Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Comforting, hearty, and full of homestyle flavor, this Stuffed Pepper Casserole captures everything you love about classic stuffed peppers but with far less effort.
Savory Italian sausage, tender bell peppers, and fluffy rice come together in a rich, tomato-based broth, then finish with a melty layer of mozzarella that ties it all together. It’s a one-pan wonder—simple to prepare, yet deeply satisfying, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
With every bite, you get a balance of smoky sausage, sweet peppers, and cheesy comfort that feels both nostalgic and nourishing.
Why People Will Love Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe:
All the comfort of stuffed peppers, with none of the hassle – everything cooks together in one pan, making it simple and stress-free.
Rich, balanced flavors – the savory Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and tomato base create a harmony of taste that feels both rustic and satisfying.
Cheesy finishing touch – melted mozzarella adds a creamy, indulgent layer that ties the casserole together.
Family-friendly and versatile – mild enough for kids, yet flavorful enough for adults; easy to adjust spice levels or swap ingredients.
Perfect for busy nights – ready in under an hour, but hearty enough to feel like a slow-simmered classic comfort dish.
Key Ingredient:
Italian Sausage – the heart of the dish, adding rich, savory depth and a hint of spice that infuses every bite.
Bell Peppers – sweet, colorful, and slightly crisp, they bring freshness and balance to the hearty meat and rice.
Chicken Broth – a flavorful base that carries the seasonings through the casserole while keeping the rice tender.
Salsa or Tomato Sauce – adds tangy richness and a touch of acidity, mimicking the classic stuffed pepper taste in an easier form.
Long-Grain White Rice – the comforting starch that soaks up the flavors, making the dish satisfying and wholesome.
Mozzarella Cheese – the finishing touch, melting into a gooey, creamy layer that makes the casserole irresistible.
Expert Tips:
Brown the sausage well – take the time to let the Italian sausage caramelize before adding the peppers; those browned bits build a deeper, richer flavor in the casserole.
Cut peppers evenly – chopping bell peppers into uniform pieces ensures they cook at the same rate and give balanced bites of sweetness and crunch.
Rinse the rice thoroughly – washing the rice under cold water removes excess starch, helping it cook up light and fluffy instead of gummy.
Deglaze with broth – after browning the meat, scrape the pan with the chicken broth to pull up the savory fond stuck on the bottom—this infuses the dish with a deeper flavor base.
Cheese layering trick – for extra indulgence, stir a small handful of mozzarella into the rice mixture before topping the casserole; it creates creamy pockets of cheese throughout.
Rest before serving – after melting the cheese, let the casserole sit covered for a few minutes; this allows the rice to finish steaming and the flavors to meld.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Ingredients:
375 g (about 1 small package) ground Italian sausage, casings removed
2 cups bell peppers, chopped (any color)
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup salsa or tomato sauce
¾ teaspoon salt
A pinch of black pepper
1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage (casings removed) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
Stir in the chopped bell peppers and cook for about 5 minutes, until they are slightly softened but still crisp.
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Stir in the salsa (or tomato sauce), salt, and black pepper.
Rinse the rice under cold water, then add it to the skillet. Mix well, bring to a gentle simmer, then cover. Reduce the heat slightly and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fully cooked.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Cover again and let sit for 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to blend.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Important Notes When Making Stuffed Pepper Casserole:
Rice choice matters – long-grain white rice works best because it cooks evenly and stays fluffy. Short-grain or sticky rice may become gummy, while brown rice requires extra cooking time and liquid.
Liquid absorption is key – the rice absorbs broth, salsa, and sausage drippings as it cooks. If the mixture seems too dry before the rice is fully tender, add a small splash of broth or water and continue simmering.
Balance the seasoning – both sausage and salsa/tomato sauce already contain salt. Taste before adding more, otherwise the casserole can become overly salty.
Control the texture of peppers – if you prefer softer peppers, add them earlier with the sausage. For a crisper bite, stir them in later so they retain more firmness.
Cheese timing makes a difference – sprinkling mozzarella at the end and covering the skillet creates a perfectly melted, stretchy topping. If added too early, it may overcook and turn rubbery.
One-pan efficiency – this is designed as a skillet meal, but you can transfer everything into a casserole dish after cooking and broil briefly for a golden, bubbly cheese top if you want a more “oven-baked” feel.
How To Enjoy Stuffed Pepper Casserole After Cooking
Serve it hot and melty – scoop generous portions straight from the skillet or casserole dish while the mozzarella is still gooey and stretchy.
Pair with simple sides – a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables balance the richness of the casserole.
Add toppings for freshness – sprinkle with fresh parsley, basil, or cilantro before serving, or add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess.
Make it customizable – set out toppings like sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, shredded cheese, or hot sauce so everyone can build their perfect bowl.
Turn leftovers into new meals – stuff into tortillas for quick burritos, serve over baked potatoes, or use as a filling for bell peppers the next day.
Family-friendly serving – this dish is hearty enough on its own but pairs beautifully with rice or pasta for bigger appetites.
Perfect for gatherings – serve it right out of the pan at the table for a rustic, comforting centerpiece that everyone can share.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 470 calories | Total Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: Less than 0.5g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 1200mg | Total Carbohydrates: 32g | Dietary Fiber: 2g | Sugars: 6g | Protein: 24g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for ground Italian sausage, you can certainly experiment with other types of sausage, such as turkey sausage, chorizo, or even vegetarian sausage for a meatless version.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice. Keep in mind that brown rice has a longer cooking time, so you may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly to ensure the rice cooks properly.
What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese?
If you prefer a different type of cheese or have dietary restrictions, you can substitute mozzarella with cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend.
The choice of cheese will influence the flavor and melting properties of the casserole.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. After assembling the casserole and before baking, you can cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it.
When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature before baking according to the instructions.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers of the stuffed pepper casserole. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then portion it into individual servings or larger portions.
Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place them in airtight containers before freezing.
When reheating, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I use a different type of meat instead of Italian sausage?
Yes, you can substitute the Italian sausage with ground beef, ground turkey, or even ground chicken. Choose a meat that you enjoy and adjust the seasonings accordingly.
Can I use different types of rice for this casserole?
While the recipe calls for long grain white rice, you can experiment with other types of rice like jasmine rice or basmati rice.
Keep in mind that different types of rice may have varying cooking times and water-to-rice ratios, so adjust accordingly.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! You can omit the Italian sausage and use plant-based protein alternatives like tofu crumbles or cooked lentils.
Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan version.
What can I serve alongside this casserole?
Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or a side of cooked quinoa for extra protein and nutrients.
Can I add other ingredients to customize the flavor?
Certainly! You can get creative and add ingredients like diced onions, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, or even corn kernels to the casserole for extra flavor and texture.
Just be mindful of the cooking times to ensure that all the ingredients cook evenly.