The Pioneer Woman’s Hearty Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Comfort meets convenience in this hearty stuffed pepper casserole that promises to delight your taste buds.
Packed with robust flavors and simple ingredients, the pioneer woman stuffed pepper casserole brings classic home cooking to your dinner table.
Ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and savory seasonings meld together in a delicious one-dish wonder.
Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of meaty richness and colorful vegetable goodness.
The recipe transforms traditional stuffed peppers into an effortless, crowd-pleasing meal that saves time without sacrificing taste.
Warm, satisfying, and incredibly easy to prepare, this casserole will quickly become a weeknight dinner staple that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
FAQs
Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a lean protein alternative. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess liquid.
No, the rice cooks directly in the beef mixture, absorbing the broth and tomato sauce, which creates extra flavor and saves you a step.
Absolutely! It uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, canned tomatoes, and basic seasonings, making it an economical meal for families.
Yes, you can prepare the entire casserole and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Reasons to Try Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Stuffed Pepper Casserole Ingredients List
Main Protein:Vegetables:Grains and Liquid Base:Tomato Components:Seasonings:Cheese Topping:Optional Garnish:Stepwise Stuffed Pepper Casserole Method
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Heat a large skillet over medium flame.
Crumble ground beef into the pan, cooking until it’s completely browned and no pink remains.
Carefully drain away any excess fat.
Step 2: Sauté Veggie Goodness
Toss these colorful friends into the skillet:Sauté the vegetables until they’re tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Create Flavor Fusion
Stir in these ingredients to build a delicious base:Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Cover the skillet and let everything cook together.
The rice will absorb all those amazing flavors, becoming perfectly tender in about 20 minutes.
Step 5: Prepare for Oven Magic
Transfer the entire mixture into a casserole dish.
Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese across the top.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly
Slide the casserole into a preheated oven at 350°F.
Bake for 15 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt into a golden, bubbling blanket.
Step 7: Finish with Fresh Flair
Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro just before serving.
This adds a bright, fresh pop of color and flavor.
Tips for Tasty Pepper Casserole Results
Variations for Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Pepper Casserole Serving Suggestions
How to Store Pepper Casserole for Later
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Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Hearty pioneer woman stuffed pepper casserole brings comfort and flavor to dinner tables with its rich blend of ground beef, rice, and melted cheese. Home cooks will enjoy this simple, satisfying meal that delivers classic southwestern warmth in every delicious bite.
Ingredients
Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups shredded cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 2 large bell peppers
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)
Grains, Liquids, and Seasonings:
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F for a perfect golden-topped casserole.
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, carefully draining excess fat to keep the dish light.
- Introduce chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers to the beef, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
- Incorporate uncooked rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings into the skillet, stirring thoroughly to blend flavors.
- Allow mixture to reach a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covering the skillet to let rice absorb liquids and soften, approximately 20 minutes.
- Transfer the rich, aromatic mixture into a prepared casserole dish, creating an even layer for consistent cooking.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the top, ensuring complete coverage for maximum cheesy goodness.
- Slide casserole into preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, watching for cheese to melt and develop a tempting golden crust.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro just before serving to add a vibrant, herbaceous touch.
Notes
- Customize the rice by using brown rice for added nutrition and a nuttier flavor profile.
- Lower the sodium content by selecting low-sodium broth and checking salt levels in tomato sauce.
- Make the dish gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients, especially beef broth and seasonings, are certified gluten-free.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter protein alternatives that maintain the dish’s hearty texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 368 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Michael Reyes
Founder & Lead Recipe Developer
Expertise
Education
Santa Fe Community College
Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.