Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

If there’s one dish that brings family and friends together any night of the week, it’s this cozy and flavor-packed Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole. Imagine all the savory goodness of classic stuffed peppers—meaty, cheesy, hearty—but in pure casserole form, one bubbling pan straight out of the oven. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights, impressive enough for weekend potlucks, and so satisfying you’ll want seconds (maybe even thirds). Comfort food doesn’t get much better than this!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole comes from its straightforward ingredients—each one playing a special role in the casserole’s texture, color, and rich home-cooked flavor. These staples are probably already sitting in your pantry or fridge, waiting to be transformed into something delicious.

• Lean ground beef: Brings a hearty, savory base to every forkful, while keeping things leaner.
• Bell peppers (2 large, seeded and diced): Lots of color and a sweet crunch—any color combo brightens the dish.
• Onion (peeled and diced): Adds irresistible depth and a subtle sweetness.
• Beef stock (1 ½ cups): Rich liquid gold that ensures the rice cooks up tender and full of flavor.
• Diced tomatoes (15 ounces): Juicy, tangy tomatoes are a key player in classic stuffed peppers.
• Uncooked long-grain white rice (1 cup): Soaks up all those flavors and adds the perfect amount of body.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Melty, bubbly, cheesy topping that makes everyone swoon—save some for the top!
• Worcestershire sauce (3 tablespoons): The secret ingredient that adds big umami punch.
• Garlic cloves (3, minced): Aromatic, savory backbone for the whole casserole.
• Montreal Grill Seasoning (1 ½ teaspoons): A ready-made blend of spices that saves time but adds big flavor.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for boosting every ingredient.
• Pepper (½ teaspoon): A little kick for balance.
• Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon, or regular): Deep, smoky complexity—smoked or regular, both work beautifully.

How to Make Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Kitchen

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s piping hot and ready for that casserole. Give your favorite 9×13 casserole dish a spritz with non-stick spray—this keeps cleanup easy and ensures every slice slides out perfectly.

Step 2: Sauté the Meat and Veggies

Grab a large, deep pan and set it over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns. While that sizzles away, chop your bell peppers and onion—they’ll add color, crunch, and sweetness. Toss them, along with the minced garlic, into the pan as the beef cooks so everything gets nice and aromatic.

Step 3: Season and Combine Ingredients

Once your beef is mostly cooked and the veggies have softened, sprinkle in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Montreal Grill Seasoning. Give it all a good stir. Then it’s time to add the beef stock, diced tomatoes, uncooked rice, and all but half a cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure to mix well—the rice needs to be evenly distributed for the best bite every time!

Step 4: Bake to Bubbling Perfection

Transfer your beautiful mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese over the top for an extra cheesy crust. Cover the whole thing with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for about 45 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly, the liquid is absorbed, and the cheese is melted through.

Step 5: Broil and Rest

If you’re a fan of that golden, slightly crispy cheese top, remove the foil and set your casserole under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes. Watch closely—it browns fast! Let the Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole rest for 15 minutes out of the oven so it’s easier to serve and each square holds its shape.

How to Serve Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Garnishes

Sprinkle the top with freshly chopped parsley, sliced green onions, or a pinch of extra smoked paprika. For a little zing, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce never hurts. These quick garnishes make every serving look and taste even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a meal in itself, but it shines alongside a crisp green salad, a platter of buttered corn, or some warm, crusty bread. The fresh veggies and bread are perfect for scooping up every cheesy, savory bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon generous portions into colorful bowls, or serve in individual ramekins for a dinner party twist. Leftover casserole makes delicious stuffed pepper wraps or even baked potato toppings—who says you can’t reinvent it?

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your casserole cool completely before covering tightly with foil or transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors are even better the second day!

Freezing

Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole freezes beautifully. Simply assemble, cook and cool the casserole completely, then wrap tightly in layers of foil and plastic wrap. For best results, freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat individual slices in the microwave, or the whole dish covered with foil in a 350-degree oven until warmed through. If the casserole looks a little dry, splash a tablespoon or two of beef stock over it before warming.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage would work well in this casserole—feel free to use your family’s favorite or whatever you have on hand.

Is it possible to make this Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef stock for a delicious meatless version.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

You can, but brown rice takes longer to cook and may need extra liquid. Consider partially cooking it first, or add more beef stock and extend the baking time until the rice is tender.

What’s the best cheese alternative?

Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, Colby, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend are all fantastic. For a bit of spice, try pepper jack cheese!

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole is ready when the rice is soft, the cheese is melted and golden, and the mixture is hot and bubbly throughout. Letting it rest makes for easier serving and even better flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that feels like a warm hug at the table, Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole is calling your name. Give it a try soon—you might just find yourself making it on repeat all year long!

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