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Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Sausage and Rice Recipe

ByCaroline
Jump to Recipe·5 from 22 reviews

If you’re craving an all-in-one, comforting dinner that’s bursting with flavor, you’re going to LOVE this Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Sausage and Rice Recipe. It’s like all the best parts of stuffed peppers without the fuss of hollowing out and stuffing individual peppers. I’ve made this dish dozens of times, and every time, it feels like a warm, cozy hug from the inside. Stick around—I’ll walk you through everything so you nail it perfectly on your first go!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • One-Pan Convenience: Everything cooks together, cutting down on dishes and cleanup.
  • Balanced Flavors: The combination of sausage, peppers, and spices creates a deliciously hearty meal.
  • Versatile & Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your taste or pantry.
  • Comfort Food Appeal: It’s rich, cheesy, and satisfying—the perfect weeknight family dinner.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Sausage and Rice, stuffed pepper casserole recipe, savory sausage and rice casserole, easy stuffed pepper dinner, hearty 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

This Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Sausage and Rice Recipe brings together fresh veggies, savory sausage, and fluffy rice that soak up all the flavorful juices. The ingredients are simple but smartly chosen so the dish cooks evenly and tastes like you spent hours on it, even if it’s ready fast.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Sausage and Rice, stuffed pepper casserole recipe, savory sausage and rice casserole, easy stuffed pepper dinner, hearty 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: Whether you pick mild or spicy, the sausage adds juicy, savory depth—plus a bit of fat to keep everything moist.
  • Bell peppers: Fresh, chopped peppers bring sweetness and a crunch that balances the richness of the sausage.
  • Onion: Offers that foundational flavor that makes every bite taste homey.
  • Garlic: A punch of aromatic goodness that elevates the entire dish.
  • Salt & dried oregano: Seasonings that highlight the Italian vibe and pull all ingredients together.
  • Pepper & cumin: Just a pinch of warming spices to add complexity without stealing the show.
  • Low-sodium chicken broth: This is the key liquid that cooks the rice and infuses the casserole with savory flavor; low sodium helps you control salt levels.
  • Tomato salsa: Adds tang and a gentle kick, brightening up the casserole.
  • Long-grain white rice: Rinsed well to prevent sticking, it soaks up the delicious broth and spices perfectly.
  • Mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey goodness on top, giving you that dreamy cheesy finish everyone loves.
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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.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I adore about this Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Sausage and Rice Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I love adding a little extra heat with spicy sausage or throwing in some different colored peppers for more visual appeal. You can easily adapt it to what’s in your fridge or match it with your spice tolerance.

  • Vegetarian Variation: I swapped the sausage for a plant-based crumble once and added extra mushrooms—still hearty and satisfying.
  • Make It Spicy: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or using hot Italian sausage made this pop wonderfully for me when guests wanted more kick.
  • Cheese Swap: Feel free to use cheddar, pepper jack, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for a different cheesy vibe.
  • More Veggies: Throwing in some diced zucchini or corn worked beautifully when I wanted to stretch the veggie content.

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

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Softened Veggies

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble in your ground Italian sausage and cook it until it just starts to brown—this helps lock in flavor and get that slightly crispy edge I love. Once the sausage is looking good, add in your chopped bell peppers and finely chopped onion. Give it all a good stir and cook for about 5 minutes until the peppers soften to a perfect crisp-tender texture. Stir often here to make sure nothing sticks or burns.

Step 2: Season It Up and Add Garlic

Next, toss in your minced garlic alongside the salt, oregano, pepper, and cumin. This little combo boosts the cozy Italian essence of the dish. Stir everything around for just a minute—garlic burns quickly, so keep it moving to avoid bitterness.

Step 3: Pour the Broth and Salsa, Don’t Forget to Scrape!

Pour in 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth along with your tomato salsa. Using a wooden spoon, gently scrape the bottom of the pan to lift all those delicious browned bits—the little flavor gems that make the casserole taste next level. Mix well to combine everything evenly.

Step 4: Add the Rinsed Rice and Simmer

Make sure your rice is well rinsed under cold water—that rinse removes starch and prevents the final dish from turning gluey. Drain it well and add it to the skillet. Stir gently to coat all the rice with the sausage, broth, and veggies. Bring this mixture to a simmer, then cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes. You’ll want the rice to absorb all the liquid and become tender but not mushy.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese and Serve

When the rice is perfectly cooked, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese right on top. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts into a gooey blanket. That final cheesy touch is the cherry on top that turns this casserole into pure comfort food. Serve it warm and watch everyone dig in happily!

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Use Fresh Peppers: I always pick colorful bell peppers for better taste and visual appeal—it brightens the plate and flavor.
  • Don’t Skip Rinsing the Rice: That step stopped me from having a gooey mess before—it makes a subtle but big difference.
  • Cover While Melting Cheese: Trapping the steam ensures perfect melting without drying out the casserole.
  • Scrape the Pan Bottom: Those browned bits are flavor gold—don’t forget this easy trick to a richer taste.

How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Sausage and Rice Recipe

Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Sausage and Rice, stuffed pepper casserole recipe, savory sausage and rice casserole, easy stuffed pepper dinner, hearty 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

My go-to garnish is a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil—it adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous note that balances the richness. Sometimes, I also like a quick drizzle of hot sauce or a squirt of fresh lemon juice to brighten the dish up right before serving.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with a light green salad dressed in simple vinaigrette or some roasted garlic bread to scoop up every cheesy bite. If you want more veggies, steamed broccoli or a crisp slaw is a refreshing match.

Creative Ways to Present

For a potluck or special occasion, I sometimes spoon the casserole into individual ramekins and top with extra cheese and fresh herbs—it feels so cozy and personal! You can even serve it in hollowed-out bell pepper halves for a charming twist on traditional stuffed peppers without the fuss of baking peppers separately.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually portion leftovers into airtight containers and pop them in the fridge. It stays moist and flavorful for up to 3-4 days, making for an easy lunch or quick dinner that even reheats well.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! Just cool it completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you thaw it overnight in the fridge, it reheats without losing texture or flavor—perfect when you want a homemade meal ready in minutes.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers covered with a damp paper towel in the microwave to keep the moisture locked in, or warm it gently in a skillet on the stovetop with a little splash of broth to refresh the rice. If reheating frozen casserole, thaw first for best results.

FAQs

  1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?

    Yes, you can! Keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to increase the simmering time and possibly add a bit more broth to ensure it cooks fully. I recommend partially cooking the brown rice beforehand and then combining it with the casserole towards the end for best texture.

  2. Is it necessary to rinse the rice before cooking?

    Rinsing the rice removes excess surface starch, which helps prevent the casserole from becoming gluey. So yes, I highly recommend rinsing until the water runs clear—it makes a noticeable difference in texture and appearance.

  3. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

    Definitely! Swap the sausage for plant-based ground meat or hearty veggies like mushrooms and zucchini. Adding extra spices and even a little smoked paprika can help deepen the flavor to fill in the savory gap left by sausage.

  4. What can I do if I don’t have tomato salsa?

    If you don’t have salsa, you can use crushed canned tomatoes with a splash of lime juice and a pinch of chili powder to mimic the flavor profile. A jarred pasta sauce could also work in a pinch, but it may change the taste slightly.

  5. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

    Yes, it freezes wonderfully! Just let it cool fully, store in an airtight container or freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating for best taste and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Sausage and Rice Recipe is one of my go-tos when I want something quick, flavorful, and fuss-free. It reminds me of family dinners where everyone gathered around, sharing comfort food that’s simple yet satisfying. Give it a try—you’ll likely find, like me, that it quickly becomes a staple in your weeknight rotation. And don’t forget to play with the seasonings to make it your very own cozy classic!

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Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Sausage and Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 22 reviews
  • Author: Caroline
  • 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

This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines savory Italian sausage, crisp bell peppers, and tender rice in a rich tomato salsa and chicken broth base. Topped with melted mozzarella cheese, it offers a delicious, easy-to-make meal perfect for family dinners.

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

Spices and Seasonings

  • 0.75 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.25 teaspoon pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon cumin

Liquids and Base

  • 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 beginning to brown.
  2. Add vegetables: Add the bell pepper and onion, cooking about 5 minutes while stirring often, until crisp-tender.
  3. Season and sauté: Stir in the garlic, salt, dried oregano, pepper, and cumin; cook for 1 minute to develop flavors.
  4. Add liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the skillet bottom with a wooden spoon to loosen browned bits. Stir in the tomato salsa.
  5. Prepare rice: Rinse the rice well under cold water, drain thoroughly, then add it to the skillet.
  6. Simmer mixture: Stir everything well and bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook undisturbed for 20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
  7. Add cheese and melt: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the casserole, cover again, and let sit off heat for a few minutes until cheese melts.
  8. Serve: Fluff gently if desired, then serve warm as a hearty main dish.

Notes

  • For a simpler version, omit onion, garlic, oregano, and cumin to make the original recipe.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control salt levels in the dish.
  • Feel free to substitute mild or spicy Italian sausage according to your spice preference.
  • Rinsing the rice removes excess starch and helps prevent stickiness.
  • Covering the dish during simmering ensures even cooking and moisture retention.
  • Letting the cheese melt off heat prevents overcooking and keeps the cheese gooey.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg

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