Homemade Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

Hey there! Have you ever wanted to make stuffed peppers but felt like all the slicing, stuffing, and baking was just a bit too much effort for a weeknight? I’ve been there, staring at a pile of bell peppers and wondering if I really had the energy. That’s when the idea of a homemade stuffed pepper casserole comes to the rescue! It’s got all the flavors of the classic dish but with way less hassle. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder—music to my ears (and probably yours too).

This recipe has become a regular in my kitchen, especially on busy nights when I want something hearty and delicious without spending hours cooking. There’s something magical about a meal that delivers on taste and simplicity, isn’t there? And the best part is, this casserole checks all the boxes—it’s satisfying, quick, and even leaves you with minimal cleanup. So, grab your apron, and let’s whip up some magic with this homemade stuffed pepper casserole.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple and Quick: No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. This is comfort food made easy, perfect for busy nights.
2. Family-Friendly: It’s got a cozy vibe that’ll win over even the pickiest eaters. My kids—and even my husband—love it every single time.
3. Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it earlier in the day or freeze it for those nights when you just can’t muster the energy to cook.
4. Budget-Friendly: Using pantry staples and affordable ingredients makes this dish easy on your wallet.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this homemade stuffed pepper casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey if you prefer a lighter option)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 bell peppers, chopped (use a mix of colors for a pretty dish!)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown works—your choice!)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a milder taste)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, but adds a nice touch of flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix—whatever you like)

Pro Tip: Want a boost of veggies? You can toss in some diced zucchini or mushrooms, too. They blend in perfectly and add extra nutrients to the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large skillet or casserole dish on the stove over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Drain any excess grease if necessary.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for even less cleanup, use an oven-safe skillet so you can cook and bake in the same dish.

Step 2: Add the Bell Peppers

Next, stir in the chopped bell peppers. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes, just until they start to soften. The mix of colors here is so cheerful; it’s like cooking happiness in a pan! I love using red, yellow, and green peppers for a nice pop of color.

Step 3: Stir in the Base Ingredients

Add the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (juice and all), tomato sauce, broth, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir to combine. This is the part where everything starts smelling incredible—your kitchen will be filled with the warm, comforting aroma of homemade goodness.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook the Rice

Cover the skillet and let everything simmer over medium-low heat for about 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the rice doesn’t stick. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is tender and has soaked up all those delicious flavors.

Pro Tip: If your rice is taking longer to cook, add an extra splash of broth to keep things moist. No one likes dry casserole!

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake

Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts. Alternatively, if your skillet is oven-safe, you can pop it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes for a golden, bubbly finish. Trust me, that gooey, melty cheese layer is what dreams are made of.

Tips for Success

• Choose Your Rice Wisely: If you’re using brown rice, you might need to add a little extra broth and cook it a bit longer. It’s worth it for the extra nutrition, though!
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat, or try a dash of hot sauce if you’re feeling bold. My husband loves a little extra kick.
• Customize It: Swap the ground beef for turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles to suit your diet. You can even mix in black beans or lentils for a fun twist.
• Freezer-Friendly: Let the casserole cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers for easy reheating on busy nights.

What to Serve with Stuffed Pepper Casserole

This casserole is a meal in itself, but if you want to round things out, here are some ideas:

• A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to add some freshness.
• Warm, crusty bread for scooping up every last bite.
• Steamed broccoli or green beans for a veggie boost.
• A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for added flavor.

Pro Tip: Leftovers make amazing lunches the next day. Just reheat and enjoy—it tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld together.

My Experience Making This Dish

The first time I made this casserole, I was honestly amazed at how easy it was compared to stuffing individual peppers. Don’t get me wrong—I love traditional stuffed peppers, but this casserole hits all the same notes without the extra effort. It’s also a huge hit with my family, who love scooping up big servings and topping them with even more cheese. Let’s just say leftovers don’t last long around here!

One time, I added some cooked sausage to the mix for extra flavor, and it was a game-changer. Another time, I experimented with quinoa instead of rice, and it worked surprisingly well. That’s the beauty of this recipe—it’s so versatile and forgiving, you can tweak it to suit your mood or what’s in your fridge.

Pro Tip

For an extra layer of flavor, try roasting the bell peppers before adding them to the skillet. It adds a subtle smokiness that’s downright amazing. If you have the time, it’s totally worth it.

Wrap-Up

So there you have it: a homemade stuffed pepper casserole that’s easy, hearty, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. It’s comforting, versatile, and so simple to make—what’s not to love?

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! And if you have any fun tweaks or additions, I’d love to hear about them. Cooking is all about sharing, experimenting, and enjoying, so let’s keep the good vibes going in the kitchen!