Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

All the flavors of classic stuffed peppers—savory beef, tender veggies, and zesty tomatoes—baked into an easy, cheesy one-pan meal! No stuffing required, this crowd-pleasing dish is weeknight magic with minimal cleanup. Perfect for feeding families, meal prepping, or cozy dinners.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 45 mins
Calories: ~400 per serving | Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Prep & Preheat

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the Beef

• In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.

3. Sauté Veggies

• Add diced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened.

4. Mix Filling

• Stir in diced tomatoes, cooked rice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.

5. Assemble & Bake

• Transfer mixture to the baking dish. Top evenly with shredded cheese.
• Bake 25–30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve

• Let cool 5 minutes before scooping.

Pro Tips

• Rice hack: Use leftover rice or instant rice for faster prep.
• Extra veggies: Add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or corn.
• Crispy cheese: Broil 1–2 minutes at the end (watch closely!).
• Leaner option: Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken.

Variations

• Spicy twist: Add ½ tsp chili powder or a diced jalapeño.
• Cheesy upgrade: Mix ½ cup cream cheese into the filling.
• Tex-Mex style: Swap cheddar for pepper Jack and add black beans.
• Low-carb: Replace rice with cauliflower rice.

Storage

• Fridge: Store covered for 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Freeze: Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.

Serving Ideas

• Pair with garlic bread, a dollop of sour cream, or avocado slices.
• Sprinkle with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color.

This hearty, veggie-packed casserole is comfort food made simple—no fuss, all flavor!