Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All the flavor, less effort: Skip the time-consuming process of stuffing peppers and bake everything together instead.
• Perfect for busy nights: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Customizable: Use your favorite protein, add extra veggies, or make it vegetarian — it’s flexible and forgiving.
• One-pan comfort food: Cozy, cheesy, and satisfying, it’s everything you want in a homestyle casserole.

🧂 Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or sausage)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 bell peppers (any color), chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Topping:

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

🔪 Instructions

1. Preheat the oven:
   Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the meat:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onion. Cook until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
3. Add the veggies and seasonings:
   Stir in the chopped bell peppers and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the peppers begin to soften.
4. Mix in the sauce and rice:
   Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked rice and let it all simmer together for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
5. Assemble the casserole:
   Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake:
   Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden around the edges.
7. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve hot.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This stuffed pepper casserole pairs beautifully with:

• A crisp green salad or Caesar salad
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Steamed veggies for a balanced meal

It also reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers the next day.

💡 Tips for Success

• Make it lighter: Use lean ground turkey or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.
• Add some spice: Mix in a pinch of crushed red pepper or a diced jalapeño.
• Add cheese inside: Stir a handful of shredded cheese into the filling for extra creaminess.
• Meal prep tip: Assemble ahead, refrigerate, and bake just before serving — it’s great for busy nights!

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