Skip all the fussy prep work and make this Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole - a complete meal that's easy to make! Cheesy, beefy and stuffed with vegetables that don't have to be stuffed!
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❤️ Why you'll love this recipe
I've always said something special happens to bell peppers when they are cooked! Whether it's in a soup or even a jam they become magical! This dish is no different! It's one of my favorite recipes!
This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Recipe is much easier to make and just as good, (maybe even better!) than stuffed peppers!
🗒️ Ingredients
For the exact measurements, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- ground beef - though you can certainly substitute ground chicken or ground turkey and ground pork as well.
- red yellow or green bell peppers, onion, garlic - there are loads of fresh vegetables in this meal.
- beef broth and canned diced tomatoes
- white rice - if using brown rice, this will increase the cooking time.
- shredded cheese - I used a medium cheddar cheese but you can certainly use, sharp, Monterrey jack or provolone - use your favorite cheese.
- Worcestershire sauce, grill seasoning and black pepper - the perfect balance of big flavors with minimal effort! If you'd prefer an Italian flavor, feel free to substitute Italian Seasoning, that would be delicious as well.
- smoked paprika - no smoked paprika? Substitute regular, but smoked paprika gives it a slightly smoky flavor - yum!
Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 large bell peppers seeded and diced
- 1 onion peeled and diced
- 1 ½ cups beef stock
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes I used fire roasted tomatoes
- 1 cup long grain white rice uncooked
- 2 cups cheese
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons Montreal Grill Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Spray the 9x13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray, set aside.
- Using a large, deep pan over medium heat. Brown ground meat.
- Dice the bell peppers and onions. Add to the meat as it cooks, along with the diced onions.
- Mince the garlic and add to the pan. Next add Worcestershire, salt, pepper, paprika and grill seasoning. Mix to combine.
- Add the remaining ingredients, reserving ½ cup shredded cheese - stir until well combined.
- Pour the entire mixture into the baking dish. Top with remaining cheese, cover with aluminum foil and bake until all the liquid is absorbed, the cheese melts and the casserole is hot and bubbly. About 45 minutes.
- If desired remove the foil set under the broiler to brown the cheese. This only takes 3-5 minutes.
- Allow the Stuffed Pepper Casserole to sit 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
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🔪 Instructions
- Preheat the oven.
- Using a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and sauté.
- Dice the bell peppers and onions. Add to the meat along with the diced onions.
- Mince the garlic and add to the pan. Next add Worcestershire, pepper, paprika and grill seasoning. Mix to combine.
- Add the rest of the ingredients including uncooked rice, reserve ½ cup shredded cheese - stir until well combined.
- Pour the entire mixture into a greased casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese, cover and bake.
- If desired remove the foil set under the broiler to brown the cheese.
- Allow to sit 10 minutes before serving.
🙋♀️ FAQ's
I have several great bell pepper recipes on the blog, they are so versatile! If you have a stash in the fridge that need to be cooked up you have several options.
Pepper and Potato Soup is AMAZING, of course you can make pepper jam, but I also use bell peppers in kabobs. Roasting your own is much more affordable than store-bought and better too! I love that they are so versatile!
Yes! If you've got extra bell peppers, freezing is a great option. Just wash them, remove the stems, seeds, and membranes, then slice or dice. Spread the pieces out on a baking sheet in a single layer (so they don't stick together) and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to freezer bags or containers for easy grab-and-go storage.
Yes, wrinkled are ok to eat! If they have soft spots, they are spoiled and should be discarded.
The red bell pepper has more antioxidants than green because it is ripened longer. All are delicious!
Stuffed bell peppers are a classic comfort food-sweet red, yellow, or green peppers packed with a flavorful mix of ground beef (or Italian sausage!), rice, and seasonings, all topped with tomato sauce and melty cheese. This casserole version brings all those cozy flavors together in one easy-to-make dish-no pepper stuffing required!
Deb's top tip
Allow the casserole to sit or "rest" for 10 minutes before serving. It allows the flavors to come together and makes all the difference!
- Grab this free Stuffed Bell Pepper Cheat Sheet for additional tips, notes and freezer tips.
Serving suggestions
This is such a great recipe! It's pretty much a meal in one, but if you'd like to serve a salad a nice garden salad or Caesar salad would be perfect with this meal!
Related recipes
If you're looking for more easy casserole and dinner recipes, here are some of the most popular on the blog -
- Skillet Chicken and Potatoes - I love when chicken and potatoes are roasted together, yum!
- This family favorite Frito Pie Casserole is a great choice for your weeknight meal!
- And one of the biggest family favorites on the blog is Cowboy Tater Tot Casserole. SO GOOD and so easy to make!
Wrapping things up
This Bell Pepper Casserole is everything you love about stuffed peppers-just way easier! It's hearty, cheesy, and always a hit around the dinner table. If your family's anything like mine, there won't be leftovers!
If you give it a try, I'd love to hear what you think-leave a comment below or snap a photo and tag me on Facebook or Instagram. Happy cooking!
Debbie T. says
Just made this tonight to use some green bell peppers given to me. Easy and DELICIOUS! I substituted a minced shallot for the garlic (husband does not like garlic) and Poblano Grill seasoning rub instead of Montreal since it's what I had on hand. Will definitely be making this again. Thank you for sharing!
Bowl Me Over says
Great substitutions Debbie, thank you for sharing! Glad you and the family enjoyed the casserole recipe! Thanks for stopping by to let us know!!
Melanie C says
I knew I had to make this stuffed pepper casserole when I ran across your post on social media somewhere. It looked so good, so I had to try it. IT WAS AMAZING - definitely becoming a regular meal in my home.
Becky Mansfield says
This was delicious. I was trying to find a way to use our green peppers and when I found your stuffed pepper casserole, I knew it was going to be a hit... and it was! I'll be making this again. 🙂
Cindy says
I already love your stuffed peppers recipe, but this is perfect for large groups and potlucks!
Bowl Me Over says
Most definitely, thank you Cindy!!
Rita Joy says
Oh, Debra, this stuffed pepper casserole recipe looks so delicious - and healthy, too! I've been on the hunt for yummy make ahead recipes that are healthy, and this fits the bill for us. I can't wait to try it!
Julie Evink says
This stuffed pepper casserole is so much less fussy then stuffed peppers and delicious. Plus, I can hide vegetables that my kids need to eat. We love this easy casserole.
MARYE AUDET-WHITE says
This stuffed pepper casserole is amazing! One of my favorite foods is classic stuffed peppers and these have all the flavor but none of the work. YAY! You've made it so dang easy!
Bowl Me Over says
Awesome, glad you're enjoying this yummy recipe!
Middy says
This is a very easy and good casserole! I drained the ground beef (I am not certain that was listed) . In order to give it a little crunch I took some tortilla chips and crumbled it over the top. Do not drain your can of diced tomatoes. Thank you for the recipe!
Bowl Me Over says
Hey Middy, glad it was a hit! I love the stuffed pepper casserole. I always use lean ground beef, so draining isn't an issue. But if you're not, I completely agree, you'll definitely want to get rid of excess fat. The crushed tortilla chips sound like a tasty topping, great addition! Thanks so much for sharing. I hope you find more yummy recipes to enjoy!
Alyssa says
This stuffed pepper casserole looks amazing! I think my kids would prefer this to actual stuffed peppers. This is a great option if you need to feed a lot of people!
Janet C says
It is in the oven now and much anticipated - did take me more than 15 mins prep time though. What am I doing wrong?
Bowl Me Over says
Dice the bell peppers and onion while the ground beef is browning. Multi-tasking will save you a ton of time. Enjoy the recipe Janet!!
One Crazy House says
Do you think that this stuffed pepper casserole would still turn out okay, minus the peppers? (I know, I know... but my daughter doesn't like them and that's why I hardly make stuffed peppers anymore! Maybe I can leave the peppers off of half of the casserole to appease her?...)
Bowl Me Over says
Ooh those picky eaters, lol! I think you'd be better off trying a different dish. So much of the flavor comes from the peppers. Check out the ground beef category https://bowl-me-over.com/category/beef/ground-beef/ you'll find some great inspiration there!
Holly says
I was this many years old when I realized stuffed pepper casserole is a thing! Made it for dinner and it was delicious and easier than dealing with individual stuffed peppers.
Bowl Me Over says
This easy recipe is one of my very favorites! Oooh and if you have leftovers of the stuffed pepper casserole, it freezes great!
Brandi says
I had no idea you could freeze stuffed pepper casserole! I thought the peppers would get too mushy. Now I can't wait to make a double batch!
Bonnie says
I made this recipe tonight. It was fabulous. Will make it a regular every month or 2 it 3 times a month. It was great. Thank you. I used what I had on hand. Yummm
Wells Family says
This was delicious, tons of flavor! I only had one bell pepper so I added a few mild banana peppers and a zucchini. I also had a lot of fresh tomatoes so used those instead of canned with a little water.
Bowl Me Over says
Great substitutions! And working more veggies into your meal? I'm all for that! Thanks for sharing your tips and variations. Much appreciated!
Camden Rusincovitch says
I really enjoy stuffed bell peppers, so making a stuffed pepper casserole sounds perfect! I'll have to reference this recipe when I want a faster meal. Excited to try it!
sharon garofalow says
I can tell this is going to be a family favorite! I've never made stuffed peppers but a stuffed pepper casserole is totally my speed. As soon as I can turn my oven on without my house heating up too much I'm making this!
Cynthia Rusincovitch says
I love love love this stuffed pepper casserole. I love stuffed peppers in general but this makes the whole dinner so easy. Thank you!!!!
Bowl Me Over says
I'm so glad you enjoyed this easy recipe. It's one of our favorites!
Kristen Yard says
I just LOVE this stuffed pepper casserole! It's my go-to when I'm craving stuffed peppers, but don't have the time or energy to make it the old-fashioned way. This is so easy to make during the week and great for meal-prepping!
Bowl Me Over says
It is great for meal prep - so smart!! Glad you're enjoying this great recipe!
Patricia L. says
Thank you so much for sharing this recipe !! I have always loved stuffed peppers but my son is not so keen on the whole peppers. My son asked when I was going to make it again !! He absolutely loves it !! This cassorole is so easy and not at all messy. I didnt add the diced tomatoes because my son cannot eat them, so I added a couple of squirts of ketchup. Otherwise. I followed the recipe as directed. Man O Man, Sooo Yummy.
Bowl Me Over says
I'm so glad this was a hit Patricia!! To get seconds from your son? THAT is high praise!! I love the Stuffed Pepper Casserole as well, it's one of the very best recipes!!