One-Pan Stuffed Pepper Casserole – The Ultimate Cheesy
One-Pan Stuffed Pepper Casserole is an easy and satisfying dinner featuring seasoned ground beef, tender rice, colorful bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomato sauce, and melted cheese—all cooked together in a single skillet. This simplified version of traditional stuffed peppers saves time without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family gatherings, it offers a balanced combination of protein, vegetables, and grains in every bite. With minimal cleanup and endless customization options, this comforting casserole is sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the diced bell peppers and cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly tender.
- Stir in the uncooked rice, tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the skillet and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole.
- Cover for 3–5 minutes until the cheese has completely melted.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting texture.
- White or brown rice both work well; adjust cooking time if using brown rice.
- Lean ground beef reduces excess grease.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Fresh bell peppers provide the best flavor and texture.
- Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.