Do you love hearty, comforting meals that are easy to prepare but packed with flavor? Look no further! This Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole recipe is the perfect blend of delicious, cheesy goodness and comforting bell peppers and beef. It's a fantastic family dinner option that can be prepared in one dish, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, the variations and tips we'll provide will ensure you can customize this dish to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Read on to learn how to make this crowd-pleasing casserole!
What is a “Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole”?
The Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a delightful twist on traditional stuffed peppers. Instead of stuffing each pepper individually, this casserole combines all the key ingredients in a large baking dish, making it much easier to prepare and enjoy. The dish features lean ground beef, bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, rice, and a delicious blend of seasonings all topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s a perfect one-dish meal that embodies comfort food at its finest, offering the wholesome flavors of a stuffed pepper without the fuss.
Ingredients List for Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to get started on this delectable dish:
- 1 pound lean ground beef: This is the base of your casserole, providing protein and a savory depth.
- 2 large bell peppers (seeded and diced): Use any color bell peppers you prefer. Red and yellow will add sweetness, while green peppers give a bit more bite.
- 1 onion (peeled and diced): Onions will add an aromatic, slightly sweet element that pairs beautifully with the beef and peppers.
- 1 ½ cups beef stock: This adds moisture and depth of flavor to the casserole.
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes: Choose canned tomatoes for convenience, but you can substitute fresh if you prefer.
- 1 cup long-grain uncooked white rice: The rice will absorb the flavors of the beef, broth, and seasonings while it cooks.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar brings a rich, creamy finish to the casserole.
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: This adds a slightly tangy, umami flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic boosts the dish’s overall flavor and provides a savory, aromatic element.
- 1 ½ teaspoons Montreal Grill Seasoning: A delicious mix of spices that amps up the flavor of the beef.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: For a bit of heat and depth.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika): Adds a hint of smokiness and color.
Substitutions and Variations
If you want to put your own spin on the Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole, here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: Substitute lean ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, leaner version of the casserole.
- Brown Rice or Quinoa: If you prefer whole grains, you can substitute white rice with brown rice or even quinoa. Just be aware that brown rice takes longer to cook.
- Different Cheeses: While cheddar is classic, you can swap it out for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses.
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to give your casserole a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat entirely and use a plant-based ground beef alternative, or load up on extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
- Tomato Sauce: If you prefer a more tomato-heavy flavor, use tomato sauce instead of diced tomatoes.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making this Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole is simple and straightforward. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a perfect meal:

- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's ready for baking.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Break it up with a spatula and cook until it’s browned all the way through. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, bell peppers, and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the Montreal Grill Seasoning, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Allow the spices to meld with the beef and vegetables for 1-2 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Beef Stock: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and beef stock. Stir everything together.
- Add the Uncooked Rice: Stir in the uncooked rice, making sure it’s evenly distributed in the mixture.
- Transfer to a Casserole Dish: Pour the beef, vegetable, and rice mixture into a large casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake it in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.
- Top with Cheese: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and return the dish to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it Rest: Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
How to Cook Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Brown the Meat: Cooking the meat first allows the beef to develop a rich flavor and ensures you don’t have extra grease in your casserole.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Adding onions, garlic, and bell peppers after the meat cooks ensures they soften and release their flavors without getting mushy.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on seasonings! The beef, vegetables, and rice will absorb all those tasty spices as the casserole bakes.
- Cover with Foil: Covering the dish during baking helps steam the rice and ensures it cooks evenly in the casserole.
- Melt the Cheese: Adding cheese at the end and baking uncovered allows it to melt perfectly without burning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Foil: If you don’t cover the casserole with foil during baking, the rice may not cook properly and could come out crunchy.
- Overcooking the Veggies: You want your bell peppers to still have a little bite to them after baking. Avoid cooking them too long in the skillet.
- Using Cooked Rice: Adding cooked rice instead of uncooked rice can result in a mushy casserole, so be sure to use raw rice.
- Forgetting to Drain the Beef: Be sure to drain any excess fat after browning the ground beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Not Letting it Rest: After baking, let your casserole sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to set.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation matters! Here’s how to make your Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole stand out:
- Top with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro on top of the melted cheese will add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve with Sides: While this casserole is a complete meal on its own, you can serve it with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for extra flair.
- Individual Servings: For a more polished presentation, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or bowls with a garnish of fresh herbs.
How to Serve Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole
This casserole is best served piping hot straight from the oven. Pair it with a side salad to lighten up the meal, or some crusty garlic bread for extra comfort. It also reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or leftovers.
Presentation Ideas for Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Want to wow your guests? Try these simple presentation ideas:
- Ramekin Portions: For an elegant dinner party, serve the casserole in individual ramekins.
- Cast Iron Skillet: Serve the casserole directly from a cast iron skillet for a rustic, farmhouse-style presentation.
- Garnish with Color: A final sprinkle of paprika or some sliced green onions can make the dish look even more appealing.
Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe Tips
- Prep in Advance: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezing Tips: This casserole freezes well! Prepare it up until the baking step, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
- Leftovers: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A: Yes, simply ensure the beef stock and Worcestershire sauce you use are gluten-free, and you’re good to go!
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q: Can I make this in advance?
A: Absolutely! You can prep and assemble the casserole, then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: What should I serve with this casserole?
A: A fresh salad, garlic bread, or even roasted vegetables would pair beautifully with this casserole.
Conclusion
The Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a flavorful, hearty dish that brings all the best parts of stuffed peppers into one easy-to-make casserole. Whether you're preparing it for a weeknight dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is versatile, customizable, and guaranteed to please the whole family. With plenty of options for substitutions and variations, you'll never tire of making this delicious casserole. So gather your ingredients and get cooking—your family will thank you!
PrintPioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
A hearty Pioneer Woman stuffed pepper casserole recipe packed with lean ground beef, bell peppers, and rice, seasoned with garlic, smoked paprika, and topped with melted cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners, offering comfort and flavor in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 large bell peppers, seeded and diced
- 1 onion, peeled and diced
- 1 ½ cups beef stock
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes
- 1 cup long-grain uncooked white rice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons Montreal Grill Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion, bell peppers, and garlic, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, diced tomatoes, beef stock, rice, grill seasoning, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner version.
- Use regular paprika if smoked paprika is unavailable.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
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