Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole (Easy One-Pot Dinner)
f you love classic stuffed peppers but don't love the extra work of filling and baking individual peppers, this Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is the perfect solution. It has all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed peppers in an easy one-pot meal that's simple enough for busy weeknights.
Made with savory Italian sausage, tender bell peppers, onions, garlic, rice, tomato sauce, and melted cheese, this hearty casserole is packed with flavor in every bite. Everything cooks together in one skillet, making cleanup easy and dinner stress-free.
This family-friendly meal is filling, comforting, and guaranteed to earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation.
Why You'll Love This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Easy one-pot meal with minimal cleanup
All the flavors of stuffed peppers without the extra work
Hearty, filling, and comforting
Perfect for busy weeknight dinners
Family-friendly and easy to customize
Great for meal prep and leftovers
Ready in about 40 minutes
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole combines Italian sausage, bell peppers, rice, tomato sauce, and melted cheese into a hearty one-pot meal. It's an easy, family-friendly dinner with all the flavors of stuffed peppers without the extra work.
Recipe Details
Category: Main Course, One-Pot Meal
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: About 40 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound mild Italian sausage
2 1/2 cups green bell pepper, diced
1/2 medium onion, diced
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup jasmine rice
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
How to Make Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Brown the sausage. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks, until browned and cooked through.
Add the vegetables. Add the diced green bell peppers and onion to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add the garlic and seasonings. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil. Cook for about 1–2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and the seasonings are well combined.
Add the liquids. Pour in the chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These browned bits add extra flavor to the casserole.
Add the tomato sauce and rice. Stir in the tomato sauce and jasmine rice until everything is evenly combined.
Cook the rice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Add the cheese. Remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top, followed by the Parmesan cheese.
Melt and serve. Cover the skillet for another 1–2 minutes, or until the cheese has melted. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
Why This Recipe Works
Traditional stuffed peppers are delicious, but they can be time-consuming. This casserole version delivers all the same flavors—savory sausage, peppers, tomato sauce, herbs, rice, and cheese—without the hassle of stuffing individual peppers.
Everything cooks together in one pan, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully while keeping cleanup to a minimum.
The rice also absorbs the flavorful broth, tomato sauce, and sausage drippings as it cooks, making every bite hearty and flavorful.
Tips for the Best Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Use freshly grated cheese
Freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan melt more smoothly and give the casserole a better texture.
Keep the skillet covered
Keeping the skillet covered while the rice cooks traps the steam and helps the rice cook evenly.
Don't skip the resting time
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after adding the cheese. This gives the rice time to finish absorbing any remaining liquid and allows the flavors to come together.
Customize the vegetables
Green bell peppers work especially well for the classic stuffed pepper flavor, but you can also add red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for additional sweetness and color.
What to Serve with Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with:
Garlic bread
Side salad
Caesar salad
Roasted vegetables
Steamed broccoli
Dinner rolls
Green beans
For an easy weeknight meal, serve it with a simple side salad and warm garlic bread.
Variations
Use ground beef: Substitute ground beef for the Italian sausage for a more traditional stuffed pepper flavor.
Use ground turkey: Ground turkey is a lighter option that works well with the same seasonings.
Add more vegetables: Add diced zucchini, mushrooms, corn, or additional bell peppers.
Make it spicy: Use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Add extra cheese: Sprinkle additional mozzarella or Parmesan over the top before serving for an extra cheesy casserole.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm larger portions in a skillet over low heat. Add a small splash of chicken broth or water if the rice seems dry when reheating.
This casserole is also great for meal prep because it reheats well throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes, but cooking times and liquid requirements may vary depending on the type of rice. Jasmine rice works particularly well because it cooks relatively quickly and absorbs the flavors of the broth and tomato sauce.
Can I use ground beef instead of sausage?
Absolutely. Ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken can all be used in place of the Italian sausage.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. This casserole reheats beautifully and is an excellent option for meal prep lunches and dinners.
Can I use different colored bell peppers?
Yes! Green bell peppers give the dish a classic stuffed pepper flavor, but red, yellow, and orange bell peppers can be used individually or combined for a sweeter flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole takes everything you love about traditional stuffed peppers and transforms it into an easy one-pot meal. With flavorful Italian sausage, tender peppers, seasoned rice, and a blanket of melted cheese, it's a comforting dinner that's both simple and satisfying.
Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, and meal prep, this recipe delivers big flavor without a lot of effort.