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Looking for a cozy, family-friendly dinner that’s quick to put together? This Stuffed Pepper Casserole has all the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers but in an easy, one-dish meal. With savory ground beef, colorful bell peppers, tender rice, and melty cheese, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights and reheats beautifully for leftovers.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole
A retro-inspired dish with creamy noodles, peas, and tuna, topped with a buttery crunch. Comfort food that never goes out of style.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One dish wonder: All the classic stuffed pepper flavors in a simple casserole.
- Easy weeknight dinner: Ready in under 45 minutes.
- Family-friendly: Mild, cheesy, and filling. Plus, kids love it.
- Customizable: Swap proteins, add beans, or make it low carb.
Ingredients
- Ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for lighter option)
- Sweet onion, diced
- Bell pepper, diced
- Green bell pepper, diced
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Can of diced tomatoes
- Can of tomato sauce
- Diced green chiles (optional for mild heat)
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Shredded cheddar cheese
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Pin It NowTips
- Low carb option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice.
- Add beans: Black beans or kidney beans make it extra hearty.
- Switch proteins: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage.
- Spice it up: Use pepper jack cheese or add crushed red pepper.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Stuffed Pepper Casserole
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is an easy, family-friendly dinner made with ground beef, peppers, rice, and melted cheese.
Equipment
- skillet
- 9×13 baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey/chicken for lighter option
- 1 small sweet onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 (15-ounce can) tomato sauce
- 1 (4-ounce can) diced green chiles (optional for mild heat)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups cooked rice white, brown, or cauliflower rice
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F
- Cook the meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
- Sauté vegetables: Add onion, red pepper, green pepper, and garlic. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until softened.
- Add sauces & seasonings: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, green chiles, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Mix in rice: Stir the cooked rice into the skillet mixture until evenly coated.
- Assemble casserole: Transfer to a greased 9×13 baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
Tips & Variations
- Low carb option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice.
- Add beans: Black beans or kidney beans make it extra hearty.
- Switch proteins: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage.
- Spice it up: Use pepper jack cheese or add crushed red pepper.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave single portions.
