Easy & Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Casserole: A Family Favorite Recipe
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly cheesy stuffed pepper casserole. Packed with a savory blend of ground beef, Italian sausage, fluffy rice, vibrant bell peppers, and smoky fire-roasted tomatoes, this hearty dish delivers all the beloved flavors of classic stuffed peppers without any of the fuss. It’s simple to prepare, bursting with robust taste, and guaranteed to become a new family favorite!
Why This Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe is a Must-Try
Traditional stuffed peppers are undeniably delicious, but let’s be honest, they can be a bit time-consuming. From meticulously hollowing out each pepper to ensuring they stand upright in the pan, the preparation can sometimes outweigh the desire for a homemade meal. That’s where this easy stuffed pepper casserole truly shines!
This recipe brilliantly captures all the comforting, savory flavors of classic stuffed peppers and transforms them into a single, cohesive, and effortlessly family-friendly meal. You get the rich combination of seasoned ground beef, zesty Italian sausage, tender bell peppers, plump rice, and fire-roasted tomatoes, all enveloped in layers of melty cheese – but without any of the extra hassle. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a hearty, home-cooked dish but need a simpler approach. By ditching the individual stuffing, you save valuable prep time and reduce the cleanup, making this a win-win for any home cook looking for maximum flavor with minimum effort.
Gather Your Ingredients for This Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Creating this delicious casserole requires a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have in your pantry or can easily find at any grocery store. For the precise measurements and a full list of ingredients, along with step-by-step instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card located at the end of this post. For now, let’s take a closer look at the key components that make this dish so special.
Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Substitutions
Understanding your ingredients and knowing how to make smart substitutions can elevate your cooking and adapt recipes to your pantry or dietary needs. Here’s a deeper dive into the components of our Stuffed Pepper Casserole:
- MEAT – We achieve a wonderfully complex flavor by combining lean ground beef with Italian sausage. The beef provides a familiar, hearty base, while the Italian sausage introduces a fantastic depth of spice and richness. You have options here:
- Ground Beef Only: If you prefer to stick to one type of meat, a pound of lean ground beef works perfectly.
- Italian Sausage Only: For a bolder, more pronounced flavor, use a full pound of Italian sausage. You can choose between hot Italian sausage for a delightful kick, mild Italian sausage for classic flavor without the heat, or even sweet Italian sausage for a slightly different aromatic profile.
- Ground Turkey/Chicken: For a lighter alternative, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the beef, or even for both meats. Keep in mind that leaner meats might require a little extra oil when browning to prevent sticking and maintain moisture.
- CHEESE – The gooey, melty cheese is what makes this casserole truly “super cheesy.” We recommend a dynamic duo of sharp cheddar cheese and creamy Monterey Jack for their excellent melting properties and complementary flavors.
- Cheddar: Adds a classic, tangy cheese flavor.
- Monterey Jack: Known for its smooth melt and mild, buttery taste, which balances the sharper cheddar.
- Spice It Up: For those who love a bit of heat, consider using Monterey Jack jalapeno cheese. The subtle spice will infuse throughout the casserole, adding another layer of flavor.
- Other Options: Other good melting cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or a Colby Jack blend would also work beautifully. Freshly shredded cheese always melts better than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
- VEGETABLES – These provide essential freshness, texture, and a burst of color to the casserole.
- Bell Peppers: While the recipe calls for red bell pepper, feel free to use green, yellow, or orange bell peppers, or even a colorful mix! Each color offers a slightly different sweetness and aesthetic. Green bell peppers tend to have a more robust, slightly bitter flavor, while red, yellow, and orange are sweeter. Chop them into bite-sized pieces for even distribution.
- Onion & Garlic: These aromatic powerhouses form the foundational flavor base. Finely chopped onion and minced garlic are crucial for a deep, savory profile. Don’t skip these!
- Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: These are a game-changer! Unlike regular canned diced tomatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes add a layer of smoky depth that significantly enhances the overall flavor of the casserole. If you can’t find them, regular diced tomatoes will work, but you might miss that signature smoky note.
- RICE – Long-grain white rice is recommended for its texture and how it absorbs the flavorful liquid. You can also experiment with brown rice for a nuttier flavor and added fiber, though cooking times will need to be adjusted (brown rice generally takes longer to cook).
- BEEF BROTH – Low sodium beef broth allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish. You could substitute chicken broth or even vegetable broth if preferred, though beef broth adds a richer, more traditional stuffed pepper flavor.
- ITALIAN SEASONING – This blend typically includes basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram, providing a classic Italian-American flavor profile. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can create your own blend or use individual herbs to taste.
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Stuffed Pepper Casserole
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Brown the Meats: Begin by heating 1 Tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a 3-4 quart Dutch oven (or a large, deep-sided skillet) over medium heat. Add your ground beef and Italian sausage to the hot pan. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until it is thoroughly browned and no longer pink. This step is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
TIP – Dutch ovens excel at retaining heat. If your pan seems too hot after browning the meat, reduce the heat to medium-low for the subsequent steps to prevent burning.
- Sauté Aromatics and Season: To the cooked meat, add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Sauté these ingredients for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is for the onions to soften and become translucent, and for the garlic and seasoning to become fragrant, releasing their delicious aromas into the mixture. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Simmer and Cook the Rice: Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes (undrained for maximum flavor), low-sodium beef broth, and the chopped bell pepper. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then add the long-grain white rice. Stir everything well to ensure the rice is fully incorporated and submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot with a lid, and let it cook for approximately 40 minutes. Remember to stir the casserole halfway through the cooking time to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The rice should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed when finished.
- Melt the Cheese: Once the rice is perfectly tender, remove the pot from the heat and give it another good stir. Evenly spread both the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses generously over the entire surface of the casserole. Cover the pot with its lid and allow it to sit for a few minutes; the residual heat will beautifully melt the cheese into a luscious, gooey layer. For an extra special touch, if you desire a golden-brown, bubbly cheese crust, you can place the uncovered pan under the oven broiler for a minute or two. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
- Serve and Garnish: Your incredible stuffed pepper casserole is now ready to enjoy! Serve it warm, straight from the pot, and for a touch of freshness and vibrant color, sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Expert Tips for a Perfect Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Achieving a truly outstanding stuffed pepper casserole is easy with these helpful tips and tricks:
- Don’t Skimp on Browning: Ensure your ground beef and Italian sausage are well browned before adding other ingredients. This step creates depth of flavor through the Maillard reaction, which is essential for a rich-tasting casserole. Drain excess fat for a lighter, less greasy result.
- Proper Rice Cooking: The key to tender, perfectly cooked rice is maintaining a gentle simmer and keeping the lid on to trap steam. Avoid lifting the lid too often, as this releases heat and moisture, extending the cooking time and potentially leading to unevenly cooked rice. Stirring halfway helps prevent rice from sticking to the bottom.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your mixture before adding the rice and final simmer. Adjust salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to your preference. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
- Melting the Cheese: For the quickest and easiest melt, simply cover the hot casserole with a lid. If you desire a slightly browned and bubbly cheese topping, a quick stint under the broiler (1-2 minutes) will do the trick. Watch it carefully, as broilers can brown cheese very quickly.
- Prep Ahead: To save time on busy weeknights, you can chop your onions, garlic, and bell peppers ahead of time and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. You can even brown the meat a day in advance!
Frequently Asked Questions & Make-Ahead Storage
Once your casserole has cooled completely to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. To reheat, you have a couple of options:
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions on half power for 2-3 minutes. For extra cheesiness, sprinkle a little fresh shredded cheese on top during the last 20-30 seconds of reheating.
- Stovetop: For larger portions or to retain moisture, reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth (1-2 tablespoons) to the pot while stirring constantly to prevent sticking. Once warmed through, remove from heat, sprinkle on extra cheese, and cover with a lid for a few minutes to melt.
Absolutely, this casserole is wonderfully freezer-friendly, making it an excellent option for meal prepping!
- To Freeze: Prepare the casserole as directed, then allow it to cool entirely before proceeding. Transfer the cooled casserole to a freezer-safe, airtight container. It will maintain its quality in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Individual Servings: For convenient grab-and-go meals, portion out individual servings into smaller freezer-safe bags or containers before freezing.
- To Thaw and Reheat: Thaw the frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat it using the microwave or stovetop methods described above. If reheating from frozen (not recommended for best texture, but possible in a pinch), it will take significantly longer to heat through.
Delicious Serving Suggestions & Creative Variations
This stuffed pepper casserole is incredibly satisfying on its own, offering a complete meal in one pot. However, if you’re looking to round out your dinner or try some creative twists, here are a few suggestions:
- Classic Pairings: Serve alongside a fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole. A side of warm, crusty bread or garlic bread is also perfect for soaking up any delicious juices.
- Comfort Food Sides: Mashed potatoes or sweet potato fries could complement the hearty nature of the dish.
- Creative Wraps: Get adventurous! Spoon the casserole mixture into warm flour tortillas or large lettuce cups for a deconstructed stuffed pepper burrito or lettuce wrap.
- Flavor Boosters: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of hot sauce, or extra fresh herbs like basil or oregano can add another layer of flavor right before serving.
Always remember to enjoy it warm, preferably with a beautiful garnish of fresh chopped parsley for that extra touch of color and freshness!
More Comforting Casserole Recipes to Love
If you’re a fan of the ease and deliciousness of casseroles, you’re in luck! Here are some more fantastic casserole recipes that promise to deliver hearty meals with minimal fuss:
- Cabbage Roll Casserole
- Southwest Ground Beef Casserole
- Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
- Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole
I love to bake and cook and share my kitchen experience with all of you! Remembering to come back each day can be tough, that’s why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe and start receiving your free daily recipes!
Stuffed Pepper Casserole
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions and Expert Tips within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It
Pin It
Rate It
Save ItSaved!
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ pound lean ground beef
- ½ pound mild Italian sausage
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 24 ounces fire roasted tomatoes two 12 ounce cans
- 2 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- fresh chopped parsley optional as garnish
Things You’ll Need
-
3-4 quart Dutch oven or large deep sided skillet
Before You Begin
- We like to use a mixture of ground beef and Italian sausage for the best flavor, but feel free to use one or the other if preferred. Hot Italian sausage will add a nice kick of heat, while mild or sweet varieties offer a different flavor profile. Ground turkey can also be substituted for beef for a leaner option.
- For an extra dash of heat, consider using Monterey Jack jalapeno cheese in place of plain Monterey Jack.
Instructions
-
Over medium heat, add oil to a dutch oven (or a large deep-sided skillet). Cook beef and sausage until no longer pink, then drain any excess fat.
TIP – Dutch ovens tend to hold heat more than others. If the pan is too hot, lower the heat to medium-low for the next step to prevent burning.
-
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning to the pot. Cook for a few minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant.
-
Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes (undrained), beef broth, and chopped bell pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add in the rice. Stir to thoroughly incorporate all ingredients, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover with the lid and allow it to cook for 40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
-
Once the rice is fully cooked, remove the pot from heat and stir well. Evenly layer both shredded cheeses on top of the casserole. Cover the pot with its lid to fully melt the cheese from the residual heat. If desired, you can place your pan uncovered under the oven broiler for 1-2 minutes to brown and bubble the cheese, watching closely to prevent burning.
-
Serve warm, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Store the cooled casserole in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Reheat in the microwave on half power for 2-3 minutes, adding extra cheese on top during the last 20-30 seconds. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a little broth to the pot while stirring constantly to avoid sticking. Once warmed through, remove from heat, sprinkle on extra cheese, and cover with a lid to melt.
- Freezing: Prepare the casserole as directed and allow it to fully cool before transferring to an air-tight, freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You can also portion out individual servings into freezer-safe bags or containers for convenient meal prep.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.