Name: Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, lean; 1 yellow onion, small; diced; 3-4 garlic cloves, minced; Kosher salt, to taste; Ground black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, 1 can; 1 cup beef broth; 3-4 tablespoons red pepper paste or harissa; 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded and divided; 1 cup cooked brown rice; 3 small bell peppers, seeded and diced; 1 yellow onion, diced; Fresh parsley, chopped; optional

There's something so comforting about layered flavors and hearty textures all baked into one dish—that's exactly what makes the Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe a true keeper. It's like your favorite stuffed peppers got cozy in a casserole form, making dinner both simple and satisfying.

The image shows a close-up of a rice dish in a white dish with cooked ground meat mixed with colorful chopped bell peppers in red, green, yellow, and orange. There are bits of melted yellow cheese spread thinly all over, blending with the brown meat and white rice. A white spoon holds a scoop of the mix, showing a combination of the rice, meat, cheese, and bright vegetables, all sprinkled with small green herbs. The background is 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 with Ground Beef Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I fell in love with this Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe the first time I made it because it combines everything I appreciate in one go—meaty, cheesy, with just the right pop of pepper flavor. It’s easy to make but never feels basic on the plate.

Flavor Packed: The smoked paprika and red pepper paste add a smoky, slightly spicy depth that makes each bite interesting.
Family Friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser with ingredients that most people already love, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Layered Goodness: Combining ground beef, brown rice, bell peppers, and cheese brings amazing texture and heartiness.
One-Dish Wonder: Easy cleanup and straightforward prep that doesn’t skimp on flavor or comfort.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this casserole plays a key role, blending fresh, smoky, and hearty notes. When shopping, pick out fresh peppers with bright skin and a good-quality ground beef (lean but not too lean) for juicy, flavorful results.

Flat lay of a mound of fresh lean ground beef, a small diced yellow onion, three peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white bowl of ground black pepper, a small white bowl filled with smoked paprika powder, a teaspoon of dried thyme scattered naturally, a simple white bowl with bright red diced tomatoes, a small white bowl filled with rich beef broth, a small white bowl holding vibrant deep red harissa paste, a neat pile of shredded orange cheddar cheese, a small heap of cooked brown rice, three fresh small diced bell peppers in red, yellow, and green colors, and a small pile of freshly chopped green parsley leaves, all arranged symmetrically on a simple white ceramic plate and bowls, 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

Ground beef: Provides the meaty backbone with rich flavor—choose lean to keep it balanced and not greasy.
Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
Garlic cloves: Really elevate the savory aroma and taste; don't skimp here!
Smoked paprika: Delivers that subtle smoky warmth that ties everything together beautifully.
Dried thyme: Brings an earthy herb note without overpowering the dish.
Diced tomatoes: Add juiciness and just enough acidity to balance rich beef and cheese.
Beef broth: Enhances savory depth and keeps the casserole moist without watery sogginess.
Red pepper paste (or harissa): Offers a spicy kick and complexity—great for layering flavors.
Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, satisfying finish.
Cooked brown rice: Adds chewy texture and makes the casserole filling without heaviness.
Bell peppers: Provide fresh crunch and a slight sweetness that lightens the dish.
Parsley (optional): Brightens up the final presentation with fresh herbaceous notes.

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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 my favorite things about this Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it for your tastes — whether you want to kick up the heat or keep it mild and cheesy.

Spicy Twist: I've added extra harissa or even diced jalapeños when I want more punch. It really wakes up the whole dish!
Vegetarian Swap: Ground beef can be swapped with crumbled tempeh or cooked lentils for a hearty meatless version that still feels filling.
Cheese Variety: Experiment with pepper jack or mozzarella instead of cheddar for a different melt and flavor profile.
Rice Alternatives: Try quinoa or cauliflower rice if you want a lower-carb option — just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe

A white bowl filled with a mixed dish showing three main layers: a base of cooked rice with white and light brown grains, a middle layer of small brown meat pieces mixed evenly throughout, and colorful chunks of yellow and green bell peppers scattered on top. Small bits of red tomatoes and green herbs are mixed inside, giving the dish a fresh, vibrant look. A silver fork sticks out from the bowl to the left side, and a red and white striped cloth is placed nearby on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics & Brown the Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it starts cooking. When the beef is halfway browned, add diced onion, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme. Stir it all together and cook until the beef is nicely browned and the onions are soft and translucent. The aroma at this point is pretty amazing—don’t rush through it!

Step 2: Build the Flavor Sauce

Pour in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and red pepper paste. Give it a good stir and bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered. About 8 minutes is perfect to reduce the sauce by half, concentrating those flavors without drying it out.

Step 3: Layer and Assemble the Casserole

Grab your baking dish and spread half the meat mixture evenly on the bottom. On top, sprinkle a layer of cooked brown rice, then scatter diced bell peppers (I like mixing colors for a bright look), and top with half your shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat these layers once more — meat, rice, peppers, and cheese — and get ready to bake.

Step 4: Bake to Bubbling Perfection

Pop your layered casserole into a preheated 375°F oven for 30–40 minutes. Look for bubbling sauce and browned, melty cheese topping — that’s when you know it’s ready. If you want an extra golden crust, feel free to broil for a minute or two at the end, but keep an eye on it so nothing burns.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a bright, fresh note that balances the richness perfectly. Then, dig in while it’s warm and gooey!

Top Tip

I’ve cooked this Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe a dozen times, and a few small tricks really make it shine. Here’s what I wish I knew the first time:

Cook Rice Thoroughly: Make sure your brown rice is fully cooked before layering — undercooked rice can make the casserole soggy or uneven.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When browning the beef, give it space so it sears instead of stews — better flavor and texture!
Layer Wisely: Distribute ingredients evenly between layers for perfect bites every time.
Use Fresh Peppers: Fresh, crisp bell peppers hold up better in the casserole and add a pleasant bite.

How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe

stuffed pepper casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this casserole with chopped fresh parsley because it adds just the right brightness. Sometimes, a little dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of sliced green onions works wonders too, especially if you like a creamy contrast.

Side Dishes

Since it’s pretty filling, I often pair this recipe with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some roasted veggies to add freshness and crunch. Garlic bread or a simple crusty loaf makes a nice accompaniment if you want something a little more indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve served this casserole scooped into individual ramekins and topped with a little extra cheese for a prettier personal touch. It also works beautifully as a potluck dish—everyone digs into the big pan, and it’s always a hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool the casserole completely before storing leftovers in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days, which makes it a perfect make-ahead dinner for busy nights.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole a couple of times by portioning into freezer-safe containers. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you’ll still get a tasty, hearty meal without leftovers going to waste.

Reheating

Microwaving works great for single servings, but for the best texture, reheat in a preheated 350°F oven covered loosely with foil until warmed through—about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the cheese melty and the casserole moist.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works well in this casserole, though you might want to add a little extra seasoning or fat (like olive oil) since turkey is leaner than beef.

Do I need to precook the rice?

Yes, the rice should be fully cooked and cooled before layering in the casserole. Using undercooked rice could make the dish watery or uneven in texture.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! All ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, but always check your canned tomatoes, broth, and red pepper paste to confirm they don’t contain added gluten or fillers if you are sensitive.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until hot. Adding a splash of broth before reheating helps retain moisture and melty cheese texture.

Final Thoughts

This Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe is truly one of those dishes that I keep coming back to because it fills my kitchen with the most inviting smells and my family with smiles. It's straightforward but packs so much warmth and flavor that it feels like a hug on a plate. Give it a try—you'll find it’s an easy favorite for any weeknight that needs a little extra comfort.