Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

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

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a lean protein alternative. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess liquid.

  • Do I need to cook the rice separately?

No, the rice cooks directly in the beef mixture, absorbing the broth and tomato sauce, which creates extra flavor and saves you a step.

  • Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Absolutely! It uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, canned tomatoes, and basic seasonings, making it an economical meal for families.

  • Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

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

  • Whip Up a Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Dish: This stuffed pepper casserole transforms traditional stuffed peppers into an easy one-pan meal that saves time and reduces kitchen cleanup.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for turkey, add different spices, or include extra vegetables to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Kids and adults will love the cheesy, hearty combination of tender rice, seasoned meat, and colorful bell peppers that makes this dish universally appealing.
  • Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution: Prepare this casserole quickly with minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it perfect for busy families seeking a satisfying meal without complicated techniques.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Ingredients List

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides rich protein for the casserole.
Vegetables:
  • Onions, Bell Peppers, Garlic: These aromatic vegetables add depth and texture to the dish, creating a robust flavor profile.
Grains and Liquid Base:
  • Uncooked Rice: A filling grain that absorbs the delicious flavors of the casserole.
  • Beef Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the savory taste of the dish.
Tomato Components:
  • Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Provide a tangy and rich base that helps bind the ingredients together.
Seasonings:
  • Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: These spices create a well-balanced and flavorful seasoning mix.
Cheese Topping:
  • Shredded Cheese: Adds a creamy, melty finish to the casserole.
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley, Cilantro: Provides a fresh, bright note to the finished dish.

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:
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic
  • Chopped bell peppers

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:
  • Uncooked rice
  • Beef broth
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Tomato sauce
  • Italian seasoning
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

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

  • Remove as much grease as possible from ground beef to prevent a greasy, heavy casserole and ensure a lighter, more appetizing dish.
  • Use long-grain white rice for the best consistency, or swap with brown rice for added nutrition – just adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • Sprinkle cheese in the last 5-7 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning and maintain a perfectly gooey, melted topping.
  • Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to enhance the overall taste profile and create more complexity.
  • Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready – the flavors will meld together beautifully for an even more delicious meal.

Variations for Stuffed Pepper Casserole

  • Vegetarian Pepper Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Pepper Bake: Swap rice with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates and add extra nutrients.
  • Spicy Mexican-Style Casserole: Add jalapeños, swap Italian seasoning for chili powder, and use pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
  • Gluten-Free Quinoa Pepper Casserole: Substitute rice with quinoa for a protein-packed, gluten-free alternative that maintains the dish's hearty texture.

Pepper Casserole Serving Suggestions

  • Colorful Plate Presentation: Serve on a bright ceramic platter to highlight the casserole's vibrant colors and textures, making the dish look even more appetizing.
  • Fresh Green Accent: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro on top to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor that complements the hearty casserole.
  • Protein Power Side: Pair with a light Greek yogurt or sour cream dollop on the side to balance the rich, cheesy flavors and add a cool, tangy contrast to the warm dish.
  • Bread Buddy: Serve alongside crusty garlic bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up the delicious tomato sauce and provide a satisfying carbohydrate complement to the meal.

How to Store Pepper Casserole for Later

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
  • Wrap the casserole in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
  • Place a single portion on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
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Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe


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4.6 from 14 reviews

  • 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

Scale

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

  1. Heat oven to 350°F for a perfect golden-topped casserole.
  2. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, carefully draining excess fat to keep the dish light.
  3. Introduce chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers to the beef, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
  4. Incorporate uncooked rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings into the skillet, stirring thoroughly to blend flavors.
  5. 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.
  6. Transfer the rich, aromatic mixture into a prepared casserole dish, creating an even layer for consistent cooking.
  7. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the top, ensuring complete coverage for maximum cheesy goodness.
  8. Slide casserole into preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, watching for cheese to melt and develop a tempting golden crust.
  9. 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

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

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.

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