Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

Easy, Flavorful Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

Pioneer Woman’s stuffed pepper casserole transforms a classic dish into a comforting family meal that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Hearty ground beef mingles with vibrant bell peppers and fluffy rice, creating a symphony of flavors in every delightful bite.

Families adore this one-pan wonder for its simplicity and satisfying taste profile.

Kitchen novices and seasoned cooks can quickly assemble this crowd-pleasing casserole without complicated techniques.

Melted cheese adds a golden, irresistible layer that elevates the entire dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Rich seasonings dance through each ingredient, promising a memorable dining experience that brings everyone to the table.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting with this crowd-pleasing comfort food: let’s dive in!

Why Pioneer Woman’s Stuffed Pepper Casserole is Comfort in a Dish

Why Pioneer Woman’s Stuffed Pepper Casserole is Comfort in a Dish
  • Savor Hearty Comfort: This casserole delivers a satisfying one-pan meal packed with ground beef, bell peppers, and melted cheese that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
  • Whip Up With Ease: Designed for busy home cooks, this recipe requires minimal preparation and cooking skills, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a hungry family quickly.
  • Customize Your Flavor: The flexible recipe allows for easy ingredient swaps and seasoning adjustments, letting you create a personalized dish that matches your taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Streamline your cooking and cleanup process with this all-in-one casserole that combines protein, vegetables, and cheese in a single delicious baking dish.

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman’s Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: Hearty main protein with rich flavor, choose lean for less grease.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds deep umami flavor and enhances meat's taste.
Vegetable Elements:
  • Bell Peppers, Onion: Colorful vegetables that provide crunch and sweetness, select firm and bright-colored peppers.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and classic savory notes.
Seasoning and Cheese Components:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings for balanced flavor enhancement.
  • Paprika: Adds mild smoky warmth and beautiful color to the dish.
  • Grill Seasoning: Complex blend that provides additional herb and spice layers.
  • Shredded Cheese: Creamy topping that melts beautifully and creates golden crust.
Additional Components:
  • Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Ensures easy dish release and prevents sticking.
  • Aluminum Foil: Helps retain moisture during initial baking process.

How to Make Pioneer Woman’s Stuffed Pepper Casserole

How to Make Pioneer Woman’s Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a light spray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Meat and Sauté Vegetables

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned. While the meat is cooking, prepare your vegetables:
  • Bell peppers, chopped
  • Onion, diced
  • Garlic cloves, minced

Add the chopped vegetables to the skillet and cook until they’re soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Season and Mix Ingredients

Boost the flavor with these seasonings:
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika
  • Grill seasoning
Stir in additional ingredients:
  • Rice (uncooked)
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Chicken broth

Set aside of shredded cheese for topping.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Casserole

Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved cheese on top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. The casserole is ready when the liquid is absorbed and everything looks bubbly and delicious.

Step 5: Final Touch and Serving

For a golden cheese topping, remove the foil and broil for 3-5 minutes until the cheese turns golden brown. Let the casserole rest for 15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier.

Pro Tips for Making Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Pro Tips for Making Stuffed Pepper Casserole
  • Preserve Casserole Freshness: Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking to maintain peak flavor and safety.
  • Customize Cheese Combinations: Mix cheddar, mozzarella, and pepper jack for a complex, tangy cheese profile.
  • Balance Moisture Perfectly: Add a splash of beef broth if the mixture seems too dry during preparation.
  • Enhance Herb Depth: Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil just before serving to brighten the overall flavor.
  • Control Spice Level: Use mild salsa or add red pepper flakes to adjust heat according to preference.

How to Store Pioneer Woman’s Stuffed Pepper Casserole

  • Cool Completely: Let the casserole sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes after cooking. Cooling prevents condensation and stops bacterial growth inside your storage container.
  • Airtight Container Method: Transfer the cooled casserole into a sturdy, leak-proof glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Press down gently to remove excess air pockets that might cause freezer burn or accelerate spoilage.
  • Refrigeration Strategy: Store the casserole in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically the back section away from the door. Mark the container with the date of preparation to track freshness and consume within 3 days for optimal taste and safety.

Fun Variations on Pioneer Woman’s Stuffed Pepper Casserole

  • Spicy Southwest Pepper Casserole: Replace traditional seasonings with chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper for a bold, fiery kick. Add black beans and corn to enhance the southwestern flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Herb Pepper Bake: Swap ground beef with ground lamb and incorporate oregano, rosemary, and feta cheese. Include diced kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes for an authentic Mediterranean touch.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Pepper Casserole: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates. Use lean ground turkey and add extra vegetables like zucchini and spinach for nutritional density.
  • Vegetarian Bell Pepper Casserole: Replace ground meat with plant-based crumbles or lentils. Mix in quinoa for protein and include mushrooms for a hearty, meaty texture. Incorporate vegetable broth instead of traditional meat-based seasonings.

Final Thoughts on Pioneer Woman’s Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Pepper-packed comfort arrives with Pioneer Woman’s ingenious casserole masterpiece.

Hearty ground beef mingles with vibrant bell peppers, creating a one-pan wonder that transforms weeknight dinners.

Cheese blankets the savory mixture, promising maximum flavor in each delectable bite.

Complex seasonings elevate simple ingredients into a culinary symphony that satisfies soul-deep cravings.

Families gather around this irresistible dish, anticipating warm, delicious moments of connection.

Hungry readers will crave this recipe – so scroll down, share with friends, comment below, and spread pepper casserole passion across your social networks!

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Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 15 reviews

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

Description

Pioneer Woman’s stuffed pepper casserole delivers hearty comfort with ground beef, bell peppers, and rice in one delicious baking dish. Savory seasonings and melted cheese create a mouthwatering meal guaranteed to satisfy hungry families craving classic Southwestern-inspired flavors you’ll want to devour.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef

Vegetables:

  • 2 large bell peppers, seeded and diced
  • 1 onion, peeled and diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Grains and Liquids:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) long-grain uncooked white rice
  • 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) beef stock
  • 15 ounces (425 grams) diced tomatoes

Seasonings and Cheese:

  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Montreal Grill Seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Coat a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeter) baking dish thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage of the surface.
  2. Position a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble the ground beef into the pan, breaking it into small pieces while cooking. Sauté until the meat turns completely brown and no pink remains visible.
  3. Dice the bell peppers into uniform small cubes and finely chop the onions. Add these vegetables to the browned meat. Crush or mince the garlic cloves and incorporate them into the mixture.
  4. Drizzle Worcestershire sauce over the meat and vegetable mixture. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, paprika, and grill seasoning evenly across the pan. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings and ensure complete coating of all ingredients.
  5. Pour the remaining ingredients into the skillet, reserving exactly one-half cup of shredded cheese for topping. Mix all components until they are well integrated and create a cohesive filling.
  6. Transfer the entire skillet contents into the prepared baking dish, spreading the mixture evenly across the surface. Scatter the reserved cheese over the top, creating a uniform cheese layer.
  7. Cover the baking dish completely with aluminum foil. Place in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the liquid has been fully absorbed and the casserole appears bubbling and heated through.
  8. For a golden, crispy cheese topping, remove the foil during the final 3-5 minutes of baking. Switch the oven to broil setting, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  9. After removing from the oven, allow the casserole to rest and settle for 15 minutes. This resting period helps the ingredients set and makes serving easier. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

  • Savor a delightful twist on classic stuffed peppers that simplifies weeknight cooking without sacrificing flavor.
  • Combines hearty ground beef with colorful bell peppers in a convenient casserole format that feeds the whole family.
  • Worcestershire sauce works magic, infusing deep umami notes that transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.
  • Versatile recipe welcomes creative swaps like ground turkey or plant-based alternatives to suit different dietary needs.
  • Melted cheese creates a gloriously golden topping that makes every single bite irresistibly tempting.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 469 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 545 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Ethan Miller

Ethan Miller

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Food Photography and Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Blogging
  • Ingredient Sourcing and Sustainability Practices

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety protocols.

Culinary Institute of the Pacific

  • Program: Certificate in International Cuisine
  • Focus: Exploration of global culinary traditions, flavor profiles, and plating artistry.

Ethan’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he first learned to play with flavors and ingredients. With formal training in culinary arts and a deep love for international cuisines, Ethan’s goal is to share the joy of cooking with others.

He believes food is all about creativity and bringing people together, one meal at a time. When he’s not experimenting with new dishes, he enjoys hiking in the Oregon wilderness and discovering fresh, local ingredients.

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