The Pioneer Woman’s Zesty Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

My mom’s hearty stuffed pepper casserole always brings comfort during chilly weeknights.

Memories of her kitchen flood back with each aromatic bite.

Ground beef simmers alongside vibrant bell peppers and zesty tomato sauce.

Cheese melts into golden rivers across the steaming dish.

Weeknight meals rarely feel this satisfying or simple to prepare.

Layers of flavor create a one-pan wonder that feels like a warm embrace.

What’s Packed In Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Ground Beef: Rich and hearty meat base that provides robust flavor and protein for the casserole, choose lean or regular ground beef based on preference.

• Bell Peppers, Onion, Garlic: Colorful and aromatic vegetables that create a classic stuffed pepper flavor profile, select fresh and crisp peppers in red, green, or yellow for visual appeal.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Juicy and tangy base that adds moisture and depth to the casserole, opt for no-salt-added varieties to control seasoning.

• Cooked Rice: Fluffy and filling ingredient that helps bind the casserole together, white or brown rice work well.

• Shredded Cheese (Cheddar or Mozzarella): Creamy and melty topping that adds richness and a golden brown finish, sharp cheddar provides more intense flavor.

• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Classic herb blend and basic seasonings that enhance overall taste and bring out the ingredients' natural flavors, freshly ground black pepper recommended.

Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole How To Cook

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F, getting it ready for a delicious meal that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

Step 2: Sizzle the Meat and Aromatics

Grab a large skillet and start browning the ground beef.

Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic, creating a mouthwatering base.

Sprinkle in some salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to give it a flavor explosion.

Step 3: Build the Hearty Mixture

• Chopped bell peppers
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce

Let everything mingle and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to dance together and create a rich, robust sauce.

Step 4: Combine with Comforting Rice

Fold in the cooked rice and sprinkle half of the shredded cheese into the mixture.

Stir everything together until it’s well incorporated and looking absolutely delectable.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the entire mixture into a casserole dish.

Generously top the dish with the remaining cheese, creating a golden, melty crown that’ll make everyone’s eyes light up.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden, and the edges are looking irresistibly crispy.

Step 7: Let It Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven.

This helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier.

Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness!

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Pioneer Style With Pro Flair

• Swap cheddar with monterey jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella for different flavor profiles and melting textures.
• Use day-old rice or let freshly cooked rice cool completely to prevent soggy casserole and maintain ideal texture.
• Add zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition and interesting flavor dimensions to the classic recipe.
• Replace regular rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa for a low-carb, celiac-friendly alternative that doesn't compromise taste.
• Adjust heat by using mild or spicy ground beef, adding red pepper flakes, or incorporating diced jalapeños for those who love extra kick.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole: Save and Warm Up

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping freshness intact for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, ensuring all air is removed to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Warm individual portions in microwave at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then bake at 350°F covered with foil for 20-25 minutes until heated through, removing foil during the last 5 minutes to restore cheese's crispy texture.

Serving Pairings for Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Pair with Zesty Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red like Zinfandel or Merlot that complements the rich beef and tomato flavors, cutting through the casserole's hearty profile.
• Serve with Fresh Garden Salad: Create a light, crisp side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's warmth and add refreshing contrast.
• Create Garlic Bread Companion: Prepare crusty garlic bread with herbs to soak up the delicious tomato sauce and provide a crunchy texture alongside the soft casserole.
• Enhance with Cool Cucumber Tzatziki: Prepare a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce as a side condiment to add a Mediterranean-inspired freshness that brightens the entire dish's flavor profile.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole Fresh Inspirations

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace rice with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that cuts carbohydrates and adds extra vegetables.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or black beans to create a meat-free protein-packed casserole.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, swap Italian seasoning for chili powder, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Ensure all ingredients like tomato sauce and seasonings are certified gluten-free, and use gluten-free rice or quinoa as the base grain.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to season it well to maintain flavor.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free rice and check that your tomato sauce and seasonings are certified gluten-free. Always verify ingredient labels.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture or use a spicy salsa instead of regular tomato sauce. You can also include diced jalapeños for extra heat.

• What type of rice works best for this casserole?

Long-grain white rice or brown rice are ideal. Pre-cooked or leftover rice works great to save time in meal preparation.

Why Fans Rave About Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

• Whip Up Effortless Comfort: This stuffed pepper casserole delivers pure deliciousness with minimal kitchen effort.
• Speedy Weeknight Hero: Ready in under 45 minutes, this one-pan wonder transforms traditional stuffed peppers into a streamlined, hassle-free meal perfect for busy families.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with familiar flavors kids love, the cheesy beef and rice combination ensures even picky eaters will clean their plates without complaints.
• Budget-Conscious Cooking: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and canned tomatoes, this recipe stretches your grocery budget while providing a satisfying, protein-rich dinner.

Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole brings comfort and flavor to dinner tables with its rich, cheesy layers of ground beef, peppers, and rice. Savory ingredients meld together, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1.5 pounds ground beef

Vegetables:

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

Grains, Sauces, and Seasonings:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) tomato sauce
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to create a warm cooking environment at 350°F, ensuring optimal baking conditions.
2. In a large skillet, thoroughly cook ground beef with finely chopped onions and minced garlic, infusing the meat with robust flavors and seasoning generously with salt, black pepper, and aromatic Italian herbs.
3. Incorporate vibrant diced bell peppers, juicy diced tomatoes, and rich tomato sauce into the savory meat mixture, allowing the ingredients to meld and simmer for 6-8 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Gently fold in perfectly cooked rice, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, then mix in half of the shredded cheese to distribute creamy richness throughout the mixture.
5. Carefully transfer the complete mixture to a prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent cooking and top with the remaining cheese for a golden, melted finish.
6. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 22-27 minutes, watching for a bubbling surface and lightly golden cheese crust that signals perfect doneness.
7. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 3-4 minutes, letting the flavors settle and making serving easier and more enjoyable.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that maintains the dish’s hearty flavor.
• Rinse cooked rice under cold water to prevent clumping and ensure each grain remains separate for a perfect texture.
• Use a mix of colorful bell peppers like red, yellow, and green to add visual appeal and boost nutritional variety.
• Prepare casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient make-ahead meal that saves time during busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg