Unstuffed Pepper Casserole

This Unstuffed Pepper Casserole features the classic ingredients of stuffed peppers, but in casserole form. Jam-packed with ground beef, green peppers, rice, and spices, this dish takes just 30 minutes from start to finish!

If you loved this recipe, you’ll definitely want to try my Cheesy Meatball Casserole, Cheeseburger Casserole and Chicken Broccoli Stuffing Casserole next!

Now that the weather is cooling down and fall is officially in the air, I find myself craving hearty comfort food, the kind that fills the house with a delicious aroma and makes the season feel even more special.

Although I do most of the cooking, the hubster has a few signature dishes of his own, and one of my favorites is his stuffed peppers. He has an old, well-loved recipe that he makes once or twice a year, and I love when he does, it’s both delicious and a much-welcome break for me from the kitchen.

A few weeks ago, while planning our meals, I thought it would be fun to take his famous stuffed peppers and turn them into a casserole. Instead of baking the filling inside green peppers, I wanted everything baked together, all-in-one. And that’s how this Unstuffed Pepper Casserole was born.

This dish has all the classic flavors of stuffed peppers, ground beef, green peppers, rice, and spices, but in a cozy, family-style casserole. Best of all, it comes together in just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it the perfect weeknight meal when you’re craving something hearty and flavorful.

What’s in Unstuffed Pepper Casserole?

The great thing about this green pepper casserole is that it has a very simple ingredients list:

• White rice
• Ground beef
• Green bell peppers
• Onion
• Marinara sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Cheddar cheese
• Italian breadcrumbs
• Olive oil

How to Make Unstuffed Pepper Casserole

This Unstuffed Pepper Bake is filled with warm flavors and hearty ingredients. It makes the perfect dinner and even works well for leftovers. And that’s a winner in my book!

1. Simply brown some ground beef and toss with green peppers and onions.
2. Then add some marinara sauce, white rice, and cheese.
3. Mix everything together and pop in into a casserole dish.
4. Top the mixture with some bread crumbs and bake until browned and warmed through. And that’s it!

So if you’re looking for an easy meal, skip the stuffed peppers and try this Unstuffed Pepper Bake instead. It contains the classic ingredients, but takes less time to prepare. And trust me, this will be a new meal-time favorite in your house!

Can I Use Brown Rice?

Of course! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice, which means this dish will take more than 30 minutes to prep.

Can I Freeze This Casserole?

Yes! Let it cool completely before freezing. It’ll last up to 3 months. I imagine you can reheat it from frozen, no need to thaw first.

Looking for more 30 minute meals? I’ve got you covered!

• Tuna Skillet Casserole
• Easy Salisbury Steak
• Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
• Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushrooms 
• Lemon Parmesan Pasta
• Easy Chicken Caprese Pasta
• Herb Crusted Salmon
• One Pan Meatball Stroganoff