Pioneer Woman’s Cozy Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

Comfort meets creativity in this delightful stuffed pepper casserole that simplifies a classic dish into an irresistible meal.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly for a satisfying dinner that feels like a warm hug.

Peppers lose their intimidating whole-pepper status and become a cozy, approachable casserole everyone can enjoy.

Ground beef, rice, and melted cheese create a perfect harmony of flavors that’ll make you swoon.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become exciting with this one-pan wonder that cuts down on prep time.

Everyone around the table will ask for seconds of this crowd-pleasing recipe.

You won’t believe how quickly this mouthwatering casserole comes together – dig in and savor every delicious bite!

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 texture and flavor.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

While the recipe is naturally gluten-free, always check your specific ingredients like tomato sauce and seasonings to confirm no gluten-containing additives are present.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture to increase the heat level according to your preference.

• Can I prep this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when ready. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Why Pioneer Woman’s Stuffed Pepper Casserole Is So Loved

• Savor Family-Friendly Comfort: This casserole transforms classic stuffed peppers into a one-dish wonder that kids and adults will absolutely love, making mealtime stress-free and delicious.
• Quick and Simple Cooking: With minimal prep and straightforward ingredients, home cooks can create a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customize Your Flavor: Feel free to swap ground beef with turkey, add extra spices, or include different cheese varieties to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: The bubbling cheese and colorful peppers create an inviting dish that looks like you spent hours preparing, impressing dinner guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides rich protein for the casserole.

• Onions, Garlic: Add depth and aromatic flavor to the ground beef base.
• Bell Peppers: Provide color, texture, and fresh vegetable notes to the casserole.

• Tomato Sauce: Creates a smooth, rich sauce that binds the ingredients together.
• Diced Tomatoes: Add texture and bright tomato flavor to the dish.
• Cooked Rice: Serves as a filling and substantial base for the casserole.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings a classic herb blend that complements the savory ingredients.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Provide a melty, golden-brown topping that adds creamy richness to the casserole.

How to Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F and get ready for a delicious adventure.

Step 2: Brown the Meat Magic

Grab a skillet and start sizzling the ground beef with chopped onions and minced garlic.

Make sure to drain away any extra grease for a lighter dish.

Step 3: Add Colorful Pepper Goodness

Toss in the vibrant diced bell peppers and let them dance around the pan until they become wonderfully soft and tender.

Step 4: Create the Flavor Explosion

• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Cooked rice

Sprinkle in some salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to wake up all those amazing flavors.

Step 5: Cheese Crown the Casserole

• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to transform into a bubbly, golden masterpiece.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to take a quick breather for a few minutes before diving in.

This helps the flavors settle and makes serving a breeze.

Insider Tips for Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the casserole.
• Opt for different colored bell peppers to make the dish more visually appealing and nutritionally diverse.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter protein option.
• Add a layer of breadcrumbs on top before baking for extra crunch and texture.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together before baking for enhanced taste.

Flavor Options for Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace rice with riced cauliflower for a low-carb, keto-friendly version that maintains the original flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Bean Swap: Substitute ground beef with black beans or lentils for a protein-packed meatless alternative that keeps the hearty texture.
• Spicy Mexican Fusion: Add jalapeños, swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, and use pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern-style casserole.
• Gluten-Free Quinoa Option: Use quinoa instead of rice and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.

Serving Ideas for Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Comfort Food Night: Serve this hearty casserole as a complete meal with a fresh green salad that adds crisp texture and lightness.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dinner: Present the casserole with warm garlic bread or crusty French bread to soak up delicious cheesy sauce and provide extra filling satisfaction.
• Southwestern Twist: Top individual servings with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream to give the dish a zesty, spicy kick that elevates the flavor profile.
• Weekend Family Favorite: Pair with chilled coleslaw or quick pickled vegetables to balance the rich, cheesy casserole and add a tangy contrast to the warm, comforting dish.

Best Ways to Store Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the cheese and flavors intact.
• Freeze portions in sealed freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags for up to 2-3 months, ensuring maximum taste preservation.
• Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and quality.

Hearty Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty stuffed pepper casserole brings comfort from pioneer kitchens with ground beef and classic bell pepper flavors. Home cooks savor this simple, satisfying one-dish meal that delivers rich southwestern comfort on your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Vegetables:

• 3 bell peppers (green, red, yellow), chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Grains and Cheese:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a moderate 350°F (175°C) to prepare for the casserole assembly.
2. In a large skillet, sear the ground beef with finely chopped onions and minced garlic, ensuring the meat browns evenly and thoroughly. Eliminate any accumulated grease through careful draining.
3. Incorporate diced bell peppers into the meat mixture, sautéing until the vegetables soften and release their aromatic flavors.
4. Blend tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and pre-cooked rice into the skillet, creating a rich and hearty base. Enhance the mixture with carefully measured salt, ground black pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for depth of flavor.
5. Transfer the robust mixture into a spacious casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
6. Generously crown the casserole with a luxurious layer of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt into a golden, bubbling crust.
8. After removing from the oven, allow the casserole to rest for 3-5 minutes, which helps the ingredients settle and makes serving easier.

Notes

• Customize the protein by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.
• Choose different colored bell peppers to make the casserole visually vibrant and boost nutritional variety.
• Opt for brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice to increase fiber and nutrients in the dish.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to make weeknight cooking faster and more convenient, reducing overall kitchen stress.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg