If you’re searching for an easy, comforting, and downright delicious dinner that feels like a warm hug, you’ve got to try my Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Sausage and Rice Recipe. This dish combines all the flavors you love from classic stuffed peppers but skips the hassle of hollowing out veggies, making it perfect for a weeknight or a casual family dinner. Trust me, once you taste this, it’ll become your go-to comfort food obsession!

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The sausage brings a savory depth, complemented perfectly by sweet bell peppers and tangy salsa.
Simple One-Pan Cooking: You cook everything in one skillet, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your meal.
Comforting & Cozy Texture: Soft rice cooks right in the broth, soaking up all the tasty juices for a dish that feels homey and satisfying.
Kid-Friendly Yet Flavorful: Mild sausage options make it approachable for kids, while seasonings keep adults coming back for more.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Sausage and Rice, easy stuffed pepper casserole, healthy sausage and rice skillet, comforting weeknight dinner, one-pan stuffed pepper recipe - 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

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic in this Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Sausage and Rice Recipe comes from simple, hearty ingredients that balance comfort and flavor. Each piece has a purpose, from the protein-packed sausage to the vibrant bell peppers and the rice that ties it all together. When shopping, fresh bell peppers make a noticeable difference, so pick firm ones with bright colors.

Ground Italian sausage: Adds rich, savory flavor and a little spice depending on your choice of mild or hot.
Chopped bell peppers: Provide sweetness and a bit of crunch to brighten up the dish.
Onion: Builds depth and aroma—finely chopped helps it blend seamlessly.
Garlic: A punch of flavor that wakes up the entire dish.
Salt: Enhances overall taste and balances flavors.
Dried oregano: Offers an earthy, herbaceous note reminiscent of classic stuffed peppers.
Pepper: Just enough heat to round out the seasoning.
Cumin: Adds subtle warmth and complexity without overpowering.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the dish moist and infuses gentle savory notes while controlling saltiness.
Tomato salsa: Brings acidity and a fresh tomato kick, making the casserole lively.
Long-grain white rice (rinsed): Rinsing removes excess starch to prevent stickiness, ensuring fluffy rice.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, 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 best things about this Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Sausage and Rice Recipe is how flexible it is. I often switch up the sausage for something leaner, or toss in extra veggies to bulk it up. Don’t hesitate to make the dish your own; it’s built to welcome your favorite tweaks!

Variation: I’ve tried it with turkey sausage when I wanted a lighter version, and you’d never notice the difference.
Dairy-Free: Swap mozzarella for a plant-based cheese or skip it entirely for a healthier spin.
Veggie Boost: Feel free to add chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or even spinach for extra nutrition.
Spice Level: Choose mild sausage and mild salsa for kids, or go spicy for an adult-only dinner.

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

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Soften the Veggies

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble in the ground Italian sausage and cook, stirring now and then until it just begins to brown—about 5 minutes. This browning adds that deep, savory base. Next, toss in the chopped bell peppers and onion. Keep stirring for another 5 minutes or until the peppers are crisp-tender and the onions have softened up nicely. It’s important not to let the veggies get too mushy here because they’ll cook more later in the broth.

Step 2: Add Seasonings and Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic, salt, oregano, black pepper, and cumin. Let everything cook together for just about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. This brief cooking step magically transforms these simple spices into a harmonious blend that flavors the whole dish.

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Salsa

Pour the low-sodium chicken broth into your skillet and grab a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom—those add tons of flavor! Then stir in the tomato salsa. This combo gives you a delicious, saucy base that will cook the rice and infuse everything with that classic stuffed-pepper tang.

Step 4: Add the Rice and Simmer

Make sure to rinse the rice under cold water before adding it to the skillet—this removes extra starch and prevents clumping. Stir the rice into the skillet so it’s well-coated with the sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for tender, fully cooked rice that has soaked in all those fantastic flavors. If it feels dry before the rice is done, you can add a splash of extra broth or water as needed.

Step 5: Top with Cheese and Melt

Once the rice is tender, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for a few minutes so the cheese melts into a melty, irresistible layer. That finishing touch is what pulls this dish from tasty to unforgettable.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Rush Browning: Taking your time browning the sausage and softening vegetables builds flavor that carries through the entire dish.
Rinse Your Rice: I used to skip this, but rinsing really prevents gummy texture and makes the casserole much more enjoyable.
Use a Good Salsa: Fresh or jarred, quality salsa adds brightness—don’t settle for bland!
Cover Properly: Keep the lid snug while the rice cooks to trap steam and cook evenly without stirring.

How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Sausage and Rice Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this casserole with a few fresh garnishes to brighten the plate. Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra shredded mozzarella or even some Parmesan for an extra cheesy hit. For a bit of zing, a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of fresh lime juice really wakes up the dish.

Side Dishes

This casserole holds its own, but a crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. Roasted green beans or steamed broccoli make for easy, healthy veggies that complement the casserole’s flavors well. On casual nights, I sometimes serve it alongside warm crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at gatherings, I’ve spooned the casserole into mini ramekins or individual baking dishes—everyone gets a personal cheesy stuffed pepper pot! You can even top with sliced jalapeños or chopped olives for a little extra pizzazz. It also makes a colorful centerpiece when served family-style in a large cast-iron skillet right at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to cool leftovers completely before transferring them to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, the casserole stays delicious for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen, making for fantastic next-day lunch or dinner options.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! I portion it into freezer-safe containers and label them for easy dinners later. When frozen, it keeps well for about 2 months. To avoid separating or dryness, I recommend adding cheese fresh when reheating rather than freezing the casserole topped with cheese.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or water if it seems dry. You can also microwave covered with a damp paper towel to keep moisture locked in. If you left out the cheese during freezing, add it just before serving and cover to melt.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Sausage and Rice Recipe?

You absolutely can swap brown rice for white rice, but keep in mind brown rice takes longer to cook—about 40-45 minutes compared to 15-20. To adjust, you might want to pre-cook the brown rice or add extra broth and increase the simmer time to ensure it cooks fully without drying out the casserole.
What type of sausage works best for this recipe?

I prefer Italian sausage for the robust flavor, but you can use mild or spicy based on your heat preference. If you want a leaner option, turkey or chicken sausage also works well. Just make sure it’s ground and seasoned so it brings that savory punch.
Is this Stuffed Pepper Casserole recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes! This casserole freezes well and is perfect for meal prep. Freeze before adding cheese, then add fresh mozzarella when reheating for best texture and flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, replace the sausage with plant-based meat alternatives or add hearty veggies like mushrooms and beans for protein. Adjust seasoning accordingly to keep the depth of flavor.
How can I make this recipe spicier?

Use spicy Italian sausage and a salsa with some heat. You can also add chili flakes or diced jalapeños when cooking the veggies for an extra kick.

Final Thoughts

This Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Sausage and Rice Recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for years because it just works — simple ingredients coming together in a cozy, flavorful way that satisfies everyone at the table. It’s easy to throw together, forgiving for beginners, and endlessly customizable for any occasion. I really hope you give it a try and make it your own. Once you taste that cheesy, savory goodness, I’m pretty sure it’ll become a favorite of yours, too!