30-Minute Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Stuffed peppers are a beloved comfort food classic, loved for their hearty filling of seasoned ground meat, rice, and gooey cheese all wrapped inside vibrant bell peppers. But traditional stuffed peppers can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially when you’re juggling a busy schedule or feeding a hungry family.

Enter the 30-Minute Stuffed Pepper Casserole — all the delicious flavors and textures you crave without the hassle of hollowing out peppers or cooking multiple components separately. This casserole combines seasoned ground beef, rice, colorful bell peppers, and a melty cheese topping, all baked together in one pan for easy prep and cleanup.

It’s a family-friendly, freezer-friendly meal perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep. Plus, it’s naturally free from pork, bacon, wine, or alcohol, making it a versatile option for many dietary preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Ready in just 30 minutes: Perfect for busy families needing fast, wholesome dinners.

• One-pan convenience: Prep, bake, and serve with minimal mess.

• Cheesy and comforting: Satisfying melted cheese on top with classic stuffed pepper flavors inside.

• Freezer-friendly: Make ahead and freeze for quick meals later.

• Customizable: Easily swap ingredients to suit preferences or dietary needs.

• Nutritious and balanced: Protein from ground beef, fiber and vitamins from bell peppers and rice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this delicious casserole, gather:

• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for a lighter option)

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 large bell peppers (red, green, yellow, or orange), chopped into bite-sized pieces

• 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice

• 1 1/2 cups beef broth or chicken broth

• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained

• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

How to Make 30-Minute Stuffed Pepper Casserole: Step-by-Step

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Chop your bell peppers into bite-sized pieces and finely dice the onion and mince the garlic.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Aromatics

In a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.

Step 3: Add Bell Peppers and Seasonings

Stir in the chopped bell peppers, dried Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the peppers start to soften.

Step 4: Mix in Rice, Broth, and Tomatoes

Add the uncooked rice to the skillet, then pour in the broth and diced tomatoes. Stir everything well to combine.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Cover the skillet or casserole dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired, then serve hot.

Variations & Customization Tips

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives for a different twist.

• Rice alternatives: Quinoa, cauliflower rice, or orzo pasta can be used instead of rice for variety.

• Extra veggies: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or corn for more nutrition and flavor.

• Cheese options: Try pepper jack for a spicy kick, or parmesan for a sharper flavor.

• Make it vegetarian: Substitute beef with cooked lentils or black beans and use vegetable broth.

Meal Prep & Freezer Instructions

• Make ahead: Prepare the casserole through step 5, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.

• Freezing: Cool the casserole completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until heated through and cheese is bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this casserole with simple sides for a complete meal:

• Fresh green salad with vinaigrette

• Steamed or roasted broccoli

• Garlic bread or crusty rolls

• A light cucumber and tomato salad

Nutrition Information (approximate per serving)

• Calories: 400

• Protein: 30g

• Fat: 15g

• Carbohydrates: 35g

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 6g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use pre-cooked rice to speed up cooking?

Yes! If using pre-cooked rice, add it in after sautéing the veggies and meat. Reduce baking time to about 10 minutes to heat through and melt the cheese.

2. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use a dairy-free cheese substitute or omit cheese altogether. Nutritional yeast sprinkled on top before baking is a tasty alternative.

3. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, this casserole freezes very well. Just cover tightly and freeze before adding cheese for best results.

4. How spicy is this casserole?

The base recipe is mild, but you can add chili flakes or diced jalapeños to add heat.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double ingredients and use a larger casserole dish. Cooking time may increase slightly.

Final Thoughts

This 30-Minute Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a game-changer for busy families who want all the comfort and flavor of classic stuffed peppers without the hassle. With simple ingredients, one pan, and minimal prep, you can serve a delicious, nutritious meal that everyone will love.

The casserole is flexible enough to suit various tastes and dietary needs, making it a perfect staple for your dinner rotation. Try it tonight and enjoy all the cheesy, savory goodness with none of the fuss!