Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole with Sausage Recipe

ByTaylor
Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 20 reviews

If you’re a fan of the classic stuffed bell pepper but want something with less fuss but all the flavors, you’re going to love this Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole with Sausage Recipe. It’s basically all the best parts of stuffed peppers, but in a cozy, cheesy casserole that comes together quickly and easily — trust me, this one’s a total weeknight winner!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Simple One-Pan Cooking: Everything cooks in one skillet before baking, which means less cleanup and easy prep.
  • Balanced Flavors: The combination of savory Italian sausage and fresh bell peppers gives a perfect sweet and spicy harmony.
  • Comfort in Every Bite: The melted mozzarella cheese topping adds that gooey finish that makes this casserole irresistible.
  • Flexible and Customizable: You can easily swap spices or pepper colors depending on your mood or what’s in your fridge.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole with Sausage, easy stuffed pepper casserole, cheesy sausage bell pepper bake, quick weeknight stuffed peppers, savory sausage and bell pepper casserole - 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

Choosing the right ingredients really makes a difference here. This recipe calls for basic staples you probably already have, but the magic happens when they come together — Italian sausage offers rich flavor, while bell peppers give a fresh crunch that balances the whole dish.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole with Sausage, easy stuffed pepper casserole, cheesy sausage bell pepper bake, quick weeknight stuffed peppers, savory sausage and bell pepper casserole - 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: Pick mild or spicy based on your heat preference to set the dish’s flavor tone.
  • Bell Peppers: Using a mix of colors enhances sweetness and makes your casserole vibrant.
  • Onion: Adds depth and a subtle sweetness that complements the sausage perfectly.
  • Garlic: Just a couple cloves give this dish that essential warm, aromatic punch.
  • Salt & Spices (Oregano, Pepper, Cumin): These seasonings boost the savory nuances without overpowering the natural taste.
  • Chicken Broth: Using low sodium lets you control the saltiness while adding moisture and richness.
  • Tomato Salsa: This gives the casserole a fresh, tangy twist without needing canned tomatoes or sauce.
  • Long-Grain White Rice: Rinsed well to keep it fluffy and prevent clumping as it cooks with the sausage and veggies.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully on top, creating that inviting, bubbly crust everyone craves.
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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

I love making this Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole with Sausage Recipe my own by experimenting with different flavors and textures. Don’t be shy about swapping ingredients or pushing the heat level — it’s all about what you enjoy in your kitchen!

  • Vegetarian Variation: I’ve tried using plant-based sausage and veggie broth for a filling meatless version that even my carnivore friends enjoyed.
  • Extra Veggies: Throw in some chopped zucchini or mushrooms to sneak in more nutrients and keep things colorful.
  • Spice It Up: Adding crushed red pepper flakes or using a spicier sausage helped me tailor the heat just right.
  • Cheese Swap: Substitute mozzarella with cheddar or pepper jack for a different, but just as tasty, cheesy finish.

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

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté the Veggies

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and crumble in your ground Italian sausage. I like to let it get a nice golden color — that browning adds flavor you’ll thank me for later. Once the sausage just starts browning, toss in your chopped bell peppers and onions. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the veggies soften but still have a little snap to them. This gives the casserole a fresh texture instead of being mushy.

Step 2: Build Flavor with Garlic and Spices

Add the minced garlic now, along with salt, oregano, pepper, and cumin. Stir everything together and let it cook just for a minute to release those aromatic spices — this is where the little things start adding up to big flavor!

Step 3: Add Liquids and Rice, Then Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and give the pan a good scrape with a wooden spoon to lift all those tasty browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the tomato salsa next, and then add your well-rinsed rice. Mix well, bring the whole thing to a gentle simmer, cover with a lid, and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes — this will cook the rice fully and allow the flavors to meld together nicely.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese and Serve

Once the rice is tender, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, cover the skillet, and give the cheese a few minutes to melt into that delicious, bubbly blanket. After that, you’re good to go — scoop it out, serve it up, and watch everyone dive in!

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Pro Tips for Making Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole with Sausage Recipe

  • Don’t Skip Rinsing the Rice: It removes excess starch, so your casserole won’t turn out gummy.
  • Use a Heavy-Bottomed Skillet: Helps distribute heat evenly and prevents burning while simmering.
  • Avoid Lifting the Lid Too Often: Keep the steam and heat trapped to cook the rice perfectly every time.
  • Add Cheese at the End: Melting cheese last keeps it ooey-gooey instead of overcooked and rubbery.

How to Serve Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole with Sausage Recipe

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole with Sausage, easy stuffed pepper casserole, cheesy sausage bell pepper bake, quick weeknight stuffed peppers, savory sausage and bell pepper casserole - 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 always finish mine off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions—it adds a pop of color and fresh scent that brightens the dish. If you like a touch of tang, a dollop of sour cream on the side can also be fantastic.

Side Dishes

This casserole is pretty hearty on its own, but I often serve it alongside a crisp green salad or a side of garlic bread for sopping up any extra sauce. Roasted veggies also pair nicely if you want to double down on your greens.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to serve this casserole in a beautiful baking dish right on the table with little bowls of extra toppings—like sliced olives, chopped jalapeños, or avocado slices—so everyone can customize their own. It’s an easy way to make the meal feel special without more fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually stay fresh for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers can be even better the next day.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this casserole, portion it into freezer-safe containers before baking (or after cooling if already cooked). I recommend freezing without cheese on top and adding fresh mozzarella when reheating for best texture.

Reheating

The best way back to life is reheating gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) with a cover to keep moisture in. Microwave works in a pinch, but the casserole may dry out a bit without careful attention. Adding cheese fresh before reheating keeps it creamy.

FAQs

  1. Can I use ground beef instead of sausage?

    Absolutely! Ground beef or turkey can be swapped in, though sausage adds more seasoning. If you use beef, consider adding extra Italian seasonings or garlic to mimic the flavor.

  2. Do I need to precook the rice for this recipe?

    No need! The rice cooks right in the skillet with the broth and salsa, soaking up all those amazing flavors as it simmers. Just be sure to rinse the rice to remove excess starch first.

  3. Can I make this recipe spicy?

    Definitely! Use spicy Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic and spices. You can also mix in diced jalapeños with the bell peppers for an extra kick.

  4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

    Yes, just make sure your chicken broth and salsa are gluten-free, as some brands add thickeners or flavorings that contain gluten.

  5. Can I prepare this ahead of time?

    You can brown the sausage and prep the veggies the day before, then assemble and cook when ready. Just keep the ingredients chilled separately to retain freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole with Sausage Recipe is one of those dishes I always turn to when I want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s hearty, packed with flavor, and so easy to customize that it quickly becomes a family favorite. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do — it’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Grab your skillet and give it a try; I think you’ll find yourself coming back to this one again and again.

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Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole with Sausage Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 20 reviews
  • Author: Taylor
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
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Description

A hearty and flavorful Stuffed Pepper Casserole combining savory Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, aromatic spices, and melted mozzarella cheese over tender rice for a comforting one-pan meal.

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

  • 3/4 pound ground Italian sausage, mild or spicy (375g)
  • 2 cups chopped bell peppers
  • 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

Seasonings and Liquids

  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup tomato salsa

Grains 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 just begins to brown.
  2. Sauté vegetables: Add chopped bell peppers and onion to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until crisp-tender.
  3. Add garlic and spices: Stir in minced garlic, salt, dried oregano, pepper, and cumin and cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
  4. Deglaze and add liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, then stir in the tomato salsa.
  5. Add rice and simmer: Rinse the rice under cold water and drain well. Add the rice to the skillet, stir everything together, then bring to a simmer.
  6. Cook covered: Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let simmer for 20 minutes until the rice is cooked through and absorbs the liquid.
  7. Add cheese and melt: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the casserole, cover again, and let the cheese melt before serving.

Notes

  • For a simpler version, omit onion, garlic, oregano, and cumin as in the original recipe.
  • Use mild or spicy sausage based on your flavor preference.
  • Make sure to rinse the rice well to prevent sticking and help it cook evenly.
  • Covering the skillet tightly while simmering helps cook the rice thoroughly.
  • This dish can be customized with different colored bell peppers for visual appeal.
  • Leftovers reheat well and flavors often improve the next day.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg

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