One Pot Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Sausage and Rice
A hearty one-pot meal that captures all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers without the fuss. Ground pork sausage, tender bell peppers, and instant rice simmer together in a savory tomato base with herbs and chicken broth. Melted cheddar cheese brings everything together for a comforting family dinner that's ready in about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want the taste of stuffed peppers but need something quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork sausageground beef1:1protein
Similar texture and cooking time
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 cups bell peppers, diced
- 14 ½ oz petite diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon oregano, dried
- ½ teaspoon basil, dried
- 2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup instant ricelong grain white rice1:1grain
Increase cooking time to 18-20 minutes
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- 1
Cook sausage in a large pot until browned, then drain fat and return to stovetop
- 2
Add diced onion and bell peppers to the pot and cook until tender
- 3
Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and all seasonings, then mix well
- 4
Add chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and rice, mixing rice in thoroughly
- 5
Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and cook covered for 10 minutes or until rice is tender
- 6
Mix in 1 cup of shredded cheese and cover again
- 7
Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted
- 8
Top with remaining cheese and serve
Tips
Use different colored bell peppers for more visual appeal and varied flavor.
Let the casserole rest after adding cheese to ensure it melts completely and the flavors meld together.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in covered container
Can be made 1 day ahead and reheated gently on stovetop
Serve hot directly from the pot with crusty bread or side salad
Common Mistakes
Don't skip draining the sausage fat to avoid greasy casserole
Don't lift the lid during rice cooking time to prevent uneven cooking
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
Increase cooking time to 18-20 minutes
FAQ
Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice?
Yes, but increase cooking time to 18-20 minutes and add extra broth as needed since regular rice takes longer to cook and absorbs more liquid.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on stovetop with a splash of broth if needed.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat on stovetop, adding broth if mixture seems dry.