diced
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
- Cooked Rice – 2 cups (white, brown, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option)
The Sauce:
- Tomato Sauce – 1 can (15 oz)
- Diced Tomatoes – 1 can (14.5 oz), drained
- Beef or Chicken Broth – 1 cup (adds depth of flavor)
- Tomato Paste – 2 tbsp (for richness)
- Worcestershire Sauce – 1 tbsp (for umami)
- Italian Seasoning – 1 tsp
- Paprika – 1 tsp
- Salt & Pepper – To taste
- Red Pepper Flakes – ¼ tsp (optional, for heat)
The Topping:
- Shredded Cheese – 1 cup (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- Fresh Parsley – For garnish
Tools You’ll Need
- Large Skillet – To sauté the ingredients
- Mixing Bowl – For combining ingredients
- 9×13 Baking Dish – To bake the casserole
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula – For stirring
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations of Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Protein Options
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for a vegetarian version.
Grain Swaps
- Instead of white rice, use brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
Extra Veggies
- Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to boost the nutritional value.
Dairy-Free Option
- Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.
Spicy Version
- Add jalapeños, extra red pepper flakes, or hot sauce for a kick.
How to Make Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned. Drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the onions, garlic, and diced bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Let simmer for 5-7 minutes to blend flavors.
Step 5: Combine with Rice
Add the cooked rice to the skillet, stirring until fully incorporated.
Step 6: Transfer to the Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 7: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm!
What to Serve with Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
This casserole is delicious on its own, but you can pair it with:
- A Side Salad – A fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette complements the richness.
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables – Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make great sides.
- A Light Soup – Try a bowl of tomato basil soup as a starter.
Tips for Making the Best Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
- Use Fresh Bell Peppers – Their natural sweetness enhances the dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Rice – Slightly undercooked rice absorbs flavors without becoming mushy.
- Brown the Meat Well – This builds deep, rich flavors in the casserole.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste – Feel free to tweak the seasoning based on your preferences.
- Let it Rest Before Serving – This helps the flavors settle and makes slicing easier.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring occasionally.
Conclusion
Stuffed bell pepper casserole is an easy, hearty, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s packed with delicious ingredients, simple to customize, and makes excellent leftovers. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal-prep-friendly dish, this casserole will become a staple in your home.
If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out in the comments! Happy cooking! 😊
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 5g