Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole

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Looking for a cozy dinner that hits all the right notes without the fuss of stuffing individual peppers? This Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole transforms a classic comfort dish into a weeknight-friendly bake full of bold flavor and hearty ingredients. It’s a one-pan wonder that tastes like it simmered all day, yet comes together in under an hour.

Each bite delivers a familiar warmth: savory ground beef, sweet bell peppers, tender rice, and just the right amount of tomato richness. Topped with melted cheese and baked until golden, it’s satisfying, simple, and oh-so-comforting.

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What Kind of Bell Peppers Work Best?

Go for a mix! Red, yellow, and orange peppers add a natural sweetness that balances the savory beef and tomatoes. Green peppers give a traditional flavor that many love in stuffed peppers. Feel free to use whichever you have on hand—they all cook down beautifully in this casserole.

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Ingredients for the Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chopped bell peppers (any color)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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How To Make the Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, heat olive oil. Add chopped onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute. Add chopped bell peppers and cook until slightly tender.

Step 3: Combine and Simmer

Return the beef to the skillet. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 4: Add Rice and Mix

Stir in the cooked rice and mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Top with Cheese and Bake

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley if using, and serve warm.

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How to Serve and Store Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can round it out with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread. It also pairs beautifully with roasted veggies if you’re going for extra nourishment.

For storage, let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot. This casserole also freezes nicely for up to 2 months.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this vegetarian?

Swap the ground beef for cooked lentils, a plant-based crumble, or finely chopped mushrooms for a hearty, meatless version.

Can I use quinoa instead of rice?

Absolutely! Cooked quinoa works as a great substitute and adds a little more protein to the dish.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not at all. It’s flavorful but mild. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you want some heat.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble everything up to the baking step. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What cheese is best?

Cheddar gives a sharp richness, mozzarella melts beautifully, and a blend of both offers the best of both worlds.

Can I add more vegetables?

Sure! Zucchini, corn, or spinach all make tasty additions.

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Want More Casserole Ideas?

If this Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole hits the spot, you’ll love diving into more cozy, cheesy, and veggie-packed bakes from the site:

• Cheesy Cabbage Casserole for a low-carb comfort fix
• The Ultimate Taco Casserole Recipe when you’re craving Tex-Mex
• Nutella French Toast Casserole for your next brunch plan
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole when you want something creamy and savory
• Taco Spaghetti Casserole for a fun twist on two classic dinners

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it fast for busy weeknights.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go for cheddar or mozzarella? Maybe added jalapeños or used ground turkey? I love seeing the creative spins people put on my recipes.

If you’re looking for daily meal inspiration, come follow me on Pinterest @NinaDishes—there’s always something tasty cooking!

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