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You are here: Home / 30 Minute Meals / Unstuffed Pepper Casserole

Unstuffed Pepper Casserole

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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!

a serving of unstuffed pepper casserole on a white plate

Now that the weather is getting cooler and fall is officially in the air, I’m craving a lot of comfort food.

Foods that are hearty and fill my house with a delicious aroma makes me appreciate the season even more. Knowing that the air is crisp, the leaves are changing, and I have a hot meal just waiting to be devoured signifies fall and all things deliciousness.

Although I do most of the cooking, the hubster often helps me and has a few signature dishes of his own. And one of those dishes just happens to be stuffed peppers. He has an old recipe, faded from use, and will make this dish once or twice a year. I love when he makes stuffed peppers because not only is it delicious, but it also gets me out of the kitchen. And I do like taking a break every now and then.

So when we were going over our meal plan a few weeks ago, I had the idea to take the hubster’s famous stuffed peppers and turn it into a casserole. Instead of baking the mixture inside green peppers, I wanted to make it all-in-one. And that’s where this Unstuffed Pepper Casserole came from.

This bell 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 take just 30 minutes from start to finish. It makes the perfect weeknight meal and is sure to cure your comfort food cravings. 

If you’re looking for an easy dish that’s a breeze to whip up, then this Unstuffed Pepper Casserole was made for you. Did I mention that it’s ready in just 30 minutes? And that includes the prep time, too. Which means that you can have this hearty and flavorful dish ready to devour in no time.

a serving of unstuffed pepper casserole on a white plate

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
bell pepper casserole in a blue baking dish

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. 

a serving of green pepper casserole on a white plate with a fork

Tips for Making Bell Pepper Casserole

  • We always make our stuffed peppers with green peppers, but you can use any color pepper you prefer. 
  • I like using Italian seasoning breadcrumbs for this recipe because they’re more flavorful than regular breadcrumbs. 
  • Any marinara sauce will work in this recipe. Use your favorite! 

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

  • Tuna Skillet Casserole
  • Parmesan Garlic Shrimp Fettucine
  • Easy Salisbury Steak
  • Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
  • Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Mushrooms 
This Unstuffed Pepper Bake features the classic ingredients of stuffed peppers, but in casserole form. Jam-packed with ground beef, green peppers, rice, and spices, this dish take just 30 minutes from start to finish!
Print Pin

Unstuffed Pepper Casserole

This Unstuffed Pepper Casserole is packed with ground beef, green peppers, rice, and spices. It takes just 30 minutes from start to finish!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword casserole recipe, stuffed pepper recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 494kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup uncooked white rice
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 green peppers
  • 1/2 white onion
  • 1 jar (26 ounces) marinara sauce
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350F. Prepare rice according to packaged directions.
  • Dice green peppers and onions. In a large skillet, add ground beef, green peppers, and onion. Cook over medium heat until beef is no longer pink. Drain mixture and return to skillet. Add cooked rice, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and cheese. Stir to combine.
  • Spoon mixture into a baking dish.
  • In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs and olive oil. Sprinkle bread crumbs over top of ground beef mixture.
  • Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and bread crumbs are golden. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 494kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 1309mg | Potassium: 950mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1285IU | Vitamin C: 61mg | Calcium: 295mg | Iron: 5mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @pumpkin_n_spice or tag #pumpkin_n_spice!

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By Gayle | October 1, 2015

Comments

  1. Mir says

    October 1, 2015 at 5:22 am

    That's so funny! I just made stuffed peppers the other day. I love them, but your way is much faster and doesn't involve coring a pepper. Yay!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 1, 2015 at 9:54 am

      Great minds think alike! :) This is a nice option for when you want a fast meal!
      Reply
  2. Keri @ Fashionable Foods says

    October 1, 2015 at 6:40 am

    Oh I love this Gayle! The filling is always my favorite part of stuffed peppers, so this is just perfect. Even better that it only takes 30 minutes!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 1, 2015 at 9:54 am

      Thanks for the kind words, Keri!
      Reply
  3. Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says

    October 1, 2015 at 6:53 am

    Seriously SUCH a genius idea to take all the best parts about stuffed peppers and jam 'em into one awesome casserole! This looks so cozy and extra-comforting, Gayle!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 1, 2015 at 9:54 am

      This makes the best comfort meal, Sarah! :) Thanks!
      Reply
  4. vivarais@restaurant-le-vivarais says

    October 1, 2015 at 7:41 am

    Yummy I'm cooking this tomorrow!!!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 1, 2015 at 9:54 am

      I hope you love this if you try it, Vivarais! Thanks for stopping by!
      Reply
  5. Annie says

    October 1, 2015 at 7:50 am

    Oh I love this idea!! I love stuffed peppers but rarely make them. This is such a great alternative!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 1, 2015 at 9:55 am

      Thanks, Annie!
      Reply
  6. Kerri says

    October 1, 2015 at 7:52 am

    This looks and sounds great. I love stuffed peppers and all the ingredients listed above so I definitely want to try this!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 1, 2015 at 9:55 am

      You would love this dish, Kerri! It's delicious and so easy to make! Thanks for stopping by!
      Reply
  7. mira says

    October 1, 2015 at 8:42 am

    This is perfect for the colder weather we are having right now!Love stuffed peppers, but we almost never eat the peppers, just the stuffing :) Will definitely try the recipe!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 1, 2015 at 9:55 am

      Same with me, Mira! I usually don't eat the peppers either, so this is perfect! :)
      Reply
  8. Cathleen @ A Taste Of Madness says

    October 1, 2015 at 9:21 am

    30 minute meals are my favorite! What a great idea!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 1, 2015 at 9:56 am

      Thank you, Cathleen!
      Reply
  9. Michelle | A Latte Food says

    October 1, 2015 at 10:25 am

    I love this idea! As much as I love stuffed peppers, they can be a bit time consuming, so this is brilliant! Definitely trying this out!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 1, 2015 at 10:56 am

      Thanks, Michelle! Hope you love this if you try it!
      Reply
  10. Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says

    October 1, 2015 at 10:31 am

    Love that you turned stuff peppers into an easy casserole dish!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 1, 2015 at 10:57 am

      Thanks, Christin! It's nice for those busy weeknights! :)
      Reply
  11. Liz @ Floating Kitchen says

    October 1, 2015 at 10:53 am

    Oh I love stuffed peppers, Gayle. And "unstuffing" them is such a great and fun idea. This looks really comforting and I want to gobble up the whole pan!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 1, 2015 at 10:58 am

      Thanks, Liz! I think this whole dish was gone in just about two days...it was SO good! :)
      Reply
  12. Dani @ Dani California Cooks says

    October 1, 2015 at 11:53 am

    Two things my boyfriend always asks me to cook more of - peppers and beef! I'll have to add this to the list!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 1, 2015 at 1:36 pm

      Sounds like your boyfriend would love this, Dani!
      Reply
  13. marcie says

    October 1, 2015 at 1:47 pm

    This is a great idea taking all of the goodness of stuffed peppers and making it into a casserole! I love stuffed peppers, so I definitely need to try this!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 1, 2015 at 3:25 pm

      Thank you, Marcie!
      Reply
  14. Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says

    October 1, 2015 at 1:57 pm

    Stuffed pepper casserole is such a favorite of ours so I loved the spin you put on yours. I never do bread crumbs on top so I can't wait to try that. Thank you!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 1, 2015 at 3:25 pm

      Thanks, Pamela! The breadcrumbs add the perfect touch!
      Reply
  15. Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says

    October 1, 2015 at 2:15 pm

    I love stuffed peppers but don't make them often because of the amount of work involved. Love love love this comforting and delicious casserole version. So much easier and even more fabulous!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 1, 2015 at 3:26 pm

      Thanks for the kind words, Kelly!
      Reply
  16. Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says

    October 1, 2015 at 3:27 pm

    I love this idea! The filling in stuffed peppers is so delicious. And my dang peppers usually tip over and spill out when I eat them anyway. This is great!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 1, 2015 at 4:00 pm

      Thanks, Natalie! It's much easier than stuffing the actual peppers! :)
      Reply
  17. Izzy says

    October 1, 2015 at 4:20 pm

    This is such a great idea, Gayle! The stuffing is always the best part! And I think my husband would love this because he never really liked the pepper part, haha!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 1, 2015 at 4:40 pm

      I agree, the stuffing is definitely the best part! :) Thanks, Izzy!
      Reply
  18. Senika @ Foodie Blog Stalker says

    October 1, 2015 at 6:14 pm

    Such a FANTASTIC idea!!! Definitely a must once chilly nights hit! Pinned :)
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 1, 2015 at 7:49 pm

      Thanks for the kind words and pin, Senika!
      Reply
  19. Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks says

    October 1, 2015 at 7:10 pm

    I love the time saving idea of unstuffing the stuffed pepper! This is a perfect comfort food for an easy weeknight meal!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 1, 2015 at 7:49 pm

      Thank you, Rachelle! It's one of my favorite 30 minute meals! :)
      Reply
  20. Danielle says

    October 1, 2015 at 7:17 pm

    I love stuffed peppers, but they tend to take a long time to make. This totally solves that! This is such a fantastic idea, Gayle!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 1, 2015 at 7:50 pm

      Thanks, Danielle! I love making this dish for busy weeknights! :)
      Reply
  21. Michelle @ My California Kitchen says

    October 1, 2015 at 7:34 pm

    Yum! Love how easy this recipe is! I love making stuffed peppers but they do take a lot of time to bake. That's so sweet that your husband cooks for you, my husband tried to cook for me exactly once (and he ended up slicing open his finger in the process...)
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 1, 2015 at 7:50 pm

      Haha oh man, I guess your husband learned his lesson! :) Thanks for the kind words, Michelle!
      Reply
  22. Denise @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says

    October 1, 2015 at 8:13 pm

    I love the name! Makes total sense now :D Looks so delicious, Gayle, I am definitely craving comfort food these days!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 2, 2015 at 6:11 am

      Thanks, Denise!
      Reply
  23. Ashley | The Recipe Rebel says

    October 1, 2015 at 8:18 pm

    I love stuffed peppers! This looks so easy and still hearty and perfect for fall -- definitely saving for later!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 2, 2015 at 6:11 am

      Thank you, Ashley!
      Reply
  24. Kate @ Framed Cooks says

    October 2, 2015 at 6:47 am

    Isn't it the best when delicious things are also time-saving things? This is creative on top of creative - and going onto my list of Thanksgiving ideas!!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 2, 2015 at 7:03 am

      Thank you, Kate! It's a favorite weeknight meal of mine!
      Reply
  25. Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says

    October 2, 2015 at 7:16 am

    Gayle, I saw this over social media and forgot to hop over yesterday! I love these 30 min Thursday recipes!!! and LOVE that you re-invented the stuffed bell pepper!!! Brilliant! I love casseroles in the fall and winter!!! love this!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 2, 2015 at 7:50 am

      Thanks so much for the kind words, Alice! I agree, casseroles are the best in the fall and winter!
      Reply
  26. Kelly // The Pretty Bee: Allergy Friendly Eats says

    October 2, 2015 at 7:22 am

    What a fun idea, especially for kids! They never eat the outside pepper, just the filling!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 2, 2015 at 7:51 am

      Yes! I'm sure kids would love this more than regular stuffed peppers. Thanks, Kelly!
      Reply
  27. Kelley @ Chef Savvy says

    October 2, 2015 at 1:27 pm

    This is such a smart idea Gayle!! Love how quick and easy this is!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 2, 2015 at 2:12 pm

      Thank you, Kelly!
      Reply
  28. Blair @ The Seasoned Mom says

    October 2, 2015 at 2:48 pm

    Love the 30-minute recipe idea (since I rarely have any more time than that to cook)! I bet this casserole is delicious! :)
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 2, 2015 at 3:04 pm

      Thanks, Blair! It's one of my favorite recipes!
      Reply
  29. annie@ciaochowbambina says

    October 2, 2015 at 6:35 pm

    I love this! So creative. I'm a fan of stuffed peppers - but I'd much prefer the flavors as a casserole. I look forward to all of your 30 minute meals, my friend!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 2, 2015 at 10:38 pm

      Thanks for the kind words, Annie!
      Reply
  30. Ashley says

    October 3, 2015 at 11:16 am

    Not going to lie that I kinda sorta love the name of this dish! We love stuffed peppers at our house but they can be too time consuming sometimes... this sounds perfect!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 3, 2015 at 11:40 am

      Thank you, Ashley!
      Reply
  31. Kristine | Kristine's Kitchen says

    October 3, 2015 at 11:12 pm

    My husband makes dinner every once in a while too, and it's so nice to have a night off from cooking! Although he's really good about doing dish duty every night. :) I love stuffed peppers but they do take some effort, so I love that you've made them unstuffed and easier!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 4, 2015 at 6:09 pm

      Thank you, Kristine!
      Reply
  32. Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says

    October 4, 2015 at 10:40 am

    This sounds delicious. I love stuffed peppers, so I am sure I would love this too. A very comforting autumn meal :)
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 4, 2015 at 6:09 pm

      Thanks, Dannii!
      Reply
  33. Leanne says

    February 8, 2016 at 8:14 pm

    I think I did something wrong... My rice is crunchy...
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      February 8, 2016 at 10:54 pm

      Hi Leanne! I'm so sorry your rice came out crunchy! You do need to cook it according to the package directions and then mix in with the ground beef, as per the instructions for this recipe. So as long as you cooked the rice fully before you added it to the ground beef mixture, it should not have came out crunchy. Hope this helps! :)
      Reply
      • Leanne says

        February 9, 2016 at 12:07 am

        I thought it was odd not cooking the rice first haha. I have three little ones. My youngest is 2 months and he likes to cry when I'm not holding him. So I get frazzled sometimes.. I added some water and put it back in the oven. It was good but I'll do it right next time. Can't wait to try is again the right way!
      • Gayle says

        February 9, 2016 at 6:51 am

        I totally understand! Cooking can be such a task with kids sometimes, especially when they need to be held! :) Hopefully it will turn out a little better for you next time. I just made this dish last week (for the millionth time) and it's one of my favorites! :) Have a great day, Leanne!

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