Name: Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium yellow onion, small diced; 2 green bell peppers, small diced; 2 red bell peppers, small diced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 pound lean ground beef; 3/4 cup long-grain white rice; 1 1/2 cups beef stock; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil, divided; 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika powder; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 3/4 cup shredded cheese of choice

There’s nothing quite like the cozy, comforting hug of a classic stuffed pepper dinner—but with way less fuss. This Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe brings all those familiar flavors together into one hearty, cheesy pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. It’s a crowd-pleaser that I love coming back to again and again.

A round blue pot holds a mixed rice dish with three visible layers; the bottom layer is cooked rice with a reddish tint mixed with small chunks of cooked meat and bits of green and red vegetables, the middle layer shows melted white and golden yellow cheese that spreads unevenly across the surface, and the top layer is garnished with small bright green herb leaves scattered over the melted cheese. The inside walls of the pot are stained with reddish sauce marks. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I always find myself reaching for this Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe whenever I want that perfect blend of smoky, savory, and cheesy all in one dish. Plus, it’s impossibly simple to pull off—and that’s always a win in my book.

One-Pot Wonder: This recipe cooks all the key elements together, so you don’t have to juggle a million pans or worry about timing multiple parts.
Flavor Packed: Smoky paprika, fresh peppers, ground beef, and tangy tomato paste team up for unforgettable taste without any complicated ingredients.
Flexible & Customizable: It’s an easy base you can tweak to suit what you have on hand, dietary needs, or just your personal craving for extra cheese or spice.
Comfort Food, Fast: Ready in just about 30 minutes, it’s perfect when you want a satisfying dinner that doesn’t keep you in the kitchen forever.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe plays a key role in bringing those classic stuffed pepper flavors to life, while keeping things simple and satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to find everything you need at your local grocery store.

Flat lay of a medium yellow onion whole and unpeeled, two fresh green bell peppers whole, two fresh red bell peppers whole, four plump garlic cloves with skins on, a small mound of lean ground beef shaped naturally, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright red tomato paste, a small white ceramic bowl of deep amber Worcestershire sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of golden extra virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of rich brown beef stock, a small white ceramic bowl of uncooked long-grain white rice, a small pile of shredded cheese with creamy yellow and white tones, and a small white ceramic bowl containing coarse kosher salt, all ingredients fresh and natural, arranged in perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps soften the veggies without overwhelming other flavors.
Yellow onion: Sweetness and texture—cooked just right, it forms a great flavor base alongside the peppers.
Green and red bell peppers: They brighten the dish with freshness and provide the signature stuffed pepper taste.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning; it draws out moisture and boosts all the flavors beautifully.
Lean ground beef: Adds hearty protein and a savory backbone without the extra grease.
Garlic cloves: Brings warm, aromatic depth that complements tomato and beef perfectly.
Tomato paste: Concentrated, umami-rich tomato flavor that ties everything together.
Smoked paprika powder: This little spice gives a subtle smoky kick that wakes up the dish without heat.
Beef stock: Adds moisture and depth far beyond water, enriching the rice and meat as they cook.
Worcestershire sauce: A flavor bomb of tangy, savory notes that layers complexity effortlessly.
Long-grain white rice: It soaks up all those delicious flavors while keeping a nice fluffy texture.
Shredded cheese: Melts into a gooey, inviting topping that’s pure comfort food magic.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about the Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I often swap out the beef for ground turkey when I want something lighter, or go heavy on the cheese if I’m feeling indulgent. You can really play around here!

Vegetarian twist: Try swapping the ground beef for lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative—I did this once and was pleasantly surprised at how well the flavors stood up!
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeño if you want some bite, especially nice on cold nights.
Switch the rice: If you prefer, you can use brown rice, but expect a longer cooking time and slightly nuttier flavor.
Melted cheese options: Cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack all work beautifully—try what suits your mood.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

This image shows a close-up of a cheesy rice dish in a white bowl, with a wooden spoon lifting a portion. The dish has three main layers: the bottom layer is cooked rice mixed with small pieces of red and green peppers, the middle layer is melted cheese with a creamy and stretchy texture, and the top layer is sprinkled with chopped green herbs. The colors are warm, mostly in orange, red, white, and green tones, with the cheese melting over the rice and vegetables, creating a rich and inviting look. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies Until Tender

I start by heating the first teaspoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a Dutch oven. Toss in the diced onion and both green and red bell peppers with a little pinch of salt—this helps pull out their natural sweetness. Stir occasionally and cook until they just start to soften, about 3 to 4 minutes. This creates a fantastic flavor base and keeps the peppers pleasantly crisp.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Next, I add the remaining olive oil and ground beef with another pinch of salt. Breaking the meat into small pieces as it cooks is key—this way, you get little flavorful bits throughout without any big clumps. Cook for around 5 minutes until the beef is browned and no longer pink.

Step 3: Build Flavor with Garlic, Tomato Paste & Spices

It’s time for the garlic, tomato paste, and smoked paprika. Stir these in and cook for just about a minute until you can smell the amazing aroma fill your kitchen. This step boosts depth and a gentle smokiness that really elevates the whole casserole.

Step 4: Add Stock, Worcestershire, and Rice

Pour in the beef stock and Worcestershire sauce, then bring everything up to a rolling boil. Add the rice along with the last pinch of salt, stirring well to combine. I’ve learned this is when you want to watch your heat: turning it down to a low simmer soon after ensures the rice cooks gently and evenly.

Step 5: Simmer with Lid On, Then Cheese It Up

Cover your pot with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender but still fluffy. Don’t peek too often—this traps steam and helps everything cook perfectly. When time’s up, remove from heat, fluff the rice with a fork, and sprinkle the top with your shredded cheese. Cover again and let it sit for 5-7 minutes while the cheese melts into gooey deliciousness.

Step 6: Final Touch and Serve

If you’re feeling fancy, toss on some chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Then dig in—this one’s best served hot and fresh, cheese stretching and flavor bursting with each bite.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe many times, these tips make a real difference and help avoid common pitfalls that can trip you up.

Use a tight-fitting lid: It’s crucial for trapping steam so the rice cooks all the way through and absorbs the rich flavors without drying out.
Don’t rush the resting time: Let the casserole sit covered after adding cheese to gently melt the topping—it turns the texture silky and irresistible.
Break up the meat small: I always make sure the beef is well crumbled while browning so every spoonful has a nice balanced bite.
Season in layers: Adding salt gradually helps build the right flavor intensity instead of ending up with over or under-seasoned casserole.

How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

Stuffed Pepper Casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually top this casserole with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a bright contrast. If I want to kick it up a notch, a dollop of sour cream never fails to add creamy tang that balances the smoky richness.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad or simple steamed broccoli pairs wonderfully to lighten the plate. Sometimes I serve crusty garlic bread or warm dinner rolls on the side—great for soaking up every last bit of cheesy sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For a family gathering, I’ve layered this casserole in individual ramekins to serve as fun personal portions. It’s also fantastic scooped into hollowed bell pepper halves for a bit more of that classic stuffed pepper vibe, plus a great way to sneak in extra veggies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and pop it in the fridge. It keeps well for 3 to 4 days, making a perfect quick lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully too. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers before baking or after it cools; just make sure it’s well sealed. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, I typically zap a portion in the microwave covered loosely with a paper towel to keep moisture in. Alternately, warming it up gently in the oven keeps the texture nice and melts the cheese again without drying out the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of rice in this casserole?

You can substitute long-grain white rice with brown rice if you prefer, but keep in mind it will need a longer cooking time (about 40-45 minutes) and more liquid to get tender. Instant or parboiled rice is not recommended as it doesn’t absorb the flavors as well and can turn mushy.

Is this Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe gluten free?

Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce since some brands contain gluten. All other ingredients are naturally gluten free, making this a safe and tasty option if you’re avoiding gluten.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap out the ground beef for cooked lentils, textured vegetable protein (TVP), or your favorite plant-based ground meat alternative. You might want to boost the seasoning with some mushrooms or extra spices to keep it savory.

What cheese works best for this casserole?

I like using cheddar or a mild mozzarella for creamy meltiness, but Monterey Jack or pepper jack are great if you want a little spice. Feel free to use whatever shredded cheese you enjoy or have on hand—the casserole is very forgiving!

Final Thoughts

This Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe has become one of those easy, reliable meals I turn to when I want something familiar but fuss-free. The combination of smoky, cheesy, and fresh flavors never gets old, and it’s a delicious way to bring comfort food to the table without extra cleanup. I highly recommend trying it out—it might just earn a permanent spot in your weeknight rotation.