If you love classic stuffed peppers but don’t love the extra prep, this stuffed pepper casserole is about to become one of your go-to dinners. It delivers all the cozy, comforting flavors of traditional stuffed peppers—savory meat, tender bell peppers, rice, and melty cheese—but in a simple, scoopable casserole that comes together in one pan.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, reheats beautifully, and uses affordable ingredients you probably already have on hand. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a hearty dinner without the fuss, this stuffed pepper casserole checks all the boxes.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Pepper Casserole
- One-pan meal = fewer dishes
- Easier than traditional stuffed peppers
- Budget-friendly and filling
- Perfect for reheating and leftovers
- Customizable with beef, turkey, or sausage
This is the kind of dinner that works just as well for a relaxed Sunday night as it does for a hectic weekday.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This stuffed pepper casserole uses simple, everyday ingredients—no fancy extras required.
- Bell peppers (any color)
- Ground Italian sausage (or ground beef)
- Uncooked rice
- Onion and garlic
- Diced tomatoes or tomato sauce
- Shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar work great)
- Olive oil
- Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
How to Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole (Step-by-Step)
1. Brown the Meat
In a large skillet or oven-safe pan, cook the ground sausage with onion until browned and fragrant. Add garlic and cook briefly.
2. Add Peppers and Rice
Stir in chopped bell peppers and uncooked rice. This gives the dish that classic stuffed pepper texture without stuffing anything individually.
3. Simmer
Add tomatoes and seasonings, then cover and let everything simmer until the rice is tender and the peppers are soft.
4. Add Cheese
Sprinkle cheese over the top and either cover until melted or transfer to the oven for a bubbly, golden finish.
Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage or ground beef
- 3 bell peppers chopped, any color
- 1 cup uncooked rice white or brown
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 15 oz diced tomatoes or tomato sauce 1 can
- 1 cup shredded cheese mozzarella or cheddar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste
Method
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook ground sausage with chopped onion until browned. Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Stir in chopped bell peppers and uncooked rice.
- Add diced tomatoes or tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer until rice is tender and peppers are soft (about 20–25 minutes).
- Sprinkle cheese over the top and cover until melted, or broil briefly for a golden finish.
Nutrition
Notes
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!“If you love easy, hearty casseroles, you’ll also like this sausage casserole for another budget-friendly meal idea
Is Stuffed Pepper Casserole Healthy? Calories & Nutrition
This stuffed pepper casserole can absolutely fit into a balanced diet, depending on how it’s made.
Protein Content
Using ground sausage or beef makes this a high-protein meal that helps keep you full longer.
Calories
Calories vary based on cheese and meat choice, but this casserole is naturally portion-friendly since it’s filling without being overly heavy.
Nutrition Facts Highlights
- Bell peppers provide vitamin C and fiber
- Can be made with lean meat or turkey
- Easy to adapt for a lighter, healthier dinner
This makes it a great option for anyone looking for a healthy dinner recipe that still feels like comfort food.
Healthy Dinner Recipes with Ground Sausage
One reason this dish is so popular is that it fits perfectly into the category of healthy dinner recipes with ground sausage.
Ground Italian sausage adds:
- Big flavor without complicated seasoning
- Protein for a satisfying meal
- A hearty texture that pairs well with rice and peppers
To lighten it up, you can use chicken or turkey sausage without sacrificing taste.
Meals with Bell Peppers: Why This Casserole Works
If you’re searching for meals with bell peppers, this casserole is a standout.
Bell peppers:
- Add natural sweetness
- Soften beautifully during cooking
- Pair perfectly with tomato-based sauces
Unlike traditional stuffed peppers, chopping the peppers allows their flavor to spread evenly throughout the dish.
Reheatable Dinners & Meals with Leftovers
This recipe is ideal for:
- Reheatable dinners
- Weekly meal planning
- Easy lunches the next day
The flavors actually improve after sitting, making it one of those meals with leftovers you’ll look forward to reheating.
Variations and Substitutions
- Ground beef instead of sausage
- Brown rice or cauliflower rice (adjust liquid)
- Mexican-style seasoning with taco spices
- Unstuffed peppers dish by skipping cheese for a lighter version
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freeze individual portions for quick meals
- Reheat in microwave or oven until warmed through
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make stuffed pepper casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this casserole is perfect for making ahead and reheating later.
Is this an unstuffed peppers dish?
Yes! It has all the flavors of stuffed peppers without the stuffing step.
What’s the best rice to use?
White rice cooks fastest, but brown rice works with extra liquid and time.
Can I make it without rice?
Yes, cauliflower rice works well for a low-carb option.
Is stuffed pepper casserole freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely before freezing.
Conclusion
This stuffed pepper casserole is everything a great dinner should be: easy, comforting, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. It’s a perfect solution when you want the taste of stuffed peppers without the extra work—and it fits beautifully into meal prep, reheatable dinners, and family-friendly cooking.
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to explore more easy one-pan dinners and comforting casseroles your whole household will love.