Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

Sometimes the best comfort food comes from taking a beloved classic and making it even easier to enjoy. That’s exactly what happens with this Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole recipe. Instead of spending time hollowing out individual peppers, I’ve transformed all those amazing flavors into a hearty, family-friendly casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

This dish captures everything I love about traditional stuffed peppers – the sweet bell peppers, savory ground beef, tender rice, and melted cheese – but serves it up in a way that’s much simpler to prepare and serve. Let me walk you through creating this crowd-pleasing casserole that’s become a regular in my meal rotation.

What is Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole?

Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a deconstructed version of the classic stuffed pepper dish, inspired by Ree Drummond’s approachable cooking style. Instead of individual stuffed peppers, all the traditional ingredients are layered and baked together in one convenient casserole dish.

This recipe takes the essence of stuffed peppers – ground beef, rice, bell peppers, onions, and cheese – and transforms them into a comforting, one-dish meal. The result is all the familiar flavors you love, but with much less prep work and easier serving. It’s the kind of practical, delicious cooking that the Pioneer Woman is known for.

The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity and versatility. You get tender bell peppers, perfectly seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and plenty of melted cheese in every bite. It’s comfort food at its finest, designed to feed a family without the fuss of traditional stuffed pepper preparation.

Ingredients List for Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• 1½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 bell peppers (mix of red, green, and yellow), chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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

Making this Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole is straightforward, but following these detailed steps will ensure the best results every time. Here’s how I prepare this comforting dish:

1. Prepare Your Oven and Dish:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
• This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking during the baking process.

2. Brown the Ground Beef:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
• Cook for 6-8 minutes until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
• Season with salt and pepper during cooking for better flavor distribution.

3. Add the Aromatics:

• Add diced onion to the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
• Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
• The onions should be translucent and the garlic should release its aroma without burning.

4. Incorporate the Peppers:

• Add the chopped bell peppers to the skillet.
• Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until peppers begin to soften.
• They should still have some bite to them since they’ll continue cooking in the oven.

5. Season the Mixture:

• Add Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and paprika to the beef mixture.
• Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
• This step builds the flavor foundation for the entire casserole.

6. Add Liquids and Rice:

• Stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, and beef broth.
• Mix thoroughly to ensure the rice is evenly distributed.
• The liquid should just cover the rice mixture; add more broth if needed.

7. Transfer to Casserole Dish:

• Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish.
• Spread it evenly with a spoon to ensure uniform cooking.
• Cover tightly with aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss.

8. Bake the Casserole:

• Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
• Check that the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
• If the rice needs more time, cover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.

9. Add the Cheese:

• Remove the foil and sprinkle 1½ cups of cheddar cheese and all the mozzarella over the top.
• Return to the oven, uncovered, for 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
• The top should be golden and the cheese should be completely melted.

10. Rest and Serve:

• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with remaining cheddar cheese and fresh parsley.
• This resting time helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the things I love about this Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole is how adaptable it is to different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

Meat Alternatives: Ground turkey, chicken, or pork work well instead of beef. For a leaner option, try 93/7 ground beef. You can even use a combination of different ground meats for more complex flavor.

Rice Variations: Brown rice can be substituted, but increase the cooking time by 15-20 minutes and add extra liquid. Wild rice blend creates an interesting texture, while cauliflower rice makes it lower in carbs.

Cheese Options: Try pepper jack for heat, Monterey Jack for mildness, or a Mexican cheese blend for different flavor profiles. Cream cheese can be added for extra richness.

Vegetable Additions: Corn kernels, diced zucchini, or mushrooms can be added for extra nutrition and texture. Frozen vegetables work too – just thaw and drain first.

Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a packet of taco seasoning for more heat and southwestern flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Having made this casserole many times, I’ve learned to avoid these common pitfalls that can affect the final result:

Using Too Little Liquid: The rice needs adequate liquid to cook properly. If your casserole seems dry, add more broth before baking. Remember, some liquid will evaporate during cooking.

Skipping the Foil Cover: Covering the casserole during the initial baking is crucial for proper rice cooking and preventing the top from burning before the inside is done.

Overcooking the Peppers: Since the peppers will continue cooking in the oven, don’t cook them until completely soft in the skillet. They should still have some firmness.

Not Letting It Rest: Serving immediately after baking can result in a watery casserole. The 5-minute rest allows everything to set properly.

Using Pre-Cooked Rice: This recipe is designed for uncooked rice. Pre-cooked rice will become mushy and overcooked in the casserole.

How to Serve Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole

This hearty casserole is practically a complete meal on its own, but I like to serve it with a few simple accompaniments that complement the flavors without overwhelming the dish.

A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole. The acidity in the dressing helps cut through the richness of the cheese and beef. I often use a simple mixed green salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette.

Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce and making the meal feel more substantial. Garlic bread is always a hit with my family, but even simple buttered rolls work wonderfully.

For beverages, I find that this casserole pairs well with iced tea, lemonade, or even a light beer. The key is choosing something that won’t compete with the bold flavors of the dish.

Presentation Ideas for Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole

While this is definitely comfort food, there are ways to make your Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole look more appealing when serving to guests or for special occasions.

Individual Portions: Serve in small ramekins or cast-iron skillets for an upscale presentation. This works especially well for dinner parties where you want to make a good impression.

Garnish Thoughtfully: Fresh herbs like chopped parsley, cilantro, or chives add color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on each serving provides a cooling contrast.

Colorful Toppings: Diced avocado, sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of paprika can make the dish more visually appealing and add extra flavor layers.

Family-Style Serving: Present the casserole in the baking dish at the table with a large serving spoon. This creates a homey, welcoming atmosphere that fits the Pioneer Woman aesthetic.

Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe Tips

After making this recipe countless times, I’ve gathered some tips that consistently produce the best results:

Choose the Right Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend provides the best flavor and moisture without being too greasy. Drain excess fat after browning to prevent a greasy casserole.

Don’t Skip the Worcestershire: This ingredient adds depth and umami that really makes the flavors pop. It’s a small amount that makes a big difference.

Test the Rice: Before adding cheese, make sure the rice is tender. Undercooked rice will remain crunchy even after the cheese is added and melted.

Layer Flavors: Season at each step rather than adding all seasonings at once. This builds more complex, well-developed flavors throughout the dish.

Use Quality Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded and provides superior flavor and texture.

Make It Ahead: This casserole can be assembled up to the point of adding cheese, covered, and refrigerated overnight. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

How to Store Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy leftovers safely and deliciously. Allow the casserole to cool completely at room temperature, but don’t leave it out for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.

Transfer leftovers to airtight containers or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. The casserole will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

For reheating, I prefer using the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Microwave reheating works for individual portions, but may result in uneven heating and slightly different texture.

This casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or use freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole (without the final cheese topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then add the cheese and bake when ready. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook. Increase the baking time by 15-20 minutes and add an extra ½ cup of broth. Check periodically to ensure it doesn’t dry out.

Q: What if I don’t have beef broth?
A: Chicken broth works well, or you can use vegetable broth. Even water with a bouillon cube will work in a pinch, though the flavor won’t be quite as rich.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, this casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. I recommend freezing it before adding the final cheese layer for best results. Thaw completely before baking and add fresh cheese on top.

Q: How do I know when the rice is fully cooked?
A: The rice should be tender when you bite into it, and most of the liquid should be absorbed. If there’s still liquid and the rice is hard, cover and continue baking in 10-minute increments.

Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Definitely! Corn, zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots all work well. Just keep in mind that some vegetables release more water than others, so you may need to adjust the liquid accordingly.

Conclusion

This Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole recipe has become one of my go-to comfort food dishes, and I think you’ll understand why once you try it. It takes all the beloved flavors of traditional stuffed peppers and transforms them into something that’s easier to make, easier to serve, and just as satisfying to eat.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and reliability. You don’t need any special techniques or hard-to-find ingredients – just good quality basics combined thoughtfully. The result is a hearty, cheesy, flavorful casserole that pleases adults and kids alike.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight, preparing for a potluck gathering, or just wanting some serious comfort food, this casserole delivers. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a staple in your meal rotation because it’s both delicious and practical.

I encourage you to make this recipe your own by trying different variations and substitutions. That’s the Pioneer Woman way – taking a good foundation and adapting it to suit your family’s tastes and needs. Happy cooking, and I hope this casserole brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine!