Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe: A One-Pan Wonder You’ll Crave Weekly
If you love the flavors of classic stuffed peppers but dread the time-consuming prep, then this Stuffed Pepper Casserole is about to become your new favorite dinner. Packed with savory ground beef, sweet bell peppers, aromatic herbs, and melty cheese, this hearty one-pan meal delivers all the taste of the traditional dish without the fuss of stuffing individual peppers.
This easy, comforting casserole is ideal for busy weeknights, freezer-friendly, and beloved by both kids and adults. It’s like your favorite comfort food met a time-saving twist — and the result is irresistible.
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🛒 Ingredients & Why They Matter
Let’s break down each ingredient and its role in making this casserole utterly crave-worthy:
1 pound ground beef
The savory base of the dish. Adds richness, protein, and classic comfort.
2 bell peppers, chopped
Use a mix of red, green, or yellow. These add sweetness, crunch, and signature flavor.
1 onion, finely chopped
Provides a sweet, aromatic backbone and enhances the flavor of the beef.
3 cloves garlic, minced
Intensifies the flavor profile with its deep, savory aroma.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
A secret weapon for umami! Adds a subtle depth that elevates the beef.
1 (15 oz) can low sodium beef broth
Provides moisture and infuses the rice with a rich, meaty flavor.
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
Brings acidity and texture. Helps balance the richness of the dish.
1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
The heart of the casserole — absorbs all the flavors while adding body.
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
A blend of herbs (like oregano, basil, and thyme) that boosts the overall flavor.
1 teaspoon salt + 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Simple seasoning that ties all the ingredients together.
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Melts into the casserole for that gooey, stretchy texture we all love.
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Adds a sharper, tangy contrast to the mozzarella’s creaminess.
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👨🍳 How to Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole (Step-by-Step)
1. Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spatula until mostly cooked (about 5 minutes).
2. Add Aromatics & Veggies
Stir in the onions and bell peppers. Cook for another 5–10 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions turn translucent.
3. Incorporate Garlic
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant. Don’t burn it — burnt garlic turns bitter.
4. Add the Remaining Ingredients
Pour in the Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), uncooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Simmer & Cook
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through. Cook until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
6. Melt in the Cheese
Once the rice is cooked, stir in half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese until melted and evenly distributed.
7. Top with More Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Cover the skillet again to let the cheese melt (2–3 minutes). For a golden finish, place the skillet under the broiler for 2–4 minutes (if oven-safe).
8. Serve Immediately
Remove from heat and serve hot for the ultimate comfort dish.
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💡 Why This Stuffed Pepper Casserole Is Loved
One-pot convenience — Less mess, fewer dishes.
Budget-friendly — Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
Family-approved — Kid-friendly flavors with hidden veggies.
Great for leftovers — Tastes even better the next day!
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✅ Pro Tips for Perfection
Use lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to prevent excess grease.
Want to cut carbs? Swap rice for cauliflower rice (adjust cooking time).
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Don’t overcook the rice — check it at 18 minutes and stir well.
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🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair your Stuffed Pepper Casserole with:
A crisp green salad with Italian dressing
Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls
Steamed broccoli or roasted green beans for added greens
Feeling fancy? Top with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for extra flair.
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🔚 Final Thoughts: Comfort Made Easy
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is everything a busy cook dreams of — quick, easy, hearty, and absolutely delicious. It delivers the nostalgic taste of traditional stuffed peppers in a simplified, stovetop form that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends at home.
If you’re craving a dish that satisfies the whole family, reheats like a dream, and saves you time in the kitchen,
this is it. Give it a try and let the flavorful magic speak for itself.
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📌 Pin or Save This Recipe Now — You’ll Want It On Repeat!
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