Name: Stuffed Pepper Casserole Beef Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 2 bell peppers, chopped; 1 onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 15 ounces low-sodium beef broth; 15 ounces canned diced tomatoes; ¾ cup uncooked long grain white rice; ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Jump to Recipe·5 from 29 reviews

Get ready to fall in love with Stuffed Pepper Casserole Beef—a one-skillet wonder that brings all the classic flavors of stuffed peppers to your table, minus the fuss. Imagine juicy ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, tender rice, and a crown of gooey, bubbling cheese all mingling together in one glorious dish. This casserole is pure comfort food, perfect for weeknights when you crave hearty flavor without extra prep. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for foolproof leftovers, this Stuffed Pepper Casserole Beef delivers every time.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of pantry staples and fresh favorites combine to make something so delicious. Each ingredient in this Stuffed Pepper Casserole Beef recipe was handpicked to bring out big flavor, the right balance of bite, and that signature cozy vibe.

Ground Beef: Reach for 80/20 for a juicy, flavorful foundation that brings hearty richness to every bite.
Bell Peppers: Choose a colorful mix, or whatever’s on hand, for brightness, crunch, and classic stuffed pepper flavor.
Onion: Finely chopped sweet or yellow onion melts into the dish, adding depth without overpowering.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is essential—it ramps up the aroma and makes the whole casserole irresistible.
Worcestershire Sauce: This little splash gives those umami undertones that tie the casserole together.
Italian Seasoning: Just one tablespoon gives you an effortless blend of herbs—think oregano, basil, thyme.
Salt: Never skip it; seasoning here brings out the natural flavors of your beef and veggies.
Ground Black Pepper: Adds a gentle kick and rounds out every bite with warmth.
Beef Broth: Go for low-sodium to control salt, letting the broth soak right into the rice for flavor-packed grains.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes add sweetness, acidity, and that perfect casserole juiciness.
Long Grain White Rice: Uncooked rice cooks directly in the pan, soaking up all those savory juices and flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts into gorgeous, stringy pools for ultimate comfort.
Cheddar Cheese: The cheddar adds sharpness and a little color—don’t skimp for that classic casserole top!

How to Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole Beef

Step 1: Brown the Beef

First things first, grab your largest skillet—this casserole loves room to mingle. Add the ground beef over medium heat, using a spatula to break it up as it cooks. Keep at it until your beef is mostly browned, with all those enticing aromas filling your kitchen. The key here is to let some little browned bits form on the bottom; they’ll add so much flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Peppers and Onions

Right when the beef starts to look delicious, toss in your chopped bell peppers and onions. Stir them up and let the magic happen for 5 to 10 minutes until everything softens and those sweet, savory scents waft through the house. This step is where the classic stuffed pepper flavors really start building.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Sprinkle in the minced garlic and give everything a quick stir. Sauté for just one or two minutes, letting it get fragrant and mingling with the veggies—nothing compares to the smell of garlic cooking, but don’t let it go too long or it’ll turn bitter.

Step 4: Season and Add Liquid

Time to bring it all together! Pour in the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, beef broth, diced tomatoes, and the uncooked rice. Mix thoroughly so all the flavors combine. You’ll see everything start to look like a hearty, rustic stew—don’t worry, the rice will soak it all up.

Step 5: Simmer it All

Raise the heat and bring your casserole mixture to a lively boil. Once bubbling, cover the skillet, bring it down to a low simmer, and let it cook for a good 20 minutes. Give it a stir about halfway through, checking to make sure the rice isn’t sticking. By the end, the rice will be tender, and every bite will have pulled in those beefy, herby, tomatoey flavors.

Step 6: Stir in Cheese

Remove the lid and scatter in half the mozzarella and cheddar. Stir gently—the cheese will melt instantly, creating that luxuriously creamy texture only a true Stuffed Pepper Casserole Beef can offer. It’s hard not to sneak a spoonful right now!

Step 7: Final Cheese Layer and Serve

Finish with the remaining cheese, sprinkling it in an even, generous layer across the top. Cover to let it melt into a warm blanket, or if you’re feeling fancy and your pan is oven-proof, slide it under the broiler for a minute or two. Serve hot and gooey, right from the skillet!

How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole Beef

Garnishes

Brighten your Stuffed Pepper Casserole Beef with a flurry of chopped fresh parsley or basil, a few sliced green onions for color, and a little extra black pepper on top. For a playful twist, serve with sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce if you like extra heat. The right garnish can make every scoop feel restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This dish is truly hearty on its own, but it loves a little company! Try serving it alongside crisp green salads, tangy coleslaw, or a basket of buttery garlic bread. For a lighter touch, simple steamed broccoli or roasted veggies are a perfect contrast to the richness of the casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, scoop individual servings into mini cast iron skillets or oven-safe bowls and sprinkle with extra cheese before sending them under the broiler—each guest gets their own melty, bubbling top. Or spoon it over a mound of mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort layered dinner. Leftovers make a fantastic filling for stuffed baked potatoes or bell pepper boats, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Beef is the definition of a next-day hero. Transfer cooled leftovers into an airtight container, and keep them in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors continue to develop, and reheating brings everything back to gooey, cheesy perfection.

Freezing

Planning ahead or prepping for a busy week? This casserole freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe dish or portion out into resealable freezer bags. Label and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop individual portions in the microwave until hot, giving it a stir halfway through. For larger amounts, use a covered baking dish in a 350°F oven, adding a splash of broth if it’s looking dry. Top with a little fresh cheese before heating if you’re craving extra gooeyness!

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and may require a bit more broth. Check for doneness and add extra liquid as needed—it’s well worth it for the extra fiber and nutty flavor.

Is Stuffed Pepper Casserole Beef gluten free?

Yes, as long as your Worcestershire sauce and beef broth are gluten free, this dish is naturally gluten free. Always check ingredient labels to be sure, but otherwise you’re good to go!

Can I swap out the ground beef?

Definitely—you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground for a lighter or vegetarian version of Stuffed Pepper Casserole Beef. The flavors are flexible, so make it yours!

What’s the best way to reheat so the cheese stays melty?

The oven method works wonders for melty cheese: cover and reheat at 350°F until warmed through. Finish with a dusting of fresh cheese during the last few minutes for an ooey-gooey top.

Can I make Stuffed Pepper Casserole Beef ahead for a party?

Yes! Assemble everything up to the final cheese topping, cover, and refrigerate. About 30 minutes before you want to serve, bake at 350°F until bubbling and hot, then add the last cheese layer and melt before serving.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that feels both homemade and totally special, this Stuffed Pepper Casserole Beef should be next on your dinner roster. It never fails to impress, whether for a family get-together or a cozy night in. Give it a try and let every cheesy, beefy bite win you over!