Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

If you love the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers but don’t have the time (or patience) to individually stuff and bake them, this Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole is the perfect solution. It brings all the flavors of stuffed peppers — seasoned ground beef, rice, bell peppers, and a savory tomato sauce — together in a convenient, one-pan meal. It's a quick and comforting dinner that's easy to prepare, and with minimal cleanup, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with nutritious vegetables, protein, and grains, this casserole will satisfy the whole family! Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe.

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What is Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole?

A Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole is essentially a deconstructed version of the classic stuffed bell peppers, but instead of stuffing each individual pepper, all the ingredients are mixed together in one dish and baked like a casserole. It has all the comforting flavors of ground beef, bell peppers, rice, and tomato sauce, but without the fuss of hollowing and filling individual peppers. The result is a hearty, flavorful meal that can be prepared in half the time with the same delicious outcome!

Ingredients List for Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• 1 lb ground beef: You can substitute with ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option.
• 1 large onion, diced: Adds flavor and texture.
• 3 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), diced: Use a mix of colors for extra visual appeal and flavor.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: For a savory depth of flavor.
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes: Use fire-roasted or regular diced tomatoes for a rich, tomato base.
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce: Creates the saucy base of the casserole.
• 1 cup uncooked white rice: You can also use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier option.
• 2 cups beef broth: Helps cook the rice and adds a savory richness to the dish.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme gives this dish a classic Italian flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese: Melty cheese on top of the casserole.
• Optional garnish: Fresh parsley or chopped green onions for serving.

Substitutions and Variations

This Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole is flexible and can be customized to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some options:

• Meat alternatives: Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground "meat" works well if you want a leaner or vegetarian option.
• Grain swaps: You can substitute the white rice with brown rice, quinoa, or even use cauliflower rice for a low-carb or keto version.
• Cheese choices: While mozzarella or cheddar are classics, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Parmesan for extra flavor.
• Vegetables: Add other veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Sauce variations: If you want to kick up the flavor, try using salsa, marinara, or even adding a bit of hot sauce for some heat.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. Sauté the vegetables: Add the diced onion, bell peppers, and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add tomatoes and sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Add the rice and broth: Stir in the uncooked rice and beef broth. Mix well to ensure the rice is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
6. Transfer to a baking dish: Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
8. Add cheese: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Let it rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to scoop.
10. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley or green onions over the top for a fresh pop of flavor and color. Serve hot.

How to Cook Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Cook and season the beef: Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet, making sure to drain off any excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
2. Add vegetables and aromatics: Adding the onions, peppers, and garlic at this stage ensures they soften and release their flavors into the beef.
3. Incorporate tomatoes and rice: The canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth create the rich base for the casserole, while the rice absorbs all the flavors as it cooks in the oven.
4. Cover and bake: Baking the casserole covered ensures that the rice cooks properly and absorbs all the liquid. Remove the foil only when it’s time to melt the cheese on top.
5. Finish with cheese: Melting the cheese on top in the final minutes of baking adds a gooey, delicious topping that brings all the flavors together.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not draining the beef: If you don’t drain the ground beef after browning, the casserole may turn out greasy. Make sure to drain off any excess fat for a cleaner, more flavorful dish.
• Overcooking the rice: Be careful not to overcook the rice before putting the casserole in the oven. The rice will continue to cook while baking, so don’t cook it fully beforehand.
• Using too much liquid: Follow the measurements for the beef broth closely to avoid a soupy casserole. The rice needs just the right amount of liquid to cook and absorb the flavors.
• Skipping the cheese: Cheese adds a lovely richness and texture to the casserole. Be generous with your cheese topping for the best result.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole is hearty enough to serve on its own, but you can round out the meal with a few simple sides:

• Side salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly with this rich, flavorful casserole.
• Garlic bread: Serve with garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious tomato sauce.
• Steamed veggies: A side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots adds color and extra nutrition to the meal.

How to Serve Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole

To serve, scoop generous portions of the casserole with a large spoon or spatula, making sure to include a good mix of beef, rice, peppers, and melted cheese in each serving. Serve it hot and bubbly straight from the baking dish, and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation Ideas for Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Though this casserole is a rustic and hearty dish, you can still elevate its presentation with a few simple touches:

• Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley, cilantro, or green onions on top just before serving for a burst of color and flavor.
• Use a cast iron skillet: For a more rustic, oven-to-table presentation, bake and serve the casserole in a cast iron skillet.
• Serve in ramekins: For individual servings, portion the casserole into ramekins before baking, topping each one with cheese for a personalized touch.

Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and store in the fridge until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Freeze it: This casserole freezes beautifully! Assemble (but don’t bake) and wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Double the recipe: If you're feeding a crowd, this recipe can easily be doubled and baked in a larger dish or two smaller ones.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes! You can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it takes longer to cook. You may need to extend the baking time by 10-15 minutes and increase the amount of broth slightly.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Simply ensure that all your ingredients (especially the Worcestershire sauce and broth) are gluten-free. Most rice and vegetables are naturally gluten-free.

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative

or use lentils or black beans for a vegetarian version.

Q: How long will leftovers keep?
A: Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked rice?
A: You can use pre-cooked rice, but reduce the amount of broth since the rice won't need as much liquid. Add just enough broth to keep the mixture moist and prevent it from drying out.

Conclusion

This Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a delicious, deconstructed version of the classic stuffed peppers, but with all the same comforting flavors in an easy-to-make, family-friendly dish. With its tender ground beef, savory tomato sauce, colorful bell peppers, and cheesy topping, this casserole is sure to become a weeknight favorite. Whether you're looking for a make-ahead dinner, something to meal prep, or a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings, this casserole delivers every time. Give it a try tonight and watch it become a household staple!

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