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
- 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