Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

My Busy-Day Dinner Trick

I love stuffed peppers. But sometimes, I just don’t have the time. So I make a casserole instead. All the same wonderful flavors, but much simpler. You just mix it all in one dish. It’s my favorite trick for a busy weeknight.

This recipe is like a hug from your oven. The smell fills the whole house. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It tells everyone dinner is almost ready. That matters to me. A good meal brings people together, even on hectic days.

A Little Kick of Flavor

Now, about that Cajun seasoning. My grandson once asked if it would be too spicy. I told him it just adds a warm, happy kick. It makes the beef and peppers sing together. The Worcestershire sauce is the secret. It makes everything taste richer and deeper.

You know, you can play with this part. Don’t have Cajun seasoning? Use paprika and a little garlic powder. Cooking is about making it work for you. What’s your favorite spice to add to ground beef? I’d love to hear your ideas.

The Cheese, Of Course

Let’s talk about the cheese. I use sharp cheddar. It melts into golden pools on top. That last ten minutes in the oven is pure magic. You watch it bubble and turn beautiful. I still laugh at how my dog sits by the oven, waiting.

Fun fact: The browning on top of melted cheese has a name. It’s called the “Maillard reaction.” It’s what makes food taste so good! Adding the cheese last matters. It keeps it from getting rubbery. You get that perfect, gooey finish.

Why This Dish Matters

This isn’t just food. It’s a complete meal in one pan. You have your protein, your veggies, and your grain. That matters for a tired cook. Fewer dishes to wash is a beautiful thing. It leaves you more time to sit and talk.

It also makes great leftovers. The flavors get even friendlier the next day. Do you have a go-to leftover meal? This one is definitely on my list. It tastes just as good for lunch.

Your Turn in the Kitchen

So, you brown the beef with those colorful peppers. I like using red and green for a pop of color. Then everything gets cozy in the casserole dish with the rice and broth. The oven does the rest of the work for you. It’s really that simple.

Remember to cover it tight with foil for the first bake. That steam cooks the rice perfectly. Then, the grand finale is that blanket of cheese. Will you try it with cheddar, or maybe a different cheese? Tell me how yours turns out.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Ground beef	1 pound
Green bell pepper	1	diced
Red bell pepper	1	diced
Yellow onion	1	diced
Garlic	3 cloves	minced
Cajun Seasoning	2 teaspoons
Worcestershire sauce	1 tablespoon
Petite diced tomatoes	14.5 oz can
Beef broth	2 cups
Long grain white rice	1 ½ cups
Sharp cheddar cheese	2 cups	shredded

My Cozy Stuffed Pepper Casserole Story

Hello, my dear! Come sit at the table. Let’s talk about stuffed peppers. I love them, but stuffing each one takes time. One busy Tuesday, I had a thought. Why not mix it all in one dish? This casserole was born. It has all the cozy flavor, with less fuss. My grandson calls it “confetti dinner.” I still laugh at that. Doesn’t that smell amazing already? Let’s make it together.

Step 1

First, heat your oven to 375° F. Grab your big skillet. Brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Just crumble it with your spoon. It only needs about 3 minutes. We are not cooking it all the way yet. This keeps it tender. (A hard-learned tip: Don’t crowd the pan. Cook in two batches if you need to.)

Step 2

Now, add your diced peppers and onion. I love the red and green together. It’s so cheerful! Let them cook for a few minutes. You want them just starting to soften. Can you hear that gentle sizzle? That’s the sound of flavor building. My kitchen window always fogs up here. It feels so cozy.

Step 3

Time for the garlic and Cajun seasoning. Stir them right in. Cook for just one minute. Oh, the smell is wonderful now! It makes my mouth water. Be careful not to burn the garlic. It can turn bitter. Then, if there’s lots of grease, drain it off. Pour everything into your 9×13 casserole dish.

Step 4

Here is the easy part. Add Worcestershire sauce, tomatoes, broth, and rice. Stir it all up well. The rice will look lost in all that liquid. That’s perfect! It will soak up every bit of flavor. Cover the dish tightly with foil. This creates a little steam oven inside. What’s your favorite “one pot” meal? Share below!

Step 5

Bake it covered for 45 minutes. The waiting is the hardest part! Uncover and stir it carefully. The rice will be almost done. Now, sprinkle all that cheddar cheese on top. Pop it back in, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and the rice is tender. Let it rest a few minutes before serving. It’s piping hot!

Cook Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 8 hearty servings
Category: Dinner, Casserole

Three Fun Twists to Try

This recipe is like a good friend. It’s happy to change its clothes! Try one of these fun twists next time. They keep dinner exciting.

The “No-Meat” Marvel

Use a plant-based ground “beef” or two cans of drained lentils. It’s just as hearty and delicious.

The “Extra Kick” Version

Add a diced jalapeño with the peppers. Use pepper jack cheese on top. Oh my, it’s good!

The “Autumn Harvest” Swap

Use ground turkey and swap the peppers for diced sweet potato. It tastes like a hug in a dish.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

How to Serve Your Masterpiece

This casserole is a full meal by itself. But I love adding a little something. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is perfect. It cuts through the richness. Some warm, crusty bread is lovely for soaking up the last bits. For garnish, a sprinkle of fresh parsley makes it pretty.

What to drink? For the grown-ups, a glass of medium-bodied red wine is nice. For everyone, I love sparkling water with a big squeeze of lemon. It’s so refreshing. Which would you choose tonight? Now, dig in and enjoy the warmth.

Keeping Your Casserole Cozy for Later

Let’s talk about keeping this dish for another day. It stores beautifully. Let it cool completely first. Then cover it tightly or put it in a container.

It will be happy in your fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. I once froze a whole batch for my grandson’s visits. He loves having a ready-made meal from Grandma.

To reheat, thaw it in the fridge if frozen. Add a splash of broth or water. Warm it in the oven at 350°F until bubbly. This keeps the rice from drying out.

Batch cooking like this saves your future self. On a busy night, a homemade meal is waiting. It is a gift of time and comfort. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Casserole Hiccups

Even simple recipes can have little troubles. Do not worry. Here are easy fixes. First, if your rice is still hard, it needs more liquid.

Just add a 1/4 cup of broth and bake a bit longer. I remember when my peppers were too crunchy. I did not cook them enough in the skillet first.

Second, if the dish seems too wet, uncover it for the last 10 minutes. The extra steam will escape. Third, your cheese might brown too fast.

Just lay a piece of foil loosely over the top. Getting the texture right matters for that perfect, cozy bite. Fixing small issues builds your kitchen confidence. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Quick Casserole Questions, Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes! Use a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and check your broth label.

Q: Can I assemble it ahead? A: Absolutely. Mix everything but the cheese. Cover and refrigerate for up to a day. Add 5-10 minutes to the bake time.

Q: What other meat can I use? A: Ground turkey or chicken work great. You could even use lentils for a meatless version.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: You can, but use two baking dishes. One big dish may not cook evenly.

Q: Any optional add-ins? A: A can of drained black beans or corn kernels are lovely stirred in. Fun fact: Bell peppers have more vitamin C than oranges! Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope this recipe finds a spot in your family’s rotation. It is simple, filling, and full of good flavor. Making a meal for loved ones is a special act.

I would love to see your creation. Share a photo of your finished casserole dish. Let me know how your family liked it. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Thank you for spending this time with me in my kitchen. Happy cooking! —Anna Whitmore.