Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that screams “home-cooked comfort” while being incredibly easy to whip up, look no further than the Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole. This recipe takes all the beloved flavors of classic stuffed peppers and transforms them into a simple, satisfying casserole that the whole family will devour. Inspired by the queen of comforting cuisine herself, Ree Drummond, this Stuffed Pepper Casserole Pioneer Woman style combines savory ground beef, tender bell peppers, fluffy rice, and a rich tomato sauce, all blanketed in gooey melted cheese.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a crowd-pleasing meal, this casserole is destined to become a regular in your recipe rotation. Its straightforward preparation and mouthwatering taste make the Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole a true culinary winner that you’ll want to make time and time again.

What Exactly is Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole?

The Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole is essentially deconstructed stuffed peppers in casserole form. Imagine all the delicious elements of traditional stuffed bell peppers – the seasoned ground beef and rice filling, the sweet bell peppers, and the tangy tomato sauce – but instead of stuffing individual peppers, you layer them in a baking dish and top it all with cheese. This ingenious approach simplifies the cooking process significantly, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights without sacrificing any of the flavor. It’s a hearty, flavorful, and easy way to enjoy the essence of stuffed peppers without the fuss.

Why This Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe is a Must-Try

Effortless to Prepare: Say goodbye to complicated recipes! This stuffed pepper casserole pioneer woman recipe is incredibly straightforward, using simple steps and readily available ingredients. Even beginner cooks can achieve delicious results.
Bursting with Flavor: The magic lies in the combination of savory ground beef, sweet bell peppers, aromatic Italian seasoning, and tangy marinara sauce, all harmonizing under a blanket of melted mozzarella. Each bite is a symphony of comforting flavors.
Remarkably Versatile: This recipe is a fantastic base for customization. Feel free to adapt it to your family’s preferences by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or spices to create your own signature pioneer woman stuffed pepper casserole.
Family-Approved Favorite: From picky eaters to adventurous palates, this casserole is universally loved. Kids and adults alike will appreciate the familiar and comforting flavors, making it a guaranteed hit at family dinners.
Perfect Make-Ahead Meal: Meal prepping just got easier! You can assemble this casserole ahead of time and bake it later, making it a lifesaver for busy schedules or potlucks. It also freezes beautifully for future meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole

1 pound ground beef – Provides the hearty protein base of the casserole.
1 cup uncooked white rice – Adds bulk and a comforting texture to the filling.
2 cups chicken broth – Cooks the rice and adds savory depth to the casserole.
2 cups marinara sauce – Creates the tangy and flavorful tomato base. Choose your favorite brand!
1 large onion, diced – Adds aromatic sweetness and flavor to the vegetable base.
2 bell peppers, diced (any color) – The star vegetable! Use red, green, yellow, or orange peppers, or a combination for visual appeal and varied sweetness.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Essential for adding pungent, savory flavor.
1 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a touch of spice and depth.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Provides classic Italian-inspired flavor.
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully and creates a gooey, cheesy topping.
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish) – Adds a fresh, vibrant finish and visual appeal.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Preheat Your Oven: Get started by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the casserole cooks evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Continue until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease to prevent a greasy casserole.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Cook and stir the vegetables until they become tender, about 5-7 minutes. This step softens the vegetables and enhances their flavor.
Combine All Ingredients: Stir in the uncooked white rice, chicken broth, marinara sauce, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning into the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Mix everything together thoroughly to combine.
Simmer Until Rice is Tender: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and tender, and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture from the skillet into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly in the dish.
Add the Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Ensure all areas are covered for maximum cheesy goodness.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. The casserole should be heated through and fragrant.
Garnish and Serve: If desired, garnish the finished Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!

A close-up shot showcasing the delicious Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole, highlighting the melted mozzarella cheese topping, colorful bell peppers, and hearty ground beef and rice filling, ready to be served as a comforting family meal.

What to Serve Alongside Your Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Fresh Green Salad: A crisp and refreshing green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a wonderful contrast to the richness of the casserole.
Crusty Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious tomato sauce and adds a comforting carbohydrate side.
Steamed Green Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus offer a healthy and vibrant side dish that complements the casserole beautifully.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: For an extra comforting meal, serve a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes alongside the casserole.
Light Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with berries, melon, and grapes provides a sweet and light counterpoint to the savory casserole.

Essential Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Use Fresh, Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your casserole will be significantly enhanced by using fresh, high-quality vegetables and ground beef.
Don’t Skimp on Seasoning: Seasoning is key to a flavorful casserole. Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning as needed to ensure it’s perfectly seasoned to your liking.
Cook Rice Until Just Tender: Be careful not to overcook the rice during the simmering step, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Aim for rice that is just tender.
Experiment with Cheese: While mozzarella is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses for different flavor profiles.
Let it Rest Briefly: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together even further and makes it easier to serve.
Double the Batch for Leftovers or Freezing: This casserole is even better the next day! Consider doubling the recipe to have leftovers for lunch or to freeze for a future quick and easy meal.
Make it Your Own: Don’t be afraid to customize this recipe! Add your favorite vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini, or spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Delicious Variations to Try

Vegetarian Stuffed Pepper Casserole: Easily make it vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with lentils, black beans, crumbled tofu, or a plant-based ground beef substitute.
Spicy Stuffed Pepper Casserole: Add a kick of heat by incorporating diced jalapeños, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
Ground Turkey or Chicken Casserole: For a leaner option, use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of ground beef. The cooking instructions remain the same.
Mexican-Inspired Casserole: Give it a Mexican twist by adding black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and using taco seasoning instead of Italian seasoning. Top with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
Extra Cheesy Casserole: If you’re a cheese lover, use a blend of your favorite cheeses like cheddar, provolone, and Monterey Jack in addition to mozzarella for an extra gooey and flavorful topping.

Storing and Freezing Your Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Cool Completely First: Always allow the casserole to cool completely to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation and maintains the quality of the leftovers.
Store in Airtight Containers: Transfer the cooled casserole to airtight containers for storage in the refrigerator or freezer.
Refrigerate for 3-4 Days: Leftover Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freeze for Up to 3 Months: For longer storage, freeze the casserole in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze in individual portions for easy reheating.
Label and Date Everything: Don’t forget to label and date your storage containers so you know what’s inside and when it was made.

Reheating Tips for Perfect Leftovers

Oven Reheating is Best: For the best texture and flavor, reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
Microwave for Quick Reheating: For a faster option, reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium power until heated through.
Cover to Prevent Drying: Whether reheating in the oven or microwave, cover the casserole dish or plate to prevent it from drying out.
Add a Splash of Moisture: If the casserole seems a little dry after refrigeration or freezing, add a tablespoon or two of chicken broth or water before reheating to restore moisture.
Stir Occasionally for Even Heating: If microwaving, stir the casserole halfway through the reheating time to ensure even heating.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):

Calories: 400
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 700mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g

Please note that nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole in advance?

Absolutely! This Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole is an excellent make-ahead dish. You can assemble the casserole completely, up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove it from the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed to ensure it’s heated through.

How do I make this Stuffed Pepper Casserole vegetarian?

Making a vegetarian version of this stuffed pepper casserole pioneer woman style is easy! Simply substitute the ground beef with your favorite plant-based protein. Excellent options include cooked lentils, black beans (drained and rinsed), crumbled firm tofu (well-drained and seasoned), or a commercially available plant-based ground beef substitute. Ensure your chosen substitute is cooked and seasoned to your liking before incorporating it into the recipe.

Is it possible to freeze Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole successfully. Allow the baked casserole to cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then again in aluminum foil, or transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. You can also reheat it from frozen, but it will take longer.

Final Thoughts

The Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole is truly a winner when it comes to comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make meals. It’s a dish that brings families together and satisfies cravings for hearty, home-cooked goodness. With its simple ingredients, straightforward instructions, and endless versatility, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the delightful flavors of this incredible casserole. Happy cooking and enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!

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Description

Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a comforting dish that features ground beef, bell peppers, rice, and a savory tomato sauce, all baked together with melted cheese on top. This casserole captures all the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers but in a convenient, one-pan meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef
1 cup uncooked white rice
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups marinara sauce
1 large onion, diced
2 bell peppers, diced (any color)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add Vegetables: Add diced onion, bell peppers, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until vegetables are tender.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in the rice, chicken broth, marinara sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the rice is tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.