Unstuffed Bell Pepper Casserole 🫑🥩🧀
This hearty Unstuffed Bell Pepper Casserole brings all the comforting flavors of classic stuffed peppers together in an easy baked dish. Seasoned ground beef, colorful bell peppers, tender rice, tomatoes, garlic, and melted cheese combine to create a satisfying family dinner with minimal effort.
Instead of stuffing individual peppers, everything is mixed together and baked in one casserole dish, making this recipe especially convenient for busy weeknights.
Recipe Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 35–40 minutes |
| Total Time | About 55 minutes |
| Servings | 6–8 |
| Course | Dinner |
| Cuisine | American Comfort Food |
| Cooking Method | Stovetop + Oven |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole gives you all the familiar flavors of stuffed bell peppers without the extra work of preparing and filling individual peppers.
The combination of seasoned ground beef, tender rice, sweet bell peppers, savory tomato sauce, and melted cheese creates a filling and comforting meal that the whole family can enjoy.
It is also an excellent way to use leftover cooked rice. Everything comes together in one skillet before being transferred to a baking dish, keeping preparation simple and cleanup manageable.
Ingredients
Beef and Vegetables
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Lean ground beef | 1½ lbs (680 g) |
| Yellow onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Red bell pepper, diced | 1 |
| Yellow bell pepper, diced | 1 |
| Orange bell pepper, diced | 1 |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
Tomato and Rice Mixture
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Tomato sauce | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Diced tomatoes, undrained | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Cooked white or brown rice | 1½ cups |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Smoked paprika | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
Cheese and Garnish
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Shredded Mozzarella or Cheddar | 1½ cups |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | For garnish |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil.
Set the dish aside while you prepare the filling.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and diced onion.
Cook for approximately 5–6 minutes, breaking the beef apart with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks.
Continue until the beef is browned and the onion begins to soften.
If there is excess grease in the skillet, carefully drain it before continuing.
3. Add the Bell Peppers and Garlic
Add the diced red, yellow, and orange bell peppers to the skillet.
Stir in the minced garlic.
Cook for another 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers begin to soften while still retaining a little texture.
4. Build the Tomato Mixture
Reduce the heat to medium.
Add the tomato sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, and tomato paste.
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and smoked paprika.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to taste.
Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly combined.
Allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 2–3 minutes.
5. Add the Rice and Cheese
Fold the cooked rice into the beef and vegetable mixture.
Stir until the rice is evenly distributed throughout the casserole mixture.
Add ¾ cup of the shredded cheese and gently stir until incorporated.
The remaining cheese will be used for the topping.
6. Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread it evenly using a spatula.
Sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup shredded cheese over the top.
Try to distribute the cheese evenly so every serving gets a delicious melted topping.
7. Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
Covering the casserole helps keep the rice and beef mixture moist while the flavors come together.
8. Finish Baking
Carefully remove the foil.
Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for another 8–10 minutes.
The cheese should be completely melted and bubbling around the edges.
For a more golden cheese topping, you can place the casserole under the broiler for the final 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
9. Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for approximately 5 minutes.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Serve warm with your favorite side dishes.
Best Tips for Perfect Unstuffed Pepper Casserole
Use cooked rice that has cooled slightly before adding it to the beef mixture. This helps prevent the casserole from becoming overly soft.
Cut the bell peppers into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly. A mixture of red, yellow, and orange peppers also provides a naturally sweet flavor and beautiful color.
Don’t skip the tomato paste. It adds concentrated tomato flavor and helps create a richer casserole sauce.
For the best cheese topping, freshly shredded cheese melts smoothly and creates a creamy, bubbling layer across the casserole.
Best Ingredient Options
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works especially well because it provides plenty of flavor without making the casserole excessively greasy.
Rice: White rice creates a classic texture, while brown rice adds a heartier bite. Leftover cooked rice is particularly convenient.
Cheese: Mozzarella creates a stretchy, mild topping, while Cheddar provides a sharper and more pronounced flavor. A combination of both is also delicious.
Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, and orange peppers are naturally sweet, but green bell peppers can be added for a more traditional stuffed-pepper flavor.
Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes provide texture, while tomato sauce creates the rich base that brings everything together.
Recipe Variations
For a cheesy beef and pepper casserole, add an extra ½ cup of shredded cheese to the filling and another ½ cup on top for an especially cheesy result.
For a spicy version, add crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
For a Mexican-inspired variation, replace the Italian seasoning with cumin and chili powder, then use Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese.
For a vegetable-packed casserole, add diced zucchini, mushrooms, corn, or spinach to the mixture.
For a lower-carb version, replace some or all of the rice with cauliflower rice. Adjust the cooking time as needed so the vegetables don’t become overly soft.
What to Serve With Unstuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
This casserole is filling enough to serve as a complete meal, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.
Warm garlic bread or crusty bread is perfect for scooping up the flavorful tomato sauce.
You can also serve it with roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, or a light cucumber salad for a balanced family dinner.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This casserole is excellent for meal preparation.
Prepare the beef, vegetables, tomato mixture, rice, and cheese according to the recipe.
Transfer everything to the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate.
When you’re ready to bake, allow the chilled casserole to sit at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes while the oven preheats.
Because it starts cold, it may require an additional 5–10 minutes of baking time.
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to airtight containers.
Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
The casserole makes an excellent leftover lunch because the flavors become even more developed after resting overnight.
Reheating
For individual portions, microwave for approximately 1–2 minutes, stirring or rotating halfway through if necessary.
For a larger portion, cover the casserole with foil and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot throughout.
If the casserole seems dry after refrigeration, add a small splash of tomato sauce or broth before reheating.
Freezing
This casserole can be frozen for convenient future meals.
Allow it to cool completely, then divide it into freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire casserole tightly.
Freeze for up to 2–3 months for the best quality.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
For the best texture, add a little fresh cheese on top before reheating if desired.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using uncooked rice: This recipe is designed for cooked rice. Uncooked rice would require additional liquid and a significantly different cooking time.
Overcooking the peppers: The peppers should soften during the initial sauté but retain some texture because they will continue cooking in the oven.
Skipping the draining step: If your ground beef releases a large amount of fat, drain the excess before adding the tomatoes and rice.
Using too much liquid: The canned diced tomatoes already contain liquid, so there is no need to add additional water unless the mixture seems unusually dry.
Cutting immediately: Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This allows the sauce to settle and makes serving easier.
Nutrition Estimate
Approximate values per serving, based on 8 servings and using lean ground beef and Cheddar cheese.
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
| Calories | 465 |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fat | 23 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
Actual nutrition will vary depending on the specific beef, cheese, canned tomatoes, and portion size used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey is an excellent alternative if you prefer a lighter flavor. Because turkey can be leaner, you may want to use a little extra olive oil when sautéing.
Can I use leftover rice?
Absolutely. Leftover cooked rice is perfect for this recipe and makes preparation even faster.
Can I use green bell peppers?
Yes. Green peppers provide a slightly more savory flavor and work very well alongside the sweeter red, yellow, and orange peppers.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes directly from the refrigerator to the oven.
Can I use different cheese?
Definitely. Mozzarella, Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a combination can all work beautifully.
Why is my casserole watery?
The most common reason is excess liquid from the canned tomatoes or vegetables. Drain excess grease from the beef, avoid adding unnecessary liquid, and allow the casserole to rest after baking.
Final Thoughts
This Unstuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a simple, satisfying way to enjoy all the comforting flavors of stuffed peppers without the extra preparation.
Tender seasoned beef, colorful bell peppers, flavorful tomatoes, fluffy rice, and plenty of melted cheese come together in one delicious baked dish.
It’s an easy family dinner, meal-prep recipe, and weeknight casserole that can be customized with your favorite vegetables, seasonings, and cheese. Serve it hot with fresh parsley and a simple side salad for a cozy homemade meal.