The Pioneer Woman’s Hearty Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

Comfort meets creativity in this hearty stuffed pepper casserole that breaks traditional recipe boundaries.

Layers of savory ingredients meld together with unexpected zest.

Ground beef and rice create a rich, satisfying base that feels like a warm hug.

Peppers provide vibrant color and robust flavor to every delightful bite.

Cheese melts into golden rivers of deliciousness across the top.

Simple ingredients combine in ways that surprise and delight.

Jump in and make this dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole Guide

• Simplify Stuffed Peppers: Transform the classic stuffed pepper dish into an easy casserole that saves precious prep time and reduces kitchen cleanup.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Packed with hearty ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and melted cheese, this recipe delivers a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies both kids and adults.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, add extra spices, or include different cheese varieties to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
• One-Dish Wonder: Combines protein, vegetables, and grains in a single baking dish, making meal planning and serving a breeze for busy households.

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the casserole.
• Rice: A fluffy base that helps bind the ingredients and adds texture to the dish.
• Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetables that contribute a sweet and slightly tangy taste to the casserole.
• Cheese: A melty topping that adds creaminess and a golden brown finish.

• Onions, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that build a deep, savory flavor profile for the casserole.

• Canned Tomatoes, Beef Broth: Moisture-rich components that create a saucy and juicy texture for the casserole.

• Olive Oil: A healthy cooking fat that helps brown the meat and vegetables while adding a subtle flavor.

How to Make Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

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

Step 2: Prepare the Rice Bed

Cook the rice until fluffy and tender, then set it aside as your flavor foundation.

Step 3: Sizzle the Protein and Veggies

• Ground beef
• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Chopped bell peppers

Brown the meat until it’s perfectly cooked and the vegetables are soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Create the Sauce Symphony

• Canned tomatoes
• Beef broth
• Salt
• Pepper
• Herbs

Let everything simmer and meld together, creating layers of incredible flavor.

Step 5: Blend the Goodness

Stir the cooked rice into the meaty mixture and sprinkle in half of the cheese, creating a creamy, dreamy combination.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the entire mixture into a baking dish and crown it with the remaining cheese, promising a golden, bubbly top.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and sporting a gorgeous golden color.

Tips for Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier alternative.
• Choose different colored bell peppers to make the casserole visually vibrant and boost nutritional variety.
• Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping in the final dish.
• Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions after baking for extra freshness and color pop.
• Prep this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld and making weeknight dinners easier.

Variations for Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace rice with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that cuts carbohydrates and adds extra vegetable nutrition.
• Turkey Transformation: Swap ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter protein option that reduces fat content while maintaining robust flavor.
• Vegetarian Veggie Blend: Use plant-based ground meat substitute or lentils with extra bell peppers and mushrooms to create a hearty meatless alternative that keeps the casserole's core essence.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Incorporate feta cheese, oregano, and add kalamata olives to give the casserole a Greek-inspired flavor profile with Mediterranean seasonings.

Serving Suggestions for Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Cozy Family Comfort Meal: Serve this hearty casserole with a fresh green salad for a balanced dinner that brings everyone together.
• Tex-Mex Style Twist: Top with crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream for a zesty southwestern spin.
• Quick Lunch Transformation: Pack leftovers in individual containers for a delicious next-day meal that reheats perfectly in the microwave.
• Potluck Party Favorite: Bring this crowd-pleasing casserole to gatherings where it'll quickly become the star of the buffet table.

Storage Tips for Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring the casserole is completely cooled before sealing.
• Separate portions into individual containers for easy reheating and grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
• Freeze the casserole in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months, wrapping tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free rice and ensure all other ingredients like broth and canned tomatoes are certified gluten-free.

• How spicy is this casserole?

The recipe has mild seasoning, but you can easily add heat by including red pepper flakes or using spicy diced tomatoes to increase the kick.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate it, then bake when ready to serve, just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Delicious Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Pioneer Woman stuffed pepper casserole delivers classic comfort with ground beef, bell peppers, and melted cheese. Home cooks savor this one-pan meal that brings family together with simple, satisfying ingredients.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables:

• 3 bell peppers, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Grains and Liquid Base:

• 1 cup white rice
• 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F, creating an ideal environment for baking the casserole.
2. Prepare rice according to package instructions, ensuring grains are fluffy and tender.
3. In a large skillet, sauté ground beef with diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped bell peppers until meat is thoroughly browned and vegetables are softened.
4. Pour canned tomatoes and beef broth into the skillet, adding selected seasonings to enhance the flavor profile of the mixture.
5. Allow the beef mixture to simmer, allowing ingredients to meld and develop rich, complex tastes.
6. Fold cooked rice into the skillet, blending thoroughly with the beef mixture.
7. Sprinkle half the cheese into the mixture, stirring to distribute evenly and create a creamy texture.
8. Transfer the entire mixture to a prepared baking dish, spreading it out for consistent cooking.
9. Generously top the casserole with remaining cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, watching for a golden, bubbly surface that indicates perfect doneness.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that still delivers amazing flavor.
• Customize the heat level by adding diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for spice lovers.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or monterey jack to create unique taste profiles and keep the dish exciting.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, which allows flavors to meld and makes weeknight dinner prep super easy.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg