Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

Name: Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 65 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: cooking spray; 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 onion, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (such as RO-TEL®); 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce; 3 tablespoons taco seasoning; 1 1/2 cups long grain rice, uncooked; 1 cup beef broth; 4 ounces Colby cheese, shredded; 4 ounces pepper Jack cheese, shredded

Cook Time: 65 minutes

Servings: 8

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 55 minutes

Ingredients:

Nonstick cooking spray
1 pound ground beef
1/2 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (such as RO-TEL)
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
3 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 cups uncooked long grain rice
1 cup beef broth
4 ounces Colby cheese, shredded
4 ounces pepper Jack cheese, shredded

Directions:

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Lightly spray a 13x9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and garlic. Cook and stir the mixture until the beef is browned and crumbly, about 7 to 10 minutes.

Step 3: Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then season the beef mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chiles, tomato sauce, and taco seasoning. Mix well to combine.

Step 5: Spread the uncooked rice evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour the beef broth over the rice.

Step 6: Gently fold the beef and pepper mixture into the rice, using a spatula to distribute it evenly.

Step 7: Sprinkle the shredded Colby and pepper Jack cheeses over the top of the casserole.

Step 8: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

Step 9: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 350
Fat: 19g (25% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 9g (46% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 77mg (26% Daily Value)
Sodium: 1024mg (45% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 19g (7% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 2g (7% Daily Value)
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 25g (50% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 42mg (47% Daily Value)
Calcium: 252mg (19% Daily Value)
Iron: 3mg (16% Daily Value)
Potassium: 588mg (13% Daily Value)

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

The Story Behind Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a modern twist on the classic stuffed bell pepper, a dish that dates back centuries in European cuisine, particularly in Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean. Traditional stuffed peppers were made by filling whole bell peppers with a mixture of meat, rice, and spices, then baking them until tender. Over time, this comforting dish crossed borders and evolved into casseroles, making preparation easier and allowing for creative variations, such as adding cheese, beans, or a touch of taco seasoning for a Southwestern flair.

Regional Variations

While the classic stuffed pepper is popular across Europe and the United States, the casserole version has strong ties to American home cooking, particularly in the Midwest and Southern states. In these regions, casseroles are a staple for family dinners, potlucks, and holiday gatherings. The addition of ingredients like Rotel tomatoes, black beans, or taco seasoning reflects a fusion of traditional European recipes with Tex-Mex influences, creating a uniquely American comfort food that combines hearty flavors with convenience.

What Sets It Apart

Unlike traditional stuffed peppers, which are labor-intensive due to hollowing out individual peppers and carefully stuffing them, Stuffed Pepper Casserole simplifies the process by combining all ingredients into a single baking dish. This method allows the flavors to meld more evenly and creates a more uniform texture. Additionally, the casserole format encourages experimentation with cheeses, meats, and seasonings, distinguishing it from other similar dishes like lasagna or shepherds pie, which have different flavor profiles and ingredient compositions.

Where Youll Typically Find It

Stuffed Pepper Casserole is most often served in casual settingsfamily dinners, community potlucks, or weeknight meals. Its easy preparation and ability to feed a crowd make it a favorite for gatherings. Restaurants may serve it as a hearty comfort dish, often alongside a simple salad or bread, but it shines most in home kitchens where flexibility and personal touches, such as swapping beef for turkey or adding extra vegetables, are welcome.

Fun Facts About This Dish

The casserole version reduces cooking time by nearly half compared to traditional stuffed peppers, making it ideal for busy households.
The combination of Colby and Pepper Jack cheeses adds both creaminess and a subtle kick, giving the dish a signature flavor profile.
Many home cooks experiment with layering rice and filling in different orders, sometimes topping with tortilla chips or extra cheese for texture.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole is often a leftovers hero, as the flavors continue to develop after a night in the refrigerator, sometimes even tasting better reheated the next day.
Its versatility allows for endless adaptations, including vegetarian versions with beans and lentils or low-carb versions using cauliflower rice.

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FAQ about Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

To store leftovers of Stuffed Pepper Casserole, place the casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just ensure it is tightly covered to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in individual portions.

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef. Many users have successfully used ground turkey, and it provides a lighter alternative with similar results. The cooking instructions remain the same.

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and store it in the fridge overnight. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven, or you can bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Yes, minute rice can be used as a substitute for regular rice. However, if you opt for minute rice, reduce the cooking time accordingly, and you may want to cook the rice separately before mixing it with the casserole ingredients.

If the rice isn't fully cooked, you can cover the casserole with foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can add a bit more broth and continue baking until the rice is tender. Make sure the casserole is tightly covered to prevent moisture from evaporating.

Absolutely! You can customize the vegetables to your liking. Many people have added zucchini, mushrooms, or even corn. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces to ensure they cook evenly along with the other ingredients.

Yes, you can make your own taco seasoning by combining chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano. Adjust the spices to your taste, and feel free to add a pinch of cayenne if you like some heat!

Yes, you can substitute the Colby and Pepper Jack cheeses with other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack. The flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.

To add some spice, consider using a hotter variety of diced tomatoes (like those with jalapeños), adding fresh diced chili peppers (such as jalapeños or serrano), or mixing in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to taste.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Make sure it's properly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil or placed in an airtight container to maintain freshness. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.

Comments

Old Bohunk

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

Pretty much made it to the recipe except I omitted the taco seasoning. I made the rice separately using beef broth and cooked el dente, mixed it directly into the pot with all the other ingredients. Other then that, I added a small can of tomato paste. Turned out great, not soupy at all. Rice finished perfectly. Overall this is a great recipe and recommend trying it. Very easy to add or subtract to your own liking. I also baked it about 20 minutes longer before browning the cheese.

Judy

07/25/2024 10:05:41 PM

I had to deviate some from the ingredients only because I didn't have all on hand. I did cook the rice ahead of time. Also I cooked this on the stove top (it was too hot to turn the oven on). I used diced tomatoes and 1/2 of a minced jalapeno. I did not have a can of diced tomatoes with green chilis (such as RO-TEL®). Also we're not beef eaters so I used chicken. I wasn't sure about the taco seasoning, but we all liked it. The flavors were delicious! Thank you for sharing this recipe!

derwen85

05/19/2024 09:48:40 AM

I changed this recipe a little after reading the other Ratings. I used 1.5 lbs of ground turkey. 1 can of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilis. 2 cans of tomato sauce,2 cans of black beans, a whole package of taco seasoning.And I used taco cheese instead because my husband does not like pepper jack cheese. And I cooked the rice on the side in the beef broth. My husband had his over the rice. I had mine over a salad. Great flavor!! Will make again!

ArtsyHoney3026

09/22/2025 03:39:45 AM

Need to either use minute rice or cook the rice ahead of time. Baked 80 minutes and rice still not done. So make sure you do the rice differently. Other than that very good.

Stephanie Geyer

11/02/2024 02:50:20 AM

This was good! Tastes like stuffed peppers. Had to make some tweaks because I don’t eat ground beef so used ground turkey instead. Also didn’t have tomato sauce so used a 15 oz can of diced tomatoes. Will make again!

FunkyOkra6030

12/30/2024 10:58:12 PM

This was surprisingly simple and delicious! I actually made it with ground turkey because that’s what I had on hand and couldn’t believe the great flavor! The rice came out perfect and the leftovers are even better!

TwistyMeal7606

01/27/2025 11:39:26 PM

It's a great recipe. I added some kidney beans and corn to the mix as well as fresh tomatoes since I didn't have any canned ones. Taste delicious and was easy to make.

Jhorrall

08/07/2025 02:00:53 AM

Delicious! I actually had to make quite a few changes due to the availability of ingredients. I have a bounty of peppers and tomatoes right now so I used fresh tomatoes instead of canned and many many green peppers. I used all cheddar cheese because I did not have Colby or Pepper Jack. Next time I’ll use 1 1/2 lb ground beef and 1 cup rice. Very good, we loved it! Will make it again.

LivelyCow1858

07/30/2025 02:35:58 PM

Cheesy, gooey and perfect for feeding a crowd. I made my own taco seasoning which I think added to the overall flavour. Will try with ground turkey next time.

Terry

05/17/2025 02:06:38 PM

Delicious!!!

Cynthia Hall

04/08/2025 12:59:30 AM

I can’t believe how easy it was.

Nicholas Johnson

08/15/2024 02:48:26 AM

Didn’t expect it to taste this amazing.

Karen Baker

07/08/2024 10:56:26 PM

Hands down one of my favorites now.

PamWilcook152

04/13/2024 03:55:26 PM

I really enjoyed the ease of preparation and the flavors within. I made some alterations as I can never seem to follow a recipe exactly. I used ground turkey rather than ground beef, only one pepper and one small yellow onion, along with the garlic and taco seasoning. I decided it needed a little more color and texture; so rather than 1 1/2 cups of rice, I used 3/4 of a cup of rice and added a can of rinsed black beans and then adjusted amount of beef broth (no tomato sauce). I left it in my skillet to cook, adding the cheese on top. It may have overcooked slightly which gave a great crunchy rice bottom. This came out so good that I can’t wait for the leftovers!

DandyMalt9453

01/13/2024 06:18:23 PM

I made this last night. Followed directions exactly and it was amazing!

SwiftDate6563

09/25/2023 09:02:07 AM

I’m going to make this Sounds good. Cheap to make cause of the cost of living. Just love your recipes Thank you

CheekyTuna7126

09/24/2023 11:13:27 PM

Very easy to make and so delicious! I followed instructions as written. I recommend it!

Cook Time: 35 minutes