Hearty & Easy Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Casserole: A Flavorful Family Favorite
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly cheesy stuffed pepper casserole, brimming with savory ground beef, robust Italian sausage, fluffy rice, sweet bell peppers, and smoky fire-roasted tomatoes. This one-pot wonder takes all the beloved flavors of traditional stuffed peppers and transforms them into a simple, hearty, and immensely satisfying meal that’s perfect for any weeknight or a cozy weekend gathering. Forget the fuss of individual pepper preparation – this casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it an instant family favorite.
Why This Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe Works So Well
Traditional stuffed peppers are undeniably delicious, but they can be a bit time-consuming and sometimes tricky to manage in the oven. This easy stuffed pepper casserole recipe elegantly bypasses those challenges, offering all the same comforting, classic flavors in a much more convenient, family-friendly format. You won’t have to worry about hollowing out individual peppers, meticulously stuffing them, or ensuring they stay upright during baking. Instead, we combine a rich mixture of browned ground beef, flavorful Italian sausage, aromatic onions and garlic, vibrant bell peppers, and hearty rice, all bathed in a robust sauce of fire-roasted tomatoes and beef broth. The entire dish is then crowned with a generous layer of melty cheese, baked (or simmered) to perfection. It’s a truly satisfying and wholesome meal that comes together with remarkable ease, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you crave homemade comfort without the extra hassle.
The beauty of this casserole lies in its layered flavors and textures. The combination of two different meats provides a depth that a single protein often can’t achieve. The fire-roasted tomatoes add a distinctive smoky sweetness, while the bell peppers soften into tender bursts of color and mild flavor. Every spoonful promises a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and cheesy notes, making it a dish everyone at the table will love. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate vegetables into your meal, all in one hearty pot. Let’s dive into how you can bring this incredible dish to your own kitchen.
Essential Ingredients You Will Need for Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Crafting this delightful stuffed pepper casserole requires a few key ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors. For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card located at the conclusion of this article. Gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
Ingredient Information and Clever Substitution Suggestions
Understanding the role of each ingredient and knowing your substitution options can elevate your cooking experience and ensure a delicious outcome every time. Here’s a detailed look at the core components of our stuffed pepper casserole:
MEAT – Our preferred blend for this casserole is a rich combination of lean ground beef and Italian sausage. The ground beef provides a familiar, hearty base, while the Italian sausage introduces a wonderful depth of flavor and a touch of spice. You can certainly opt to use one or the other if that suits your taste or what you have on hand. For the Italian sausage, ‘hot’ varieties will deliver a pleasant kick of heat, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of spice. If you prefer a milder flavor, ‘mild’ Italian sausage is an excellent choice, and ‘sweet’ Italian sausage offers a lovely hint of fennel and a subtle sweetness. For a lighter alternative, feel free to substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or even ground chicken, adjusting seasoning as needed to maintain flavor vibrancy.
CHEESE – A dynamic duo of shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese creates the perfect cheesy topping for this casserole. Cheddar brings a sharp, classic flavor and a beautiful golden-orange hue, while Monterey Jack offers incredible meltiness and a mild, creamy taste that complements the other ingredients without overpowering them. This combination results in a rich, bubbling, and irresistible crust. If you’re keen on adding another layer of heat, consider using Monterey Jack jalapeno cheese – it melts beautifully and infuses a mild, spicy warmth throughout the dish. Other great cheese options include a mozzarella and provolone blend for a more Italian-American profile, or even a smoked gouda for a unique, smoky twist.
VEGETABLES – Bell peppers are, of course, central to this dish. Red bell peppers offer a sweeter flavor profile and vibrant color, while green bell peppers provide a slightly more savory and earthy note. Using a mixture of both can add visual appeal and a more complex flavor dimension. Beyond the peppers, finely chopped onion and minced garlic form the essential aromatic base, building a foundation of savory flavor. The inclusion of fire-roasted tomatoes is crucial – these tomatoes are roasted over an open flame, giving them a smoky, rich, and slightly sweet taste that elevates the sauce significantly compared to plain diced tomatoes. They contribute immense depth and umami. For added vegetable goodness, you could also stir in a handful of chopped mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini during the cooking process.
How to Make This Delicious Stuffed Pepper Casserole
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are provided to help you visualize each stage of making this incredible casserole. For a printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and instructions, you can Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
- Brown the Meats: Begin by adding a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil to a 3-4 quart Dutch oven or a large, deep-sided skillet. Place it over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the lean ground beef and Italian sausage. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is completely browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the pot to prevent the casserole from becoming oily.
TIP – Dutch ovens are excellent heat retainers. After browning the meat, if your pot feels excessively hot, reduce the heat to medium-low before adding the next ingredients to prevent scorching and ensure even cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: To the browned meat in the pot, add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Cook for an additional few minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions have softened and become translucent, and the garlic is fragrant. This step is crucial for building a rich flavor base for your casserole.
- Simmer with Rice: Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes and low sodium beef broth. Add the chopped bell pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then stir in the long-grain white rice until it is well incorporated. Reduce the heat to a low simmer, then cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Allow the casserole to cook for approximately 40 minutes, stirring halfway through the cooking time to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of the rice. Continue simmering until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add the Cheese: Once the rice is fully cooked and tender, remove the pot from the heat. Give the casserole a good stir to combine all the ingredients. Evenly layer the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese over the entire surface of the casserole. Cover the pot with the lid again and let it sit for a few minutes (5-10 minutes) to allow the residual heat to fully melt the cheese into a gooey, irresistible blanket. For those who prefer a beautifully browned and slightly crispy cheese topping, you can remove the lid and place your pan uncovered under the oven’s broiler for a minute or two. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
- Serve and Garnish: Your hearty stuffed pepper casserole is now ready! Serve it warm, straight from the pot, with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley as an optional garnish. The parsley adds a touch of freshness and color that beautifully complements the rich flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfection
Once your delicious casserole has cooled completely to room temperature, transfer any leftovers to an air-tight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. To reheat, you have a couple of excellent options. For microwave reheating, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat on half power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway. For an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle a little more shredded cheese on top during the last 20-30 seconds of heating. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a small splash of beef broth or water to the pot to prevent sticking and keep the rice moist, stirring constantly until warmed through. Once hot, remove from heat, add more cheese, and cover with a lid for a minute to melt it.
Absolutely, this casserole is wonderfully freezer-friendly, making it a fantastic meal-prep option! Prepare the casserole as directed and allow it to cool entirely before proceeding. Once cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe, air-tight container. You can freeze the entire casserole or portion out individual servings into smaller freezer-safe bags or containers for quick, ready-to-eat meals. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat using the stovetop or microwave methods described above. This makes it a perfect dish to prepare in advance for busy times.
Yes, you can certainly use brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice generally requires more liquid and a longer cooking time (often 45-50 minutes or more) compared to white rice. You may need to add an extra 1/2 to 1 cup of beef broth and extend the simmering time until the brown rice is tender. Always check for doneness and add more liquid if the casserole becomes too dry before the rice is fully cooked.
While the recipe calls for red bell pepper, feel free to use green, yellow, or orange bell peppers, or a colorful mix! Green bell peppers have a slightly more bitter, earthy flavor, while red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweeter. Using a combination adds visual appeal and a broader flavor profile to your casserole. Ensure they are chopped to a consistent size for even cooking.
Yes, this casserole is an excellent candidate for make-ahead meals. You can prepare the entire casserole up to the point of adding the cheese. Let it cool, then cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to cook, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. Then, add the cheese and continue as per step 4 of the instructions. You can also assemble the entire casserole, including the cheese, and bake it just before serving.
Serving Suggestions for Your Stuffed Pepper Casserole
This stuffed pepper casserole is incredibly hearty and filling on its own, easily serving as a complete meal. However, for those looking to expand the dining experience, it pairs beautifully with a variety of simple sides. A crusty loaf of bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any delicious juices, adding a wonderful textural contrast. For a lighter, refreshing counterpoint, a crisp green dinner salad with a tangy vinaigrette is always a welcome addition. You could also serve it alongside some roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or a simple side of corn. For a fun twist, this flavorful mixture is also absolutely delicious stuffed inside large burrito wraps or warm tortillas, creating an entirely new meal experience. Don’t forget that final garnish of fresh chopped parsley right before serving to add a pop of color and a fresh herbal note!
More Delicious Casserole Recipes to Try
If you love the convenience and comforting nature of a one-pot meal like this stuffed pepper casserole, you’re in for a treat! Casseroles are perfect for feeding a crowd, making ahead, or simply enjoying a cozy meal at home. Explore some of our other popular and equally satisfying casserole recipes:
- Cabbage Roll Casserole
- Ground Beef Casserole
- Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
- Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole
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Stuffed Pepper Casserole
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ pound lean ground beef
- ½ pound mild Italian sausage
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 24 ounces fire roasted tomatoes two 12 ounce cans
- 2 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- fresh chopped parsley optional as garnish
Things You’ll Need
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3-4 quart Dutch oven or large deep sided skillet
Before You Begin
- We love the depth of flavor a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage provides, but feel free to use either one exclusively based on your preference. For a spicy kick, opt for hot Italian sausage; for milder flavors, choose mild or sweet varieties. Ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef for a leaner option.
- To introduce an extra hint of heat, consider using Monterey Jack jalapeno cheese in place of regular Monterey Jack cheese. Its subtle warmth will beautifully complement the savory ingredients.
Instructions
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Over medium heat, add oil to a dutch oven (or a large deep-sided skillet). Cook beef and sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat from the pot.
TIP – Dutch ovens retain heat very well. If your pot seems too hot after browning the meat, reduce the heat to medium-low for the next step to prevent burning the aromatics.
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Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning to the pot with the browned meat. Sauté for a few minutes, stirring until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.
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Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes and beef broth, then add the chopped bell pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then stir in the long grain white rice. Once combined, reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and cook for approximately 40 minutes, stirring occasionally (about halfway through) to ensure the rice cooks evenly and doesn’t stick. Continue cooking until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
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Once the rice is fully cooked and tender, remove the pot from the heat and stir everything well. Evenly layer both shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses on top of the casserole. Cover the pot with the lid again and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the cheese to fully melt from the residual heat. If you desire a browned, bubbly cheese crust, you can carefully place your uncovered pan under the broiler for 1-2 minutes; watch it closely to prevent burning.
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Serve your hearty stuffed pepper casserole warm, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Storage: Store the cooled casserole in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave on half power for 2-3 minutes, adding extra cheese on top during the last 20-30 seconds. For stovetop reheating, use medium-low heat, adding a little broth and stirring constantly to prevent sticking. Once warmed, sprinkle with cheese and cover to melt.
- Freezing: This casserole is freezer-friendly! Prepare as directed and allow it to cool completely before transferring to an air-tight, freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You can also freeze individual servings for convenient grab-and-go meals.
- Rice Varieties: While white rice is specified, you can use brown rice, but be aware it will require more liquid (approx. 1/2 to 1 cup extra broth) and a longer simmering time (typically 45-50+ minutes) to cook until tender. Adjust accordingly.
- Bell Pepper Choices: Any color of bell pepper works well. Red, yellow, and orange peppers offer a sweeter flavor, while green bell peppers have a slightly more savory and classic taste. A mix adds both color and flavor complexity.
- Make Ahead: To prepare in advance, assemble the casserole up to the point of adding the cheese. Cool, then cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, then add cheese and melt.
Nutrition Information (Estimated Per Serving)
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.