Stuffed Pepper Casserole

When you are craving stuffed peppers but need dinner on the table in 30 minutes, my quick and easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole is the way to go! By browning the meat while the peppers soften in the oven, you cut the cooking time of this dish in half. This easy casserole recipe is low carb, keto, gluten-free, and grain-free.

Who would’ve thought you could make stuffed peppers and have them on the table in about 30 minutes? Not me. A few weeks ago I was staring into the fridge at 5:15 pm, once again wondering what on earth I was going to feed my family for dinner.

I had some ground turkey and some peppers that were beginning to get a little wrinkly, so a stuffed pepper recipe was the way to go. But if 6 pm rolls around and dinner is not on the table, my little ones get HANGRY. And my husband. (Shhh). So I decided to turn traditional stuffed peppers into a fast and easy unstuffed pepper casserole!

Love stuffed peppers? Try my Stuffed Peppers with Cream Cheese and Sausage or Chicken Parm Stuffed Peppers next!

Ingredients

• Bell Peppers – Any color bell peppers will work. I normally use whatever I have on hand.
• Ground Turkey – I use ground turkey because it is less expensive than ground beef and my kids can’t tell the difference. Ground beef or pork works too.
• Cauliflower Rice – Using cauliflower rice instead of traditional white rice keeps this stuffed pepper casserole low carb and keto.
• Marinara Sauce – Use your favorite marinara sauce. For low carb and keto, choose one without added sugar.
• Mozzarella Cheese – Shredded mozzarella melts perfectly on top of the casserole. You can substitute another mild melting cheese if you prefer.
• Italian Seasoning – Italian seasoning normally contains a blend of oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram. Sometimes it has parsley and red pepper flakes. For homemade versions, try my Zesty Italian Seasoning and Italian Seasoning Substitute Recipe.
• Garlic Powder – Adds garlic flavor without the need for fresh garlic.
• Onion Powder – Adds a little onion flavor.
• Salt & Pepper – A couple more simple seasonings add flavor to the ground turkey and cauliflower rice.

See the recipe card below for the complete list and amounts.

How to Make a Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Step One: Put seeded and quartered peppers into a large casserole dish. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to soften.

Since traditional stuffed peppers often have white rice, I subbed in cauliflower rice to keep this recipe low carb. It works perfectly in the filling and saves you the extra step of cooking rice.

Step Two: While the peppers are softening, brown the meat. Stir in the cauliflower rice and seasonings.

I use ground turkey in my Stuffed Pepper Casserole because it is a lot cheaper than beef and my kids can’t tell the difference. If you prefer to use ground beef or pork (or a combination), go ahead. I use a combo of ground turkey and sausage in my meatball casserole, and that is an excellent combination as well.

Step Three: Put the browned meat on top of the softened peppers. Top with a little marinara sauce and sprinkle on the mozzarella.

Step Four: Bake for 10 minutes until the cheese melts. If you like your cheese browned, you can broil it for a minute or two.

Variations

• Ground Beef – Swap the ground turkey for lean ground beef. Ground pork, ground chicken, or a combination of meats works too.
• Sausage – Use Italian sausage or a combination of sausage and ground turkey for even more flavor.
• Cheese – Mozzarella is my favorite for this casserole, but you can substitute provolone, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or another cheese that melts well.
• Peppers – Use red, yellow, orange, or green bell peppers. I normally use whatever I have on hand.
• Spicy – Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños if you want a little heat.
• Traditional Rice – If you aren’t eating low carb, you can substitute cooked white or brown rice for the cauliflower rice.

For a more classic stuffed pepper recipe, try my White Lasagna Stuffed Peppers. They have only a 5-minute hands-on time! And make sure to try this Keto Philly Cheesesteak Chicken Casserole for another easy, delicious dinner option.

Storage

• Refrigerator – Store leftover stuffed pepper casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer – You can also freeze leftovers in an airtight container. I recommend freezing individual portions so they are easy to thaw and reheat.
• Reheating – Reheat individual servings in the microwave until hot. For a larger portion, cover and warm it in the oven until heated through.

Common Questions

Can I Use Ground Beef Instead of Ground Turkey?

Absolutely. I use ground turkey because it is less expensive and my kids can’t tell the difference, but ground beef works just as well. You can also use ground pork, sausage, or a combination.

Do You Have to Cook the Peppers Before Making Stuffed Pepper Casserole?

The peppers need a head start so they have time to soften. That’s why I put them in the oven while I brown the meat on the stovetop. Cooking both at the same time is what helps get this casserole on the table so quickly.

Can I Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole Ahead of Time?

Yes. You can prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble the casserole. You can also prep the peppers ahead of time to make dinner even quicker.

Is Stuffed Pepper Casserole Keto?

Yes. This version uses cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice, which keeps the casserole low carb and keto. Just make sure to choose a marinara sauce without added sugar.

What Kind of Peppers Are Best for Stuffed Pepper Casserole?

Any color of bell pepper works. Green peppers have a slightly stronger flavor, while red, yellow, and orange peppers tend to be sweeter. You can use one color or a combination.

What Should I Serve with Stuffed Peppers?

I served my stuffed pepper casserole with lemon garlic Keto Broccoli, but any green vegetable goes great with it. We also love it paired with Caesar Salad. A simple side salad, green beans, or roasted vegetables would work well too.

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Originally Published November 28, 2018. Revised and Republished October 2, 2026.