Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole: A Comforting, One-Pan Meal

Stuffed peppers are a classic comfort food, but making them can be time-consuming and tricky. That’s where this Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole comes in. It combines all the delicious flavors of stuffed peppers in a much simpler, one-pan version. This casserole is hearty, satisfying, and loaded with savory ground beef (or turkey), tender rice, and vibrant bell peppers—all baked together in a savory, tomato-based sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish takes the stress out of preparing stuffed peppers but still delivers all the amazing flavors you love.

This easy casserole recipe is not only quick to make but also a complete meal in itself. You get protein, veggies, and carbs all in one dish, making it ideal for a balanced dinner. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish can be prepared in just over an hour and is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s versatile—you can easily switch up ingredients based on what you have in the pantry or what’s in season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple & Quick to Make

This casserole is ready in just over an hour, including prep time. It’s a perfect option for busy evenings when you want a homemade meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

2. Comforting & Hearty

The combination of ground meat, rice, and bell peppers in a savory tomato sauce is incredibly satisfying, making it a perfect comfort food.

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3. One-Pan Meal

No need to fuss with multiple pots and pans. Everything is cooked in one dish, saving you time on both preparation and cleanup.

4. Customizable

You can easily switch out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have available. Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or add extra veggies for more flavor and nutrients.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

This casserole reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep. It can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for several days.

Ingredients

For the Casserole Base:

• Ground beef or turkey
• Medium onion, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Bell peppers, chopped (any color)
• Cooked white or brown rice
• Canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
• Canned tomato sauce
• Beef or chicken broth
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper

Variations

• Use Different Meats: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. You can also use sausage for a more flavorful, savory touch.
• Add Extra Veggies: Include corn, zucchini, or spinach for more vegetables and added nutrition. You can even sneak in some mushrooms for added umami flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy variation. You could also top it with hot sauce before serving for an extra kick.
• Cheesy Version: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese on top of the casserole during the last few minutes of baking.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet or pan, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and transfer the cooked meat to a large casserole dish.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the chopped bell peppers and cook for an additional 5 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

Add the sautéed vegetables to the casserole dish with the cooked meat. Then, stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, and broth. Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and heated through.

Step 6: Serve

Once the casserole is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. You can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an added touch of color and flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Leftover Rice: If you have leftover rice from another meal, this is a great way to repurpose it and save time.
• Don’t Overcook the Peppers: You want the bell peppers to retain some texture, so avoid overcooking them when sautéing. They’ll continue to soften as the casserole bakes.
• Check for Seasoning: Taste the casserole before baking and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add extra salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to suit your preferences.
• Cover with Foil: Keeping the casserole covered during the first part of baking helps to keep everything moist, so don’t skip this step.

How to Serve

• As a Main Dish: This casserole is hearty enough to be the star of the meal. Serve it with a side of salad or steamed vegetables.
• With Garlic Bread: Pair it with a slice of garlic bread or toasted bread for a comforting, filling meal.
• Top with Cheese: If you love cheesy dishes, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top and bake for a few more minutes until melted.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or heat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well. After it’s cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake at 350°F for about 30-40 minutes until heated through.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the casserole in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 350°F, or microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep it moist.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice instead of white rice. Just make sure the rice is fully cooked before adding it to the casserole.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. It’s a great option for meal prep.

3. Can I use other vegetables besides bell peppers?

Definitely! You can add zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or even corn to the casserole. Just make sure to sauté them first before adding them to the casserole.

4. Can I make this recipe with ground chicken?

Yes, ground chicken is a great substitute for ground beef or turkey in this recipe. It will still be delicious and leaner than beef.

5. Can I make this casserole without meat?

Yes, for a vegetarian version, you can skip the meat and use a combination of beans, lentils, or extra vegetables for protein.

6. How do I keep the casserole from getting dry?

Be sure to add enough broth and tomato sauce to keep the casserole moist. If reheating, add a bit more liquid to prevent it from drying out.

7. Can I add cheese to the casserole?

Yes! You can sprinkle cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy, melted finish.

8. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh diced tomatoes instead of canned, but be sure to add extra liquid (such as broth or water) to make up for the lack of juice from the canned tomatoes.

9. How long should I bake the casserole?

Bake the casserole covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until it’s bubbling and heated through.

10. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely before freezing, and it can be stored for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole offers all the flavors you love from classic stuffed peppers but with less effort and in less time. It’s a one-pan meal that’s perfect for weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd. With customizable ingredients and simple preparation, this dish is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re serving it for a busy night or making it ahead for later, this casserole will always satisfy your cravings for hearty, comforting food.

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