Stuffed Pepper Casserole: A Cozy, One-Dish Comfort Meal
Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a simplified, deconstructed version of classic stuffed bell peppers. Instead of carefully filling individual peppers, everything is cooked together in one pan or baking dish—making it faster, easier, and perfect for busy weeknights. It has all the familiar flavors: tender bell peppers, seasoned ground meat, rice, tomatoes, and melted cheese baked into a hearty, comforting casserole.
Below is a clear, step-by-step method to make a flavorful version from scratch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2–3 bell peppers (any color), chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1–1½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- Optional: red pepper flakes, parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by chopping the onion and bell peppers into small, even pieces so they cook uniformly. Mince the garlic and set everything aside. Measure out your rice and spices so the cooking process goes smoothly.
2. Brown the Meat
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until it is fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This usually takes about 6–8 minutes.
Once browned, drain excess fat if necessary to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion and bell peppers directly into the pan with the cooked meat. Cook for about 4–5 minutes until they begin to soften.
Then add the minced garlic and stir for another 30–60 seconds until fragrant. This step builds the flavor base of the casserole.
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