Hey friend, if you’re craving a comforting dish that’s bursting with flavor and comes together easily, you’re going to love this Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Sausage and Rice Recipe. It’s like all the best parts of those classic stuffed peppers you grew up with but without the hassle of hollowing out each pepper. Instead, everything bakes together in one pan, making dinner a breeze. I promise, this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Stick around—I’ll walk you through every step so you nail it every single time!

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Why This Recipe Works

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, cutting down on cleanup and hassle.
Bold, Balanced Flavors: The Italian sausage, fresh peppers, and savory spices create a deliciously satisfying meal.
Comfort and Convenience: It combines the beloved stuffed pepper concept with casserole ease, perfect for busy cooks like us.
Versatility: Easily adaptable for heat levels, herbs, or cheese preferences to fit your taste perfectly.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Sausage and Rice, stuffed pepper casserole, sausage and rice casserole, easy stuffed pepper casserole, hearty stuffed pepper dinner - This image shows a white pan filled with a cooked dish made of three main layers mixed together: cooked white rice grains, small pieces of green and red bell peppers, and browned ground meat in a light reddish sauce. On top, there is a melted layer of pale yellow cheese with a soft and slightly bubbly texture that spreads unevenly across the surface. Small chopped green herbs are sprinkled on top for a fresh touch. A wooden spoon is scooping some food from the left side. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface with a blue and white cloth under its handle. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Sausage and Rice Recipe is in the way these ingredients complement each other—juicy sausage brings rich savory notes, bell peppers add a sweet crunch, and the rice soaks up all those vibrant flavors. When shopping, I always choose fresh, firm bell peppers and good-quality Italian sausage for the tastiest outcome.

Ground Italian sausage: Mild or spicy works; this is the star protein, adding a ton of flavor and a little kick.
Bell peppers: Chopped fresh for sweetness and that classic stuffed pepper taste.
Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth, finely chopped so it melts into the dish.
Garlic: Minced to release its fragrant punch without overpowering.
Salt: Essential for balancing all flavors and making them pop.
Dried oregano: Brings an earthy, herby note reminiscent of Italian comfort food.
Pepper: For gentle spice and complexity; freshly cracked if you have it.
Cumin: Just a hint to add warmth and depth, making the flavor profile unique.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the rice moist and adds savory richness without too much salt.
Tomato salsa: Adds a tangy, tomatoey base with a little zest—homemade or store-bought works.
Long-grain white rice: Rinsed beforehand to prevent clumping and ensure fluffiness.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly on top for gooey, melty goodness right before serving.

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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 how forgiving this Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Sausage and Rice Recipe is when it comes to tweaks. Whether you want it hotter, milder, vegetarian, or loaded with extra veggies, it’s easy to make it yours. Don’t hesitate to experiment – I always say cooking should be joyful, not too rigid.

Spicy Boost: Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or swap mild sausage for spicy; I like that little extra fire.
Veggie Upgrade: Toss in some zucchini or mushrooms—I sauté them with the peppers for more color and texture.
Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack if you want a melty cheese with a kick, or parmesan for sharper flavor.
Make it Vegetarian: Substitute sausage with plant-based crumbles or hearty beans; just boost the seasoning a bit.

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

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté the Veggies

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble in the ground Italian sausage and cook until it starts to brown and smells amazing—this usually takes about 5 minutes. Don’t rush the browning because those little caramelized bits add so much flavor. Add the chopped bell peppers and finely chopped onion, then cook for about 5 minutes until the veggies are crisp-tender. Stir often so nothing sticks or burns.

Step 2: Season and Add Liquids

Next, stir in the minced garlic along with salt, dried oregano, freshly cracked pepper, and cumin. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant—trust me, your kitchen will smell incredible at this point. Then pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This is where the extra flavor hides! Stir in the tomato salsa, giving the whole mixture a nice, saucy consistency.

Step 3: Add Rice and Simmer

After rinsing your long-grain white rice under cold water to rinse away excess starch, add it to the skillet. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is perfectly tender and has soaked up all those lovely juices. Peek once or twice, but resist stirring too often as it can make the rice mushy.

Step 4: Cheese It and Serve

Once the rice is fully cooked, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover again just for a couple of minutes until the cheese melts beautifully. Now you’re ready to dish it up and enjoy! I love serving it straight from the skillet to keep things casual and homey.

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

Pre-Rinse the Rice: Always rinse your rice under cold water to keep it from getting gummy and clumping together.
Don’t Skip the Browning: Browning the sausage well builds deep flavor—you’ll regret it if you rush this part.
Cover While Cooking: Keeping the skillet covered traps steam so the rice cooks evenly and stays tender.
Melting Cheese Perfectly: Add cheese at the end with a lid on for just a few minutes—avoid overcooking to keep it melty, not rubbery.

How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Sausage and Rice Recipe

Garnishes

I often top this casserole with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a touch of green and freshness. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes ups the flavor and makes it feel a bit more restaurant-quality. Plus, extra shredded cheese on the side is never a bad thing if you’re sharing!

Side Dishes

For a well-rounded meal, I like to serve this alongside a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette or roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread also pairs perfectly—because honestly, who doesn’t love some good crusty bread to soak up those saucy bits?

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re making this for a special occasion, try layering it in a pretty casserole dish and topping with fresh herbs and a colorful mix of bell peppers for a vibrant presentation. I’ve even served it in mini cast-iron skillets for a fun, individual portion look that guests really enjoyed.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep well for 3-4 days. The casserole tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded overnight—win-win!

Freezing

This Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Sausage and Rice Recipe freezes beautifully. I portion it into meal-sized containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick grab-and-go dinner.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. I find this keeps the rice fluffy and prevents the sausage from drying out.

FAQs

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

Great question! You can definitely substitute brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time and more broth, since brown rice takes longer to soften. I recommend precooking the brown rice before adding it or adjusting the liquid and simmer time accordingly.
Is this casserole spicy?

The spice level depends on the type of Italian sausage you choose and optional additions like red pepper flakes. Using mild sausage will keep it gentle, while spicy sausage or extra chili can add heat. You can customize it to your preference easily.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the sausage for plant-based crumble or hearty beans such as black beans or chickpeas, and maybe add extra veggies for bulk. Boost the seasoning a bit for that savory punch, and you’re all set.
Does the rice need to be rinsed before cooking?

Yes, rinsing the rice helps remove excess starch, which prevents it from becoming sticky or gummy. I always rinse my rice under cold water until the water runs clear—it makes a noticeable difference!

Final Thoughts

This Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Sausage and Rice Recipe is one of those dishes I come back to time and again when I want something comforting but easy. It captures all the charm of traditional stuffed peppers without the fuss, and every bite feels like a warm hug. If you’re looking for a reliable, crowd-pleasing meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this recipe a try. Trust me, once you make it, it might just become a family favorite in your home too!