Stuffed pepper casserole is a hearty, wholesome dish that combines all the delicious elements of stuffed peppers in a convenient casserole form. If you're a fan of comfort food and easy meal preparation, this Pioneer Woman-inspired stuffed pepper casserole is the perfect recipe to try. This dish blends tender rice, savory ground beef, and colorful bell peppers with a rich, cheesy topping that melts in your mouth. Whether you're cooking for a large family or looking for a satisfying meal to make in advance, this recipe has you covered. Let’s dive into this delectable dish, its ingredients, and all the tips you need to cook it to perfection.
What Is Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole?
The Pioneer Woman, also known as Ree Drummond, is famous for her hearty, family-friendly meals that don’t compromise on flavor. Her stuffed pepper casserole takes all the elements of traditional stuffed peppers and simplifies them into a one-pan meal. Instead of meticulously stuffing individual peppers, this casserole layers all the ingredients in a baking dish, making it easy to prepare and serve. Packed with flavor from ground beef, rice, onions, tomatoes, and cheese, this dish is comfort food at its finest.
Ingredients List for Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole
To get started on this dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option)
- 3 large bell peppers, diced (red, green, and yellow for color variety)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown rice works well, or you can use quinoa for added nutrition)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or use a Mexican blend for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- ¼ cup water or beef broth (optional, if the casserole needs more moisture)
Additional Ingredients for Added Flavor
For an extra burst of flavor and to elevate the dish even more, you can consider adding these ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a little heat)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds a smoky depth of flavor)
- ½ cup of chopped fresh parsley (for garnish and freshness)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (adds richness to the beef mixture)
- ½ cup of sour cream or cream cheese (for a creamier texture)
Substitutions and Variations
There are plenty of ways to customize this stuffed pepper casserole based on dietary preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas:
- Meat Substitution: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to reduce the fat content. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.
- Rice Alternatives: You can replace the rice with quinoa, cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option), or even couscous for a different texture.
- Cheese Choices: While cheddar is classic, feel free to use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even feta for a tangier taste.
- Vegetable Additions: You can add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to increase the nutritional value and vegetable content.
- Spicy Twist: Add jalapeños or use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef for an extra kick.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to make the perfect Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole:
- Prepare the Rice: Begin by cooking the rice according to package instructions. You’ll need about 2 cups of cooked rice for the casserole, so plan accordingly. You can use white, brown, or wild rice depending on your preference. Set the cooked rice aside.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Beef and Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers, cooking until softened (about 5-7 minutes). Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Beef: Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Seasonings and Tomatoes: Stir the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you’re using (like red pepper flakes or Worcestershire sauce) into the beef and vegetable mixture. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Combine with Rice: Add the cooked rice into the skillet and mix well, ensuring the rice absorbs the sauce and flavors.
- Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and transfer the beef and rice mixture into it. Spread it out evenly.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
How to Cook Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re new to casseroles or just want to ensure your dish turns out perfectly, here’s a more detailed step-by-step breakdown to help you along the way:
- Prep Time: Set aside about 15 minutes for prepping all your ingredients. Make sure the rice is cooked ahead of time and that the vegetables are diced.
- Sautéing Tips: When sautéing the vegetables, don’t rush the process. Cooking them until they’re softened ensures they’ll blend well with the beef and won’t be too crunchy in the final dish.
- Mixing with Rice: Thoroughly mixing the rice with the beef and tomato mixture ensures even distribution of flavors. If the mixture looks too dry, add ¼ cup of water or beef broth to ensure it stays moist during baking.
- Baking Tips: Be mindful of the baking time. You want the cheese to melt perfectly and turn slightly golden, but avoid overbaking as it may dry out the casserole.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Vegetables: Bell peppers and onions should be sautéed until just soft, not mushy, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Skipping the Drain: If you skip draining the excess fat from the ground beef, the casserole may turn greasy.
- Not Seasoning Enough: Taste the beef and rice mixture before placing it in the casserole dish. Don’t skimp on seasonings as they are key to a flavorful dish.
- Undercooked Rice: Make sure the rice is fully cooked before adding it to the casserole to avoid any crunchy bits.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation and serving are important to make the dish even more appealing. Here’s how you can serve your stuffed pepper casserole to impress:
- Family Style: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish for a casual, family-style meal. Place it on a trivet in the center of the table and let everyone help themselves.
- Portion Control: If you want to make individual servings, you can portion the casserole into ramekins or smaller baking dishes before baking.
- Garnishing: Top each portion with a dollop of sour cream, freshly chopped parsley, or even a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips for added texture.
How to Serve Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole
- Side Dish Options: This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
- Make-Ahead Meal: This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
Presentation Ideas for Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole
- Layered Look: After baking, the colorful layers of bell peppers, beef, rice, and cheese make for a visually stunning dish.
- Rustic Charm: Use a cast-iron skillet or a rustic baking dish to give the casserole a down-home, farmhouse feel.
- Topping Bar: Set up a toppings bar with sour cream, salsa, avocado slices, and cilantro for guests to customize their servings.
Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it, then bake it the next day.
- Freezing Instructions: This casserole freezes well. Simply cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
- Leftover Ideas: Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or oven. You can also use the leftovers as a filling for stuffed tortillas or quesadillas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it a day ahead, refrigerate it, and bake it when you’re ready.
Can I freeze stuffed pepper casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Just be sure to wrap it tightly with foil before freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the ground beef with lentils, black beans, or a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version.
What is a good substitute for rice in this recipe?
If you’re looking for a rice alternative, quinoa or cauliflower rice both work great and add unique flavors and textures to the dish.
Conclusion
The Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a perfect solution for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or meal prepping. Its hearty ingredients, customizable variations, and easy preparation make it a favorite comfort food recipe. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this dish is sure to impress with its savory, cheesy goodness. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal that hits all the right notes!
PrintPioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
This Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish made with ground beef, rice, bell peppers, and melty cheese. It's a quick and delicious alternative to traditional stuffed peppers, offering all the classic flavors in a convenient casserole format. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Bell peppers (green, red, yellow)
- Cooked rice
- Onion
- Garlic
- Tomato sauce
- Diced tomatoes
- Cheddar cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Spices (salt, pepper, Italian seasoning)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with onions and garlic. Drain any excess fat.
- Add diced bell peppers and cook until softened.
- Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and cooked rice. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Pour mixture into a casserole dish and top with cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add more veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
Leave a Reply