Are you craving a delicious, comforting, and hearty meal that your entire family will love? Look no further than this Pioneer Woman-inspired Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe! Packed with vibrant bell peppers, savory ground beef, and topped with gooey cheddar cheese, this dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite. Whether you're a fan of traditional stuffed peppers or simply looking for a quick casserole that brings all those flavors together in one dish, this recipe is for you. Read on for the full recipe, ingredient substitutions, and helpful tips to ensure your stuffed pepper casserole turns out perfect every time!
What is a "Stuffed Pepper Casserole"?
A stuffed pepper casserole is a comforting dish that combines the essential flavors of classic stuffed peppers — bell peppers, ground beef, rice, and tomatoes — into a simplified, easy-to-make casserole. Instead of individually stuffing bell peppers, this version breaks everything down into a layered casserole format. The result? A flavor-packed, cheesy, and satisfying dish that comes together with much less effort than traditional stuffed peppers. This Pioneer Woman-inspired recipe is perfect for those who love hearty casseroles and family-friendly meals.
Ingredients List for Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious casserole:
- 1 pound lean ground beef: The base of your casserole, providing a rich and savory flavor.
- 2 large bell peppers, seeded and diced: These add sweetness and texture to the dish. You can use any color of bell pepper, such as red, green, yellow, or orange.
- 1 onion, peeled and diced: Onions enhance the dish’s flavor profile, adding a mild sweetness when sautéed.
- 1 ½ cups beef stock: This liquid helps cook the rice and deepens the flavor.
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes: Tomatoes add moisture and a tangy balance to the savory beef.
- 1 cup long-grain uncooked white rice: Rice will absorb all the flavors from the broth and the other ingredients as it cooks.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: The cheese topping brings everything together with a melty, gooey finish.
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and a touch of sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: For that extra savory and aromatic punch.
- 1 ½ teaspoons Montreal Grill Seasoning: A flavorful blend of spices that boosts the overall taste.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Adds a bit of spice.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika): Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor, while regular paprika offers a milder, slightly sweet flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Feel free to tweak this recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:
- Ground beef substitutions: You can replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a healthier or vegetarian option.
- Bell pepper varieties: If you want a sweeter flavor, use red, yellow, or orange bell peppers. Green peppers are more traditional for stuffed peppers and have a slightly bitter taste.
- Cheese choices: While cheddar works great in this dish, you can experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
- Rice options: Instead of white rice, you could use brown rice for a healthier, whole-grain option, though you'll need to adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.
- Tomato variety: You can use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a bit of smokiness, or diced tomatoes with green chilies if you like a bit of heat.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Cooking this casserole is a breeze, and it only requires a few simple steps. Here’s how to prepare it from start to finish:
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's ready when the casserole is assembled.
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet or pan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for another 4-5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Season and add rice: Stir in the Montreal Grill Seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well to coat the beef and vegetables evenly. Add the uncooked rice to the mixture and stir to combine.
- Add the liquids: Pour in the beef stock and diced tomatoes (with their juices) into the skillet. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Transfer to a baking dish: Pour the beef, vegetable, and rice mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Make sure everything is evenly spread out.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
- Add cheese: Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Return it to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy!
How to Cook Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
This casserole takes the work out of traditional stuffed peppers, but it still retains all the flavor. Here’s a quick recap of the steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Brown the ground beef, drain excess fat.
- Sauté the vegetables.
- Add spices and rice to the mixture.
- Pour in the beef stock and diced tomatoes.
- Transfer to a baking dish.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes covered.
- Top with cheese and bake uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Let cool, then serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Undercooking the rice: Make sure to allow enough time for the rice to cook fully in the casserole. If you rush this step, the rice may turn out crunchy.
- Not covering the casserole: Covering the dish with foil ensures that the rice steams and becomes tender. Don’t skip this step, or your rice could remain uncooked.
- Overcooking the beef: Be careful not to overcook the ground beef in the initial browning step. It will cook further in the oven, so browning it until no longer pink is sufficient.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When it comes to serving the stuffed pepper casserole, a few small details can elevate the presentation and make it more appealing:
- Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro can add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
- Serve with a side salad: A crisp green salad pairs beautifully with this hearty casserole.
- Add a dollop of sour cream: For an extra creamy and tangy contrast, serve each portion with a spoonful of sour cream on top.
How to Serve Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole
To serve, simply spoon generous portions of the casserole onto plates. The melted cheese, tender rice, and savory beef mixture will hold together beautifully, making it easy to dish out. Serve this casserole hot, straight from the oven, for the best flavor.
Presentation Ideas for Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole
For a homestyle presentation, bring the entire casserole dish to the table and let guests serve themselves. Alternatively, you can plate individual servings and top each one with a bit of extra cheese or fresh herbs for an elegant touch.
Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe Tips
- Meal prep: This casserole is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble the casserole, refrigerate it overnight, and bake it the next day.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully. Just bake it, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container for up to three months.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use instant rice?
Yes, you can substitute instant rice, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as instant rice will cook faster.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
Can I make this dish spicy?
For a spicy version, add a chopped jalapeño or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture, or use spicy diced tomatoes with green chilies.
What side dishes go well with this casserole?
A light salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread make excellent sides for this hearty dish.
Conclusion
There you have it — a delicious and satisfying Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole that's perfect for family dinners or meal prep. With a mix of savory beef, tender rice, and gooey cheese, this dish brings all the flavors of stuffed peppers into an easy-to-make casserole form. Try this recipe tonight, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family!
PrintPioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
The Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole combines lean ground beef, diced bell peppers, and white rice, seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and paprika, and topped with melted cheddar cheese. A hearty dish perfect for family dinners, this casserole is easy to make and packed with flavor. Keywords: Stuffed Pepper Casserole, Pioneer Woman recipe, bell peppers, cheddar cheese, easy casserole, comfort food.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 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 (or regular paprika)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet, then add the diced onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook until softened.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, beef stock, diced tomatoes, rice, Montreal seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice absorbs most of the liquid.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use hot paprika.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Make ahead and freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of casserole
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
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