Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Description

Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a cozy, hearty, and flavor-packed baked dish that brings all the classic taste of stuffed peppers—savory meat, tender rice, sweet bell peppers, and rich tomato sauce—into an easy one-pan meal. It’s cheesy, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners with minimal effort.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
2–3 bell peppers (red, green, yellow), chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until slightly softened.
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Mix in cooked rice until well combined.
Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
Top with shredded cheese evenly.
Bake for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Use pre-cooked rice for faster prep.
Any color bell peppers work well.
Cheese can be adjusted based on preference.

Tips

Add chili flakes for a spicy version.
Use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
Make it ahead and bake when ready to serve.

Servings

6 servings

Nutritional Info (Approx. Per Serving)

Calories: 360
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 4g

Benefits

One-pan easy dinner
Balanced meal with protein and veggies
Family-friendly comfort food
Great for meal prep
Classic flavor in casserole form

Q&A

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months.

Can I use cauliflower rice?

Yes, for a low-carb version.

What cheese works best?

Cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix of both.

What sides go well?

Salad, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or soup.