The Pioneer Woman’s Hearty Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

My weeknight meal strategy recently embraced this delightful pioneer woman stuffed pepper casserole that combines comfort and convenience in one amazing dish.

Peppers loaded with seasoned ground beef create a hearty base for this simple, satisfying recipe.

Layers of melted cheese and rice add incredible depth to each bite.

Skilled home cooks appreciate how quickly this meal comes together without complicated techniques.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum flavor, making it perfect for busy households.

Everyone around the table will appreciate this classic comfort food with a modern twist.

Jump in and create a meal that connects generations through delicious, wholesome cooking.

Why Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole Is So Flavorful

• Simplify Stuffed Peppers: Transforms the classic stuffed pepper dish into an easy, one-pan casserole that eliminates the complex stuffing process.
• Quick Family Meal: Delivers a hearty, satisfying dinner that comes together fast, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious solution.
• Customize with Ease: Allows flexibility to swap ingredients like using ground turkey instead of beef or adding different cheese varieties to match family preferences.
• Comfort Food Champion: Provides a warm, cheesy, and filling meal that brings everyone together around the table with its rich, familiar flavors.

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides the foundational flavor for this casserole.

• Onion, Bell Peppers, Garlic: These aromatics add depth and sweetness to the dish, creating a robust flavor profile.

• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy and rich umami flavor to enhance the meat's taste.
• Beef Stock: Provides moisture and intensifies the overall meaty flavor of the casserole.
• Diced Tomatoes: Contributes acidity and moisture while adding a bright color to the dish.

• Rice: Serves as a hearty base that absorbs the flavors and helps bind the casserole together.

• Montreal Seasoning, Salt, Pepper, Paprika: These spices create a complex and well-rounded flavor profile that complements the meat and vegetables.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a golden, creamy layer that adds richness and a classic comfort food finish.

How to Make Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven dial to a toasty 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get ready for some serious comfort food magic.

Step 2: Sizzle the Meat

Drop ground beef into a large skillet and brown it beautifully.

• Diced onions
• Chopped bell peppers
• Minced garlic

Cook everything until the veggies turn soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers

• Worcestershire sauce
• Beef stock
• Diced tomatoes
• Uncooked rice
• Montreal seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Let this delicious blend simmer and bubble for 15-20 minutes until the rice soaks up most of the liquid.

Step 4: Create Cheesy Casserole Magic

Pour the entire skillet contents into a casserole dish and blanket the top with shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly masterpiece.

Step 6: Serve and Devour

Pull out your masterpiece and serve immediately while everything is hot and melty.

Dinner is served!

Pro Tips for Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Choose 85/15 or 90/10 ground beef to reduce excess grease and keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
• Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar while browning the meat to enhance the overall taste profile and create more complexity.
• Use pre-cooked or instant rice to reduce total cooking time and ensure perfect rice texture without risking undercooked grains.
• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and make cutting and serving easier without losing melty goodness.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly version that maintains the dish's hearty essence.

Variations on Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Vegetarian Pepper Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, use vegetable stock instead of beef stock for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Bell Pepper Bake: Swap rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates, maintain the same seasoning and cheese topping for a keto-friendly alternative.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Casserole: Add jalapeños, swap Montreal seasoning for taco seasoning, use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar to create a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Casserole: Confirm all ingredients are gluten-free, use gluten-free stock and verify seasoning ingredients to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Serving Ideas for Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Fresh Green Garnish: Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a vibrant color pop and added fresh herb flavor that complements the rich, hearty casserole.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve with warm crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce and create a complete, satisfying meal that everyone will love.
• Creamy Cool Companion: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top to balance the warmth of the casserole and provide a tangy, cool contrast to the savory dish.
• Salad Side Kick: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness and add a refreshing element to the meal.

How to Store Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the taste.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing dairy toppings for best texture.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add fresh cheese on top for extra melty goodness.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this casserole and provides similar flavor and texture.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe is mild with Montreal seasoning, but you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you want more heat.

• Do I need to cook the rice separately?

No, the rice cooks directly in the skillet with the meat and liquid, absorbing flavors and becoming tender during the simmering process.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty pioneer woman stuffed pepper casserole delivers comfort and flavor in one delicious baking dish. Ground beef, rice, and peppers meld together, creating a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners you’ll savor to the last bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound lean ground beef

Vegetables:

• 2 large bell peppers, seeded and diced
• 1 onion, peeled and diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups beef stock
• 15 ounces diced tomatoes
• 1 cup long-grain uncooked white rice
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Montreal Grill Seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a consistent 350°F, preparing a spacious baking dish for the hearty casserole.
2. In a large skillet, thoroughly brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into fine crumbles.
3. Add chopped onions, vibrant bell peppers, and minced garlic to the meat, sautéing until vegetables become tender and fragrant.
4. Pour in Worcestershire sauce, rich beef stock, diced tomatoes, uncooked rice, Montreal seasoning, salt, ground pepper, and paprika, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
5. Reduce heat and allow the mixture to gently simmer for 15-20 minutes, letting the rice gradually absorb the liquid and develop deep, complex flavors.
6. Carefully transfer the robust mixture into the prepared casserole dish, creating an even layer across the surface.
7. Generously sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese over the entire casserole, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt into a golden, bubbling crust.
9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and casserole to set.

Notes

• Customize rice type by using brown rice for added fiber or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to create a lighter, healthier version of the casserole.
• Add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to boost nutritional value and create more complex flavor profiles.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline cooking process and reduce day-of kitchen stress.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 363 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 432 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 64 mg