Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

If you love the flavors of stuffed peppers but want a quicker and easier way to make them, this Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole is the perfect solution. All the delicious ingredients of classic stuffed peppers—ground beef, rice, bell peppers, tomatoes, and cheese—are combined into a cozy, comforting casserole that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to feed a crowd with minimal effort. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide to making this hearty and flavorful dish!

What is a Stuffed Pepper Casserole?

A Stuffed Pepper Casserole takes all the ingredients of traditional stuffed bell peppers and turns them into a one-dish meal. Rather than individually stuffing each pepper, the ground beef, rice, diced bell peppers, and seasonings are mixed together, layered with cheese, and baked to perfection in a casserole dish. This recipe is inspired by the Pioneer Woman’s love for hearty, comforting, and family-friendly meals, offering a simple, deconstructed version of stuffed peppers that’s every bit as delicious.

Ingredients List for Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Here’s everything you need to make this Stuffed Pepper Casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 ½ cups uncooked white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
• 3 bell peppers, diced (use red, green, or yellow for a colorful mix)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 ½ cups beef or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Ingredients List for Sauce and Topping

The combination of beefy tomatoes and a cheesy topping is what makes this casserole irresistible. Here’s a breakdown:

For the Sauce:

• Diced tomatoes and tomato sauce: These give the casserole its rich, tangy tomato base.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor to the meat mixture.
• Herbs and spices: Oregano and basil bring classic Italian flavors to the dish.

For the Topping:

• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a bubbly, cheesy topping. You can also use mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a cheese blend.
• Fresh parsley: Optional, but adds a pop of color and freshness as a garnish.

Substitutions and Variations

This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is versatile and can be customized based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:

• Meat alternatives: You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, swap the meat for crumbled tofu or plant-based ground beef.
• Rice options: Use brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. If using brown rice, increase the cooking time slightly.
• Cheese choices: Feel free to mix up the cheese with mozzarella, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
• Add vegetables: You can add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the casserole to boost the vegetable content.
• Make it spicier: For a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make this delicious Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, cook the rice according to package instructions. Once done, set it aside.
3. Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
4. Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
5. Combine the beef and sauce: Return the browned ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, and broth. Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Assemble the casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice and the beef-tomato mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.
7. Transfer to the baking dish: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread the rice and meat mixture evenly into the dish.
8. Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
9. Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Cool and garnish: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

How to Cook Stuffed Pepper Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap of the steps to make this Stuffed Pepper Casserole:

1. Cook the rice according to package directions.
2. Brown the ground beef, sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers.
3. Mix in tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire, and seasonings with the beef and simmer.
4. Combine the rice and beef mixture.
5. Transfer to a baking dish, top with shredded cheese, and bake until bubbly.
6. Garnish and serve.

This method guarantees that all the flavors meld together into a hearty, satisfying meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Stuffed Pepper Casserole turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:

• Undercooking the rice: Make sure the rice is fully cooked before mixing it with the beef. The casserole won’t have enough moisture to cook the rice further in the oven.
• Not seasoning enough: Since this is a simple casserole, it’s important to season it well with salt, pepper, and herbs. Taste the beef mixture before baking and adjust as needed.
• Using too much liquid: Stick to the amount of broth in the recipe. Too much liquid can make the casserole soggy, while too little can make it dry.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on the casserole in the oven, as overbaking can cause the cheese to dry out. Bake just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your Stuffed Pepper Casserole is baked to perfection, consider how to serve and present it to make the meal even more enjoyable.

• Family-style: Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish at the table for a cozy, family-friendly meal.
• Individual servings: Spoon out individual portions onto plates, making sure to get a bit of the cheesy top in each serving.
• Add a fresh side: Balance the richness of the casserole with a side salad or some steamed vegetables.

How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole

This casserole is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but you can pair it with some sides to round out the dinner:

• Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole.
• Roasted vegetables: Serve with roasted carrots, broccoli, or green beans to add color and extra nutrients to the meal.
• Bread: A slice of crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the tomato-based sauce.

Presentation Ideas for Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Make your Stuffed Pepper Casserole look as inviting as it tastes with these simple presentation tips:

• Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.
• Cheesy topping: For an extra golden-brown finish, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking to make the cheese bubbly and slightly crispy.
• Use colorful bakeware: Serve the casserole in a brightly colored or patterned dish for an eye-catching presentation.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead of time and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, then bake as directed.
• Freezer-friendly: This casserole freezes well. Assemble the dish, but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
• Double the recipe: If you're cooking for a crowd, double the recipe and use a larger casserole dish. You may need to extend the baking time by 10-15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this casserole with ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef in this recipe. It’s leaner and still tastes delicious.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and bake when ready.

Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes! You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

What other vegetables can I add?
You can add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or even spinach to the casserole for extra veggies.

Conclusion

This Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole is the perfect comfort food—simple to make, flavorful, and hearty enough to feed a family. With ground beef, rice, bell peppers, tomatoes, and cheese all baked together, it has all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers but with less effort. It’s a crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights or when you need an easy meal for potlucks. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a warm, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!

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