Stuffed Pepper Casserole
If you love classic stuffed peppers but don’t love the extra prep, this Stuffed Pepper Casserole is about to become your new weeknight hero.
It has everything you crave — seasoned ground beef, tender rice, sweet bell peppers, savory tomato broth, and plenty of melty cheese — all cooked together in one skillet. No stuffing. No baking separate components. Just simple comfort food made easy.
This is the kind of dinner that fills the kitchen with cozy aromas and gets everyone asking, “When is it ready?”
Why I Love This Recipe
As someone who appreciates bold flavor without complicated steps, this casserole delivers every time:
- One pan = easy cleanup
- Family-friendly and filling
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Classic comfort food vibes
- Great for leftovers
If you’re a fan of hearty, crowd-pleasing dinners like This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit or This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut, this stuffed pepper version will absolutely earn a spot in your rotation.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can low-sodium beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ¾ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Ingredient Notes & Easy Swaps
Ground Beef:
You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option.
Rice:
Long-grain white rice works best here. If using brown rice, you’ll need extra liquid and longer cooking time.
Peppers:
Use any color — red and yellow add sweetness, while green gives a more classic stuffed pepper flavor.
Cheese:
Mozzarella adds meltiness. Cheddar adds sharp flavor. You can also try Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns.
Once it is mostly cooked, add the chopped onions and bell peppers. Continue cooking for 5–10 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
2. Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant.
Be careful not to burn it — garlic cooks quickly.
3. Add Remaining Ingredients (Except Cheese)
Stir in:
- Worcestershire sauce
- Beef broth
- Diced tomatoes
- Uncooked rice
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Simmer
Cover and reduce heat to low.
Simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Add the Cheese
Once the rice is fully cooked:
- Stir in half of the mozzarella and cheddar until melted and incorporated.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
- Cover again and allow it to melt.
If your skillet is oven-safe, you can place it under the broiler for 2–3 minutes to get a bubbly, golden top.
6. Serve
Remove from heat and serve immediately while hot and cheesy.
Tips for Success
- Stir halfway through cooking so the rice cooks evenly.
- Keep the lid on while simmering to trap steam for tender rice.
- If it looks too dry before the rice is done, add a splash of broth.
- Let it sit 5 minutes before serving to thicken slightly.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but you can pair it with:
- Garlic bread
- Simple green salad
- Roasted vegetables
If you love cozy, cheesy dinners, you should also try This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast or These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners.
For a fun serving idea at gatherings, consider something interactive like This Walking Taco Bar Is My Favorite No-Fuss Way to Feed a Crowd.
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
Values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Storage & Leftovers
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
- Freezes well for up to 2 months.
Leftovers make an excellent next-day lunch — the flavors deepen overnight.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re building a lineup of easy, family-friendly dinners, check out:
- This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit
- This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
- This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast
- These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
Final Thoughts
Stuffed Pepper Casserole takes everything you love about the classic dish and simplifies it into one easy, cheesy skillet meal. It’s comforting, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade without extra effort.
If you try it, let me know how you customize yours — extra spice? More cheese? Different peppers?
Follow along for more no-fuss, big-flavor recipes that make dinner the best part of the day.
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