The Family Favourite Unstuffed Pepper Casserole Bake

Ditch the fuss This Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe tastes just like the classic but is scoopable and perfect for quick weeknight meals Get the cheesy ricefilled comfort now ... Quick & Easy Recipes
- Welcome to My Kitchen! Let’s Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole
- The Family Favourite Unstuffed Pepper Casserole Bake Recipe Card
- The Family Favourite: Unstuffed Pepper Casserole Bake
- Ingredient Notes and Shopping Tips
- Flavor Architecture
- Equipment & Mise en Place
- The Family Favourite: Unstuffed Pepper Casserole Bake
- Before You Cook
- How To Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole
- Save-It Section
- Mastery Notes & Perfect Pairings
- Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to My Kitchen! Let’s Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Right then, let's get this cracking! Stuffed Pepper Casserole —it’s the ultimate comfort food, isn't it? It takes all the lovely flavours of your traditional stuffed peppers—that comforting mix of rice, meat, and sweet peppers bathed in a rich tomato sauce—but puts it all into one glorious, spoonable bake. Less faff, more flavour. A real British Sunday dinner vibe, even if it has its roots elsewhere!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole
If you’ve ever tried to stuff peppers only to have them flop over halfway through baking, you know the struggle is real. This version is my shortcut to happiness. It is hearty, requires minimal washing up (hello, one-pot potential!), and smells absolutely brilliant while it cooks. Honestly, the aroma that fills the house when this is bubbling away makes me feel instantly cosy.
Sorting Out Those Common Cooking Headaches
I know what you’re thinking when you search for the Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe . First, "Will the rice cook properly?" Second, "Is it going to be watery?" And third, "Can I actually make this on a Tuesday night?" Absolutely, yes, to all three. We solve the rice issue by baking it covered first, which steams it perfectly. I promise this guide sorts you out far better than those messy, vague instructions elsewhere.
The Family Favourite Unstuffed Pepper Casserole Bake Recipe Card

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
The Family Favourite: Unstuffed Pepper Casserole Bake
This bake delivers all the beloved, nostalgic flavours of classic stuffed peppers in a delightfully easy, scoopable format. We’re combining tender Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Casserole mix, fluffy rice, sweet bell peppers, and a rich, tangy tomato sauce, all baked together until bubbly and irresistible. It’s hearty, wholesome, and guaranteed to clear the decks after a long week.
Essential Bits and Bobs for the Filling
To start our Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Rice , grab yourself a large, oven-safe skillet—cast iron is brilliant for this. We’ll begin by softening the onions and chopping up those lovely sweet peppers. Don't be shy with the garlic; three cloves minced should do the trick.
Next up is the star: the meat. I generally use 80/20 ground beef because it keeps things moist, but turkey mince works if you fancy something lighter. Brown that meat well before you combine everything else. Remember, getting a good colour on the beef is key for deep flavour; don't just steam it!
Baking Time: The Secret to Success
Once everything is mixed—the rice, broth, canned tomatoes, and seasonings—we layer it up. The absolute most important bit for any Weeknight Meals Stuffed Pepper Casserole is the cover. Wrap that dish tight with foil. This traps the steam which is what cooks the rice perfectly alongside everything else. Bake it covered for 30 minutes at 375°F (190°C) . After that time, we lose the foil, perhaps add some cheese for a Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Casserole finish, and bake uncovered until golden. Rest it for five minutes before serving—trust me on this bit!
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Right then, let's get this cracking! Stuffed Pepper Casserole – it’s the ultimate comfort food, isn't it? It takes all the lovely flavours of your traditional stuffed peppers—that comforting mix of rice, meat, and sweet peppers bathed in a rich tomato sauce—but puts it all into one glorious, spoonable bake. Less faff, more flavour. A real British Sunday dinner vibe, even if it has its roots elsewhere! This Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe is the one that always brings everyone back to the table for seconds.

Ingredient Notes and Shopping Tips
Getting your bits and bobs sorted is half the battle. For this Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Casserole , quality matters, but budgets are budgets, eh?
We need 1.5 lbs (680g) of ground beef. I always grab the 80/20 blend. That bit of fat keeps the final bake moist and flavoursome. If you're trying to save a few pennies, 90/10 works, but you might want to add an extra splash of olive oil in the first step.
For the veggies, aim for vibrant peppers. You need 2 large green and 1 large red . Green ones are cheaper, but red ones are sweeter—that natural sugar makes a difference when they bake down. Chop them all roughly the same size, about an inch. Don’t fret about perfect dice; this is a rustic dish!
Don’t skimp on the garlic—we need 3 cloves , minced fine. That’s your flavour bomb right there. Also, grab 1 cup (190g) of long-grain white rice. Give it a good rinse first; honestly, I learned this the hard way—unrinsed rice turns this beautiful Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Rice into wallpaper paste!
Flavor Architecture
This bit is where we build the architecture, the foundation of that gorgeous, savoury depth. It’s all about layering. We rely on simple dried herbs— 1 teaspoon each of oregano and basil . They are the classic pairing, giving that Mediterranean hint we associate with stuffed dishes.
The umami comes from two places. First, the browned beef, obviously. Second, don't ditch the 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce . It’s liquid gold. If you’re cooking for someone avoiding meat, a good vegetarian Worcestershire sauce works wonders.
If you happen to be out of broth (and we need 2 cups or 475 ml ), don't panic. My Nan would just use water and a stock cube—a cube of good beef stock dissolved in the water works a treat for this Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole . For a truly unique swap, try using ½ cup of leftover red wine mixed with the water/broth for an even deeper, earthier sauce.
Equipment & Mise en Place
You don't need fancy gear for this Family Dinner Stuffed Pepper Casserole . If you have a sturdy, oven-safe skillet (cast iron is brilliant), use that. It saves washing up! If not, any standard 9x13 inch baking dish will do the job.
My top mise en place tip for making this a true Weeknight Meals Stuffed Pepper Casserole ? Prep your peppers and onions while the kettle boils. Get that chopping done first. Then, once the beef is browned, everything else just dumps in. That way, the active cooking part flies by, and it’s ready for the oven in under 20 minutes. Quick prep means less chance of getting distracted and forgetting the oregano!
The Family Favourite: Unstuffed Pepper Casserole Bake
Right then, let's get this cracking! Stuffed Pepper Casserole – it’s the ultimate comfort food, isn't it? It takes all the lovely flavours of your traditional stuffed peppers—that comforting mix of rice, meat, and sweet peppers bathed in a rich tomato sauce—but puts it all into one glorious, spoonable bake. Less faff, more flavour. A real British Sunday dinner vibe, even if it has its roots elsewhere! Forget wrestling with hollowed-out peppers; this casserole delivers all the beloved, nostalgic flavours in a delightfully easy, scoopable format. This Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe is an absolute gem for Weeknight Meals Stuffed Pepper Casserole .
Before You Cook
First things first, get your head in the game. We want to make sure everything runs smoothly. You need to have your oven warming up to 375° F ( 190° C) before you even start sautéing. This isn't a slow cooker job today, though you could adapt it—more on that later! My main warning for this Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole is the rice. If you forget to cover the dish tightly for the first 30 minutes, the rice will turn into little crunchy rocks. Don't skimp on that foil cover; it's crucial. Also, don't be shy with the seasoning at the beginning; once it's baked, it's harder to fix blandness.
How To Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole
This is where the magic happens. Grab your biggest, oven-safe skillet if you have one—less washing up, bonus points!
- Get Sizzling: Get your oil hot over a medium-high flame. Throw in those onions and all those colourful peppers. You’re cooking these until they start to soften up—about 5 to 7 minutes. You want them looking floppy, not charred. When the garlic goes in for the final minute, keep sniffing; that gorgeous aroma means you’re winning.
- Brown the Beef: Push the veg to the side. Time for the Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Casserole base. Get the meat in there and break it up well. You need to hear it sizzling nicely. Once it's all browned, drain off that excess grease. Seriously, do it.
- The Mix: Now, bring everything together in the pan. Tip in your Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Rice , the canned tomatoes (don’t drain them!), the tomato sauce, the broth, Worcestershire sauce, and all your herbs. Give it a good stir. It will look quite soupy—that’s correct! We need that liquid to cook the rice.
- Bake Time: Cover that dish tight as a drum with foil. Pop it in the hot oven for 30 minutes . This traps the steam needed for the rice. After half an hour, pull it out carefully—it’ll be hot! Take the foil off and scatter over your Cheddar if you’re making the Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Casserole version. Back in, uncovered, for another 10 to 15 minutes until that cheese is melted and golden.
Save-It Section
This Family Dinner Stuffed Pepper Casserole is brilliant for leftovers. Make it ahead! Assemble the whole thing (without the final baking), cover it, and stick it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just add about 10 minutes to the covered baking time. It tastes even better the next day, trust me. If you find your sauce separated (a bit oily on top), just give it a really vigorous stir off the heat; the starch from the rice usually pulls it back together. If it’s too dry after baking, stir in a few splashes of hot broth until it’s spoon-worthy again. Job done!
If you're craving more ideas, explore Savory Zucchini Casserole Recipe Garden Fresh Cheesy , Chicken Pot Pie Casserole Recipe Easiest Comfort Food and Sausage Pepper Pasta Bake Italian Hot Dish Done Right .
Mastery Notes & Perfect Pairings
Right then, let's get this cracking! Stuffed Pepper Casserole – it’s the ultimate comfort food, isn't it? It takes all the lovely flavours of your traditional stuffed peppers—that comforting mix of rice, meat, and sweet peppers bathed in a rich tomato sauce—but puts it all into one glorious, spoonable bake. Less faff, more flavour. A real British Sunday dinner vibe, even if it has its roots elsewhere! This Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe is designed to be your new go-to for Weeknight Meals Stuffed Pepper Casserole dominance.
Taste & Texture Upgrades
When I first made this, it was good, but lacked that oomph . Now, I always give the raw mixture a tiny, tiny taste before it goes in the oven—just a spoonful of the saucy rice and meat base—to check the seasoning. It’s crucial! You can’t adjust salt once it’s baked. For an upgrade, try stirring in a splash of balsamic vinegar right at the end when you take the foil off. It brightens up the tomato tang no end. Forget those dry, slightly sad versions you might have had elsewhere; this Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Casserole is moist because we use enough liquid to cook the Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Rice perfectly. As a finishing touch, once it’s out and resting, sprinkle over some fresh, chopped parsley. It adds a lovely visual pop, like a little bit of green amidst the red and brown.
Nutrition & Dietary Paths
Now, I’m no dietitian, but keeping things vaguely sensible is a good idea, especially for a Family Dinner Stuffed Pepper Casserole . Per serving, you’re looking at around 430 calories, packed with about 28g of satisfying protein. The bulk of the carbs come from that fluffy rice, which makes it wonderfully filling. If you need to lighten it up, swap the ground beef for extra lean turkey mince (saves on fat) and use low-fat cheese. For a gluten-free version, simply swap the white rice for an equal volume of quick-cooking quinoa—it holds up brilliantly! The trade-off? Quinoa has a slightly earthier flavour, but honestly, it’s minor when swimming in that tomato sauce.
Serving & Pairing Ideas
You need something sharp to cut through the richness of this bake. A simple, vinegary side salad works wonders. Or, if you’re feeling very British, why not some lovely, buttery mashed potato on the side? It’s brilliant for soaking up any extra sauce. This Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole reheats like a dream too; store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or covered in the oven at 300° F ( 150° C) until piping hot—that keeps the rice nice and soft. Honestly, once you’ve tried this spoonable version, you won't go back to the fiddly individual peppers. Give this Stuffed Pepper Casserole a go this week; you won't regret it!

Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Stuffed Pepper Casserole still watery after baking? I followed the steps exactly!
This is a common hiccup, usually caused by not allowing enough time for the rice to absorb the liquid fully. Make sure you are covering the dish tightly with foil for the first 30 minutes—that trapped steam is crucial for cooking the rice evenly. Also, always let it rest for 5–10 minutes after removing it from the oven; this allows the sauce to settle down properly.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time, or is it better baked fresh?
You absolutely can prep this ahead, which is brilliant for busy weeknights! You can mix all the ingredients (before baking) and store the dish covered tightly in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, just add about 10–15 minutes onto the covered baking time since it’s starting cold. It freezes well too, just wrap it securely once cooled completely.
I hate dealing with mushy rice. What’s the secret to getting the rice just right in this casserole?
The key here is twofold: Firstly, always rinse your uncooked rice before adding it to the mix; this washes off the excess starch that can lead to gummy textures. Secondly, never skip the foil during the initial bake! The rice needs to steam, not boil vigorously, to become tender but still hold its shape, so cover it up until that 30-minute mark is up.
What can I substitute for ground beef if I want a lighter or different flavour in my Stuffed Pepper Casserole?
You have plenty of options, depending on what you fancy! For a lighter take, swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken—just be mindful you might need slightly less cooking time as they are leaner. For a richer flavour, try using Italian sausage, or for a vegetarian version, brown lentils work a treat as a hearty replacement.
How can I jazz up the flavour profile? It seems a bit too basic for my tastes.
If you're looking to elevate it beyond a standard family dinner, try adding a splash of red wine when browning the meat to deglaze the pan—it adds fantastic depth! A teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of red pepper flakes will also give it a lovely warmth. Finishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving makes it look properly professional, too.