Name: Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium yellow onion, small diced; 2 green bell peppers, small diced; 2 red bell peppers, small diced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 pound lean ground beef; ¾ cup shredded cheese of choice; 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil, divided; 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika powder; 1 ½ cups beef stock; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; ¾ cup long-grain white rice

There’s something incredibly cozy about a warm, cheesy casserole bubbling away in the oven, and this Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe hits that spot perfectly. It’s like having all the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers without the fuss of prepping dozens of bell peppers — just one pot, big comfort.

A blue pot with two handles holds a mixed rice dish that has three visible layers: a base layer of cooked reddish-brown rice mixed with small pieces of red bell pepper and browned ground meat, a middle layer of melted white and yellow cheese spread evenly over the rice, and a top layer of finely chopped green herbs sprinkled across the surface. The pot is placed on a white marbled background, and some food residue is visible on the inner sides of the pot. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember getting my family around the table for this recipe — it’s a real crowd-pleaser. What I love most about this Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe is how effortlessly it brings those classic pepper and beef flavors, melding everything perfectly in one pot.

One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together, saving you time and cleanup without sacrificing flavor.
Family-Friendly: It’s hearty and familiar, so both kids and adults dig in happily.
Flexible & Customizable: You can easily swap veggies, spices, or cheese to fit your taste or pantry.
Comfort Food Vibes: Gooey cheese, tender beef, and savory rice come together for that ultimate comfort meal.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe really comes from the harmony of ingredients. Each brings something special, and knowing a bit about them helps you nail it every time.

Flat lay of a medium yellow onion, two fresh green bell peppers, two fresh red bell peppers, four whole uncracked garlic cloves with clean white shells, a small white ceramic bowl of extra virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of tomato paste, a small white ceramic bowl of smoked paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl of kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of Worcestershire sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of beef stock, a small white ceramic bowl of long-grain white rice, a mound of lean ground beef (fresh and raw), and a small pile of shredded cheese of choice, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps soften the onions and peppers beautifully.
Yellow onion: The sweet aroma when sautéed builds the flavor base.
Green and red bell peppers: Classic stuffed pepper vegetables, giving you that colorful, fresh crunch and sweetness.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
Lean ground beef: Provides heartiness and rich savory flavor.
Garlic cloves: A punch of aromatic warmth that brings depth.
Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor, adding a subtle tang and richness.
Smoked paprika powder: Imparts a smoky undertone that makes this casserole uniquely comforting.
Beef stock: The cooking liquid that infuses the rice and beef with savory goodness.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds a complex umami kick and slight tanginess—don’t skip this!
Long-grain white rice: Absorbs all those delicious flavors and holds its shape perfectly when cooked.
Shredded cheese: Melts over the top, creating that irresistible gooey finish.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Over the years, I’ve experimented with different cheeses and even swapped out green peppers for yellow when they were on sale. Feel free to put your own spin on it!

Variation: I once made a spicy version by adding a diced jalapeño and a pinch of cayenne; it gave the dish a lovely, unexpected kick that my husband still talks about.
Dietary option: For a gluten-free twist, just make sure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, and you’re all set.
Seasonal tweak: In the fall, I swap out the bell peppers for roasted butternut squash cubes for a cozy seasonal vibe.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

The dish shows a mix of cooked rice with melted cheese on top, layered with small pieces of red bell pepper and green chili peppers, all covered in creamy melted yellow and white cheese. There are small green herb pieces sprinkled on the surface. A wooden spoon is lifting a portion of the dish, showing the soft texture of the rice and the cheese stretching slightly. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté Fresh Veggies to Start

Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion and bell peppers, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and cook until they just start to soften — about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir occasionally, so nothing sticks or burns. This step builds the fresh veggie flavor that’s such a key part of the dish.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the remaining teaspoon of olive oil along with the ground beef and a little more salt. Stir the meat with a spoon, breaking it up into small pieces. Cook for about 5 minutes until it's nicely browned and cooked through. This step brings that hearty, meaty flavor everyone craves.

Step 3: Build Flavor with Garlic, Tomato Paste & Smoked Paprika

Throw in the minced garlic, tomato paste, and smoked paprika. Stir constantly for about a minute until you can smell the rich aroma filling your kitchen. This little flavor punch makes a big difference and really sets this casserole apart.

Step 4: Add Stock, Worcestershire Sauce & Rice

Pour in the beef stock and Worcestershire sauce, then bring everything to a rolling boil. Stir in the rice and sprinkle with the remaining salt. The rice will soak up all those wonderful flavors as it cooks, making the dish hearty and filling.

Step 5: Simmer Covered Until Rice is Tender

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and let it simmer gently for 15 to 18 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid too often — that steam is key to perfectly cooking the rice. When the time’s up, check that the rice is just tender but still fluffy.

Step 6: Fluff, Cheese & Rest

Take the pot off the heat and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Sprinkle your choice of shredded cheese over the top—it melts right into the warm mixture. Cover again and let it sit for 5 to 7 minutes so the cheese can get all gooey and delicious. If you like, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Top Tip

Having made this Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really make the process smooth and the results irresistible.

Use a Tight-Fitting Lid: This traps steam to cook the rice evenly and prevents it from drying out — a must for fluffy rice.
Don’t Rush the Sauté: Let the peppers and onions soften properly before adding beef to build a deeper flavor base.
Choose Your Cheese Wisely: Melty cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack work great for that gooey top.
Rest Before Serving: Letting it sit covered after adding cheese helps meld everything together and finishes the rice perfectly.

How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

stuffed pepper casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually top mine with a generous dollop of sour cream — it adds a cool tang that balances the smoky richness. Fresh parsley or chives also brighten the dish and bring a hint of freshness.

Side Dishes

This casserole stands well on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies to add a refreshing crunch alongside the creamy, cheesy filling.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I serve this casserole in individual ramekins, layering with cheese on top, then broiling for a bubbly crust. It’s a simple trick that wows guests and feels so cozy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I transfer leftovers to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 4 days and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole a few times—just make sure it’s fully cooled before freezing in portion-sized containers. When you thaw and reheat, it’s nearly as good as fresh!

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet on low heat. Adding a splash of beef stock or water while reheating keeps the rice moist and prevents dryness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this casserole?

You can substitute brown rice, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and the amount of liquid because brown rice takes longer to cook. It’s best to partially cook the brown rice beforehand or adjust your simmering time and stock accordingly.

What cheese do you recommend for the topping?

I recommend using cheeses that melt well like sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella. These give you that gooey, melty finish that makes the casserole so comforting. Feel free to mix cheeses for extra flavor complexity!

Is this Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe gluten free?

Yes, it can be gluten free if you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and double-check that your beef stock contains no gluten additives. The other ingredients are naturally gluten free.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point before adding the cheese and resting. Store it in the fridge, then when ready to serve, sprinkle the cheese and let it melt before serving. This is great for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

Final Thoughts

This Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe is a keeper in my kitchen. It’s simple enough to whip up on a busy night but special enough to feel like a comforting hug in a bowl. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — it’s truly one of those recipes that makes any day better.