Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a comforting and hearty baked dish that blends seasoned ground beef with diced bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and rice. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, this one-dish meal captures the flavors of classic stuffed peppers in an easy and satisfying way, perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 large bell peppers, seeded and diced
• 1 onion, peeled and diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups beef stock
• 15 ounces diced tomatoes
• 1 cup long-grain uncooked white rice
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 ½ teaspoons Montreal Grill Seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (can use regular paprika)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (keep aside ½ cup for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9×13 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large, deep pan over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Add diced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic to the pan and cook until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Montreal Grill Seasoning until well combined. Then add diced tomatoes, beef stock, uncooked rice, and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly, reserving ½ cup cheese for topping.
4. Step 4: Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for about 45 minutes, until the rice is cooked, liquid absorbed, cheese melted, and the casserole is bubbly.
5. Step 5: Remove the foil and broil for 3-5 minutes to brown the cheese topping, watching carefully to prevent burning. Let the casserole rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and make portioning easier.

Tips & Variations

• Use regular paprika if you don’t have smoked paprika on hand.
• For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes when seasoning.
• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter casserole.
• Make sure to cover the casserole during baking to keep the cheese moist and prevent drying.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through for best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend for a different flavor and texture.

Is it possible to prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.