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Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Sausage and Rice Recipe

ByMadison
Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 19 reviews

If you love the classic stuffed peppers flavor but want something quicker and easier, you’re going to adore this Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Sausage and Rice Recipe. It’s like taking all those cozy, comforting ingredients from stuffed bell peppers, mixing them into one skillet casserole, and getting a luscious cheesy finish without the fuss of hollowing out peppers. I first made this on a weeknight when I didn’t feel like prepping the usual, and it instantly became a family favorite. Stick with me here—I promise this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic, and I’ll share all my tips so your casserole turns out perfect every time.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Simplicity Meets Flavor: Combining sausage, peppers, and rice in one pan delivers tons of comforting flavor without complicated steps.
  • One-Pot Convenience: The casserole cooks mostly in one skillet, cutting down on cleanup—a total win after busy days.
  • Customizable Comfort: You control the heat level and veggies so it suits your family’s taste perfectly.
  • Cheesy, Melty Finish: A simple sprinkle of mozzarella brings everything together with gooey, irresistible goodness.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Sausage and Rice, stuffed pepper casserole, sausage and rice skillet, easy stuffed pepper casserole, comforting stuffed pepper dinner - The image shows a white pan filled with a colorful baked dish. The dish has a base layer of cooked minced meat mixed with diced green and red bell peppers and small pieces of tomato. On top, there is a thick, even layer of melted white cheese that covers most of the ingredients, sprinkled with finely chopped fresh green herbs. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with fresh parsley in the background and a light wooden spoon nearby. The colors are warm and inviting with a mix of reds, greens, and creamy white from the cheese. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Sausage and Rice Recipe plays a meaningful role, creating that classic stuffed pepper flavor profile in an uncomplicated way. When you pick fresh, vibrant peppers and flavorful sausage, it elevates the dish to next-level comfort food you’ll want often.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Sausage and Rice, stuffed pepper casserole, sausage and rice skillet, easy stuffed pepper casserole, comforting stuffed pepper dinner - Flat lay of a small mound of raw mild Italian sausage, a pile of chopped red, green, and yellow bell peppers, half a medium yellow onion cut into small pieces, two whole garlic cloves unpeeled, a small white bowl filled with coarse salt, a small white bowl containing dried oregano leaves, a small white bowl of ground black pepper, a small white bowl with ground cumin, a small white bowl holding clear low-sodium chicken broth, a small white bowl filled with bright red tomato salsa, a small mound of rinsed long-grain white rice, and a small pile of shredded white mozzarella cheese, all arranged symmetrically on simple white ceramic bowls and plates, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Ground Italian sausage: I prefer mild, but spicy gives a nice kick—pick freshly ground or high-quality packaged for best flavor.
  • Bell peppers: Use a mix of colors if you can to brighten the dish visually and boost sweetness.
  • Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth; finely chopped so it blends beautifully with other ingredients.
  • Garlic: A must for aromatic warmth—mince it finely so it disperses evenly.
  • Salt & Spices: Oregano, cumin, pepper give a slight earthiness and classic Italian seasoning vibe that make the casserole sing.
  • Chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and infuses flavor, plus low-sodium lets you control saltiness.
  • Tomato salsa: This adds moisture and that lovely tangy tomato taste stuffed peppers usually bring.
  • Long-grain white rice: Rinsing the rice removes surface starch so it cooks fluffy without sticking.
  • Mozzarella cheese: The melty cheese topping is what turns this from simple skillet meal to total crowd-pleaser.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

This Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Sausage and Rice Recipe is totally flexible, which I love. I often switch up the sausage or swap veggies depending on what’s in my fridge. It’s all about making it your own while keeping that delicious essence intact.

  • Vegetarian variation: I’ve tried swapping sausage for seasoned chickpeas or spicy tofu crumbles, and while it’s not the same, it’s still super tasty and hearty.
  • Spice it up: Using spicy Italian sausage or adding crushed red pepper flakes gives your casserole a fiery punch that I personally enjoy.
  • Extra veggies: Sometimes, I throw in diced zucchini or mushrooms to sneak in more nutrients and texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Sausage and Rice Recipe

Step 1: Brown the sausage and soften the veggies

Heat a large skillet over medium-high and crumble in the ground Italian sausage. Cook until it just starts to brown, about 5 minutes. The smell here is everything—you’ll know it’s time when the sausage gets those lovely golden spots. Add chopped bell peppers and onion, cooking about 5 more minutes, stirring often so the veggies become crisp-tender but still have bite. This step sets the flavor foundation, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Add garlic and seasonings

Stir in the minced garlic, salt, oregano, pepper, and cumin. Let it cook for just about a minute until fragrant—you want the spices to wake up but not burn. This extra layer of seasoning is what transforms this casserole into a beautiful mix of savory and aromatic.

Step 3: Add liquids and rice

Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom—that’s flavor gold right there! Then stir in your tomato salsa. Rinse your rice well before adding it into the skillet to keep the grains separated and fluffy. Give everything a good stir to combine.

Step 4: Simmer until rice is tender

Bring the skillet to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, until the rice is fully cooked and has soaked up all that lovely liquid. Resist the urge to peek too often—just a quick check at 15 minutes is enough. If the rice isn’t quite done, give it a few more minutes.

Step 5: Melt the cheese topping and serve

Once the rice is tender, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 3-5 minutes off the heat to melt the cheese perfectly. The ooey-gooey cheese finish is the best part—trust me! Then scoop it out, serve it warm, and enjoy.

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Pro Tips for Making Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Sausage and Rice Recipe

  • Rinse your rice well: It removes surface starch so your casserole isn’t gummy but light and fluffy—this step makes a huge difference!
  • Don’t rush the browning: Letting the sausage and veggies caramelize slightly builds deeper flavor than simply boiling everything together.
  • Use a tight-fitting lid: This keeps the steam in during simmering, ensuring perfectly cooked rice without drying out.
  • Let cheese melt off heat: This avoids overcooking the rice and keeps the cheese soft and melty just how you want it.

How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Sausage and Rice Recipe

Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Sausage and Rice, stuffed pepper casserole, sausage and rice skillet, easy stuffed pepper casserole, comforting stuffed pepper dinner - A white bowl with a blue rim holds a layered dish that has a base of cooked white rice mixed with small pieces of orange carrots and green bell peppers. On top of this, there are mounds of melted light yellow cheese scattered unevenly, partially hiding bits of ground meat mixed with the rice and vegetables. The dish is garnished with small sprinkles of chopped green herbs. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface next to a silver spoon resting inside the bowl and a white and blue striped cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually top mine with a simple sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions. The fresh herbs add a pop of color and a hint of brightness that balances the hearty sausage and cheese perfectly. Sometimes, I also add a spoonful of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra zing.

Side Dishes

I like to serve this casserole alongside a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli for some crunch and freshness. Garlic bread is always a hit too, soaking up any saucy bits. Basically, any simple veggie side pairs beautifully because the casserole itself is so rich and flavorful.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or when guests come over, I sometimes bake this casserole in individual ramekins and top each with a little extra cheese and fresh basil leaves. It makes each portion feel special and adds a festive touch to the table. You can also layer this casserole with thin slices of fresh bell peppers on top for a colorful presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps beautifully for up to 4 days. Before reheating, I let it come to room temperature to prevent the rice from drying out. It reheats well, making it perfect for easy lunches the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole a few times by portioning it out into freezer-safe containers. Just skip the cheese topping before freezing—you want to add that fresh when reheating. Thaw overnight in the fridge before warming it up. This way, it retains almost its original texture and flavor.

Reheating

I prefer reheating leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to keep moisture in, about 15-20 minutes. If I’m in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover it loosely and stir halfway through. Add fresh cheese topping before serving for that melty finish.

FAQs

  1. Can I use different types of rice in this recipe?

    You can swap long-grain white rice for brown rice or even jasmine rice, but keep in mind that the cooking time and liquid amounts may vary. Brown rice takes longer to cook, so you might need to add more broth and extend simmering time. I recommend sticking to long-grain white for the easiest, fluffiest results.

  2. What kind of sausage works best?

    Italian sausage is my go-to because of its balanced seasoning, but you can use breakfast sausage or another flavorful ground meat. For a spicier dish, spicy Italian sausage kicks it up a notch. If you need a lighter option, turkey sausage works as well but may be less juicy.

  3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

    Absolutely! You can replace the sausage with seasoned plant-based alternatives, sautéed mushrooms, or beans like chickpeas to maintain protein and texture. Adjust seasonings to taste, since plant-based proteins can be milder.

  4. Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?

    Definitely. This casserole stores well in the fridge and freezes nicely in portions. It makes for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners, just reheat and add a little fresh cheese or herbs on top.

Final Thoughts

This Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Sausage and Rice Recipe has quickly become my go-to comfort meal when I want something hearty, flavorful, and low-fuss. It’s cozy enough for family dinners but straightforward enough for busier nights. I love how it captures all that great stuffed pepper taste with less prep and fuss, and I think you’ll really enjoy how easily it comes together without sacrificing any flavor. Give it a try—I’m excited for you to make it your own and enjoy this crowd-pleaser dish as much as I do!

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Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Sausage and Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 19 reviews
  • Author: Madison
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
Print Recipe

Description

A flavorful and hearty Stuffed Pepper Casserole featuring Italian sausage, bell peppers, and rice cooked together in a savory tomato salsa and chicken broth, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This easy one-pan dish combines the classic flavors of stuffed peppers in a comforting casserole form.

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

  • 0.75 pound ground Italian sausage, mild or spicy
  • 2 cups chopped bell peppers
  • 0.5 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

Seasonings and Liquids

  • 0.75 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.25 teaspoon pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon cumin
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup tomato salsa

Grain and Cheese

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and cook the sausage until it begins to brown.
  2. Add vegetables: Add the chopped bell pepper and onion to the skillet and cook about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
  3. Season and sauté: Stir in the garlic, salt, oregano, pepper, and cumin, and cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
  4. Add liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Stir in the tomato salsa.
  5. Add rice: Rinse the rice well under cold water, drain, and add it to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
  6. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for 20 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and liquid is absorbed.
  7. Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole, cover again, and let it melt before serving.

Notes

  • For a simpler version, omit the onion, garlic, oregano, and cumin to make it closer to the original recipe.
  • Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference.
  • Rinsing the rice is important to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
  • Covering the casserole after adding cheese helps it melt evenly.
  • Ensure the skillet you use has a lid to maintain moisture during simmering.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg

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