If 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
- One-pot meal with easy cleanup
- All the flavors of stuffed peppers without the extra work
- Hearty and filling
- Perfect for busy weeknights
- Family-friendly recipe
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Ready in about 40 minutes
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole (Easy One-Pot Dinner Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage
- 2 1/2 cups green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 6 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp 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
Instructions
- 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 diced green bell peppers and onion to the skillet.
- Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in the garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
- Cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the garlic and seasonings to become fragrant and blend into the sausage mixture.
- Pour in the chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Those bits add incredible flavor to the dish.
- Stir in the tomato sauce and jasmine rice.
- Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low
- Simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a spatula or fork.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by the Parmesan cheese.
- Allow the cheese to melt 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.
Tips for the Best Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
- Use freshly grated mozzarella and parmesan for the best melt.
- Keep the skillet covered while the rice cooks to ensure it becomes tender.
- Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes before serving.
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
- Roasted vegetables
- Caesar salad
- Steamed broccoli
- Dinner rolls
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes, but cooking times may vary. Jasmine rice works particularly well because it cooks quickly and absorbs flavor beautifully.
Can I use ground beef instead of sausage?
Absolutely. Ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken all work well in this recipe.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. It reheats beautifully and is excellent for meal prep lunches and dinners.
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.