If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful dish that combines all the best elements of stuffed peppers but in an easy-to-make casserole form, this Stuffed Pepper Casserole is exactly what you need. It’s a one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or when you want to feed a hungry crowd. Packed with protein, veggies, and melty cheese, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole has all the delicious flavors of traditional stuffed peppers, but with half the effort. Instead of stuffing individual peppers, everything is layered into a single baking dish for a quicker, fuss-free meal. Plus, it’s highly customizable—you can easily swap out ingredients to suit your family’s tastes or dietary preferences. Whether you’re using beef, turkey, or even tofu, this recipe is flexible enough for everyone.

Ingredients Breakdown

To make this delicious Stuffed Pepper Casserole, here are the ingredients you’ll need:

1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing the veggies and adding some healthy fats to the dish.
1 pound ground beef (450g): You can also substitute ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
1 medium onion, chopped: Adds flavor and texture to the dish.
2 bell peppers: Use any color you like—green, yellow, red, or orange—for a burst of color and flavor.
1 jalapeño pepper, chopped (optional): Adds a kick of spice, but you can leave it out if you prefer a milder taste.
5 cloves garlic, chopped: For a rich, aromatic base.
14.5 ounces fire-roasted tomatoes: These bring a smoky, slightly sweet flavor. You can substitute with diced tomatoes or tomato sauce if needed.
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Adds a deep, savory flavor.
1 tablespoon paprika: This spice adds a subtle warmth and color to the dish.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Enhances the overall flavor with its earthy, slightly bitter notes.
1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a touch of sweetness and complements the other herbs.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
1 cup cooked rice: White, brown, or wild rice work great. You can also use quinoa for a healthier twist.
1 cup shredded cheese: Use cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend—pepper jack adds a nice zing.
Fresh chopped parsley and red pepper flakes for garnish: These add color and a bit of heat.

How to Make the Perfect Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures the casserole will bake evenly once it’s assembled.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, jalapeño (if using), and bell peppers. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Once the vegetables are softened, stir in the chopped garlic and cook for another 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Step 4: Cook the Ground Beef

Next, add the ground beef to the pan. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Sauté for 5-6 minutes or until it’s fully browned and cooked through. If you’re using ground turkey, chicken, or tofu, follow the same steps.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Once the meat is browned, pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and your seasonings: paprika, oregano, basil, and salt and pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Stir in Cooked Rice

Add 1 cup of cooked rice to the pan and stir well to combine. The rice will absorb some of the flavorful sauce and help bind the casserole together.

Step 7: Incorporate Cheese

Now it’s time for the first cheesy layer! Stir in half of the shredded cheese until it’s fully incorporated and melted into the mixture.

Step 8: Transfer to Casserole Dish

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, or if you’re using a Dutch oven that’s oven-safe, you can keep everything in the same pan.

Step 9: Top with Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 10: Serve and Garnish

Once the casserole is done, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Serve hot and enjoy!

Seasoning Tips for Your Casserole

If you like experimenting with flavors, this casserole is perfect for trying different seasonings. You can add cumin and chili powder for a southwestern twist, or mix in Italian seasoning for more herbaceous flavors. If you’re cooking for kids or someone with a milder palate, you might want to skip the jalapeño and opt for sweet paprika instead of spicy.

Customizing Your Stuffed Pepper Casserole

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are some variations you can try:

Proteins: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile.
Vegetarian Option: Use tofu or a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian version.
Grains: Try using quinoa, farro, or even cauliflower rice to make the casserole lower in carbs.
Cheese: Pepper jack, Monterey jack, or even a smoked cheese can add a different dimension of flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Vegetables: If the bell peppers and onions are overcooked, they can become too mushy. Stick to the recommended sautéing time.
Too Much Liquid: Be careful with how much liquid you’re adding. If you’re using diced tomatoes instead of fire-roasted, you might need to drain some of the juice to prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.
Not Enough Seasoning: Don’t skimp on the salt and spices. The rice and meat will absorb a lot of flavor, so taste and adjust your seasonings as you cook.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This stuffed pepper casserole looks vibrant on the table thanks to the colorful bell peppers. To make it even more visually appealing, consider serving it with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and a few fresh slices of jalapeño on top. Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish for a cozy, rustic presentation.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop a portion in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 3 months—just make sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Food Pairings

While this casserole is a complete meal on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for some extra crunch and freshness. You can also serve it with a slice of crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce.

FAQ

Can I use a different kind of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, sausage, or even tofu can be used in place of ground beef.

How can I make this casserole spicier?
To kick up the heat, use a spicier pepper like serrano instead of jalapeño, or add extra red pepper flakes to the mix.

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to the baking step and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking.

How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave.