If you’re looking for a hearty, delicious, and easy-to-make meal, the Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole is your perfect choice. This dish combines the savory flavors of stuffed peppers with the convenience of a one-pan casserole. Inspired by the famous Pioneer Woman, this recipe features ground beef, bell peppers, rice, and a savory tomato sauce, all topped with melted cheese.
Ideal for family dinners or gatherings with friends, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household. With its simple preparation and irresistible taste, the Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a must-try recipe that you’ll come back to again and again.
What is Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole?
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.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and common ingredients make this casserole a breeze to prepare.
- Flavorful: The combination of beef, peppers, rice, and cheese creates a delicious and satisfying meal.
- Versatile: Can be customized with different ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners.
- Make-Ahead: Can be prepared in advance and baked when ready to serve.
Ingredients Needed for Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole
- 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 to Make Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole
- 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.
What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole
- Green Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad pairs perfectly with the richness of the casserole.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed vegetables add a healthy side option.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the flavors nicely.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad offers a sweet contrast to the savory dish.
Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality meat make a big difference in flavor.
- Season Well: Don’t skimp on the seasoning to ensure a flavorful casserole.
- Cook Rice Properly: Make sure the rice is fully cooked before adding to the baking dish.
- Cheese Variety: Try using different types of cheese for added flavor.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to let the flavors meld.
- Double the Recipe: Make a double batch and freeze one for a quick meal later.
- Customize: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own.
Variations of Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute ground beef with a plant-based protein or additional vegetables.
- Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapenos or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Different Meats: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Mexican-Inspired: Add black beans, corn, and use taco seasoning for a Mexican twist.
- Cheese Lovers: Use a blend of cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella for extra cheesiness.
Storing Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole: Best Practices
- Cool Completely: Let the casserole cool completely before storing to prevent condensation.
- Airtight Container: Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Refrigerate: Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Label and Date: Always label and date your storage containers for easy identification.
Reheating Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole: Best Practices
- Oven Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: For a quicker option, reheat individual portions in the microwave.
- Cover with Foil: Cover the casserole with foil while reheating to prevent it from drying out.
- Add Moisture: Add a splash of broth or water before reheating to keep the rice moist.
- Stir Occasionally: Stir occasionally during reheating to ensure even heating.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
FAQs
Can I make Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole ahead of time. Prepare the casserole as directed, but do not bake it. Cover the baking dish with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.
How can I make Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole vegetarian?
To make Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based protein such as lentils, black beans, or a meat substitute like tofu crumbles. Follow the same cooking instructions, ensuring the plant-based protein is cooked and seasoned well before combining it with the other ingredients. This variation retains all the delicious flavors of the original recipe while being suitable for vegetarians.
Can I freeze Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole. After assembling the casserole, allow it to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 30-35 minutes.
Final Words
The Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a delightful dish that brings comfort and joy to any meal. With its easy preparation, versatile ingredients, and rich flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy this comforting casserole with your family and friends, and make it a staple in your recipe collection. Happy cooking!
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Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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
- 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.
