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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to create a warm cooking environment at 350°F, ensuring optimal baking conditions.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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