Easy Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe for Family

Comfort food takes a delightful turn with this Pioneer Woman stuffed pepper casserole recipe that combines classic flavors in one irresistible dish.

Ground beef sizzles with aromatic peppers and rich tomato sauce, creating a hearty meal that speaks to home-cooked traditions.

Tender rice mingles with seasoned meat, promising a satisfying bite in every spoonful.

Melted cheese crowns this casserole, adding a golden, bubbling layer of indulgence.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dinner that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Layers of savory goodness make this casserole a perfect weeknight solution for hungry families.

Dive into this comforting creation and let the robust flavors transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with warmth and deliciousness.

What Makes This Stuffed Pepper Casserole Work

• Dive into a hassle-free cooking experience that transforms classic stuffed peppers into a convenient casserole, cutting down on individual pepper-stuffing time and effort.
• Packed with hearty ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and melty cheddar cheese, this dish delivers rich flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making it a guaranteed family favorite.
• Minimize kitchen cleanup with this single-dish recipe that combines all ingredients in one casserole, reducing the number of pots and pans you'll need to wash after cooking.
• Utilize affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and seasonal bell peppers to create a satisfying meal that won't break the bank, perfect for feeding a hungry group without spending a fortune.

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman’s Pepper Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and protein for the casserole.

• Bell Peppers, Onion, Garlic: Fresh vegetables that add depth, sweetness, and aromatic complexity to the dish.

• Montreal Grill Seasoning, Worcestershire Sauce, Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Spices and seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile of the casserole.
• Diced Tomatoes, Beef Stock: Liquid ingredients that create moisture and help cook the rice while adding extra flavor.

• White Rice: A filling grain that absorbs the flavors of the dish and provides a satisfying texture.

• Cheddar Cheese: A melty, sharp cheese that creates a golden, bubbly crust and adds richness to the casserole.

• Non-Stick Cooking Spray, Aluminum Foil: Practical items that help with preparation and cooking process.

How to Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole Easily

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Baking Dish

Crank up the oven to 375°F.

Grab a 9×13 inch casserole dish and generously coat it with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef And Vegetables

Heat a large skillet over medium flame.

Toss in ground beef and break it apart while cooking.

• Bell peppers
• Onion
• Garlic

Add chopped vegetables to the beef.

Stir and cook until meat is completely browned and vegetables soften.

Step 3: Season And Simmer Mixture

• Montreal Grill Seasoning
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

• Diced tomatoes
• Beef stock
• Uncooked white rice

Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer, allowing flavors to mingle and develop.

Step 4: Assemble And Bake Casserole

Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Scatter shredded cheddar cheese across the top.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes until rice becomes tender and liquid absorbs completely.

Step 5: Create Golden Cheese Topping

Remove foil and slide the casserole under the broiler for 3-5 minutes.

Watch carefully until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 15 minutes before serving, which helps it set and makes slicing easier.

Tips for a Great Stuffed Casserole Outcome

• Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the beef mixture for an extra layer of rich, complex taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Slightly toast the uncooked rice in the pan before adding liquids to prevent mushiness and enhance its nutty flavor profile.
• Adjust the Montreal Grill Seasoning or add red pepper flakes to personalize the heat intensity according to your family's preference.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld and intensify before baking for an even more delicious result.
• Mix different cheese varieties like monterey jack or pepper jack with cheddar to create a more dynamic and creamy cheese topping.

How to Save and Reheat Pepper Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place casserole in baking dish, add splash of beef stock to prevent drying. Cover with foil, warm for 20-25 minutes until heated completely. Uncover last 5 minutes to crisp cheese topping.

Best Sides for Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Pairing Perfectly Complementary Flavors
• Uncork Bold Red Wine: Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon match the hearty beef and robust seasonings, cutting through the richness with their tannic structure.
• Serve Crisp Garden Salad: Light mixed greens with vinaigrette dressing provide a fresh contrast to the dense, cheesy casserole, balancing the meal's heaviness.
• Create Garlic Bread Sidekick: Toasted crusty bread brushed with herb butter complements the casserole's texture, absorbing the delicious tomato and beef juices while adding crunch.
• Select Cooling Cucumber Slaw: Tangy, refreshing slaw with dill and light mayo helps cleanse the palate between bites of the rich, cheesy stuffed pepper casserole.

Tasty Variations for Stuffed Pepper Bake

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace white rice with riced cauliflower to create a keto-friendly version that reduces carbohydrates while maintaining the same delicious flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Bean Swap: Substitute ground beef with black beans or lentils for a plant-based protein alternative that keeps the hearty texture and robust seasonings intact.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients like Worcestershire sauce and seasoning are certified gluten-free, and verify no cross-contamination occurs during preparation.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Incorporate oregano, basil, and feta cheese instead of cheddar to give the casserole a Greek-inspired flavor transformation while keeping the core cooking method unchanged.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat in this recipe?

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

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Check that your beef stock and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free. Some brands contain gluten, so always read the labels carefully.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne pepper, or use a spicy version of Montreal Grill Seasoning to increase the heat level. You can also include diced jalapeños when cooking the vegetables.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through completely.

Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole brings classic comfort food to your dinner table with a satisfying blend of ground beef, rice, and bell peppers. Rich flavors meld together, creating a simple yet delicious meal you’ll want to make again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Base:

• 1 pound lean ground beef

Vegetables:

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

Liquid and Pantry Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups beef stock
• 15 ounces diced tomatoes
• 1 cup long-grain uncooked white rice
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Montreal Grill Seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray for effortless serving.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until thoroughly browned, breaking meat into crumbles while incorporating chopped bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic. Sauté until vegetables become translucent and tender.
3. Enhance the meat mixture with Montreal Grill Seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly. Pour in diced tomatoes and beef stock, then fold in uncooked white rice. Allow ingredients to simmer and meld flavors for 3-4 minutes.
4. Carefully transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Generously sprinkle 1½ cups of cheddar cheese across the surface, reserving remaining cheese for final topping. Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, ensuring rice becomes tender and liquid is completely absorbed.
5. Remove foil and broil for 3-5 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust. Remove from oven and let casserole rest 15 minutes, which allows ingredients to settle and makes serving more convenient.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier version that still packs incredible flavor.
• Try cauliflower rice instead of white rice to reduce carbohydrates and create a low-carb alternative that maintains the dish’s hearty texture.
• Choose bell peppers in different colors like red, yellow, and green to boost visual appeal and add subtle variations in sweetness and nutritional value.
• Always let the casserole rest after broiling to allow ingredients to settle, which helps create cleaner slices and prevents burning your mouth with scorching hot filling.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 80mg