If you love stuffed peppers but want something a little quicker and easier, this Stuffed Pepper Casserole is the perfect solution. Made with Italian sausage, bell peppers, rice, salsa, and melted mozzarella cheese, this one-pan dinner is hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor. It’s the ultimate comfort food that comes together in just 35 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Meal – Less cleanup and maximum flavor.
• Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters love the cheesy, savory goodness.
• Versatile – Swap in different proteins, veggies, or cheeses to make it your own.
• Freezer-Friendly – Perfect for meal prep or stocking up the freezer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Italian sausage – Mild or spicy works great. Can be swapped with ground beef, chicken, or turkey.
• Bell peppers – Any color works, but red and green give the best flavor balance.
• Onion & garlic – For a flavor-packed base.
• Seasonings – Oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper for a simple but bold taste.
• Rice – Long-grain white rice cooks up perfectly in the skillet. (Brown rice works too—just adjust cook time.)
• Salsa – Adds depth and tang. Tomato sauce can be used instead.
• Chicken broth – Keeps the casserole moist and flavorful.
• Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully on top for that gooey finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the sausage – In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium-high heat. Add peppers and onions, cooking until softened.
2. Season and stir – Mix in garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
3. Add liquids – Pour in chicken broth and salsa, scraping the bottom of the pan.
4. Add rice – Stir in rinsed rice, cover, and simmer on low for 15–20 minutes until rice is tender.
5. Add cheese – Sprinkle mozzarella on top, cover again, and let it melt before serving.

Variations

• Make it spicier – Add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne, or use hot salsa.
• Add extra veggies – Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach work well.
• Switch the protein – Ground turkey, beef, or shredded chicken can replace the sausage.
• Try different cheese – Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend all taste amazing.

Storage & Freezing

• Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven with a splash of broth.
• Freeze – Cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat at 300°F until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic bread
• A simple side salad
• Roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus

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Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

• ¾ lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 2 cups chopped bell peppers
• ½ medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¾ tsp salt
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cumin
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (rinsed)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, cook sausage until browned. Add peppers and onion, cooking 5 minutes until tender.
2. Stir in garlic and seasonings; cook 1 minute.
3. Add broth and salsa, scraping the pan. Stir in rice.
4. Cover and simmer 15–20 minutes, until rice is cooked.
5. Sprinkle with cheese, cover, and let melt. Serve hot.