Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole is like your favorite stuffed peppers all rolled into one easy, cozy dish. It’s packed with ground beef, peppers, rice, and cheese, all baked together until bubbly and delicious. The combination of hearty meat, tender peppers, and gooey cheese makes it super comforting without any fuss.
I love making this casserole when I want a homey meal that feels special but doesn’t take forever to prepare. What really gets me is how the flavors blend together so naturally—each bite has just the right mix of sweetness from the peppers and richness from the beef and cheese. It’s one of those dishes that always brings a smile to the table.
One great tip I have is to use a mix of bell peppers for color and a little sweetness. I like to serve it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up all the tasty bits. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels like a warm hug, and leftovers taste just as good the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bell Peppers: Using a mix of red, yellow, and green peppers adds color and a nice balance of sweetness and mild earthiness. If you prefer a milder flavor, stick to yellow or orange peppers only.
Ground Beef: You can swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. For a vegetarian twist, try cooked lentils or plant-based ground meat.
Rice: White rice works well here, but brown rice adds nuttier flavor and more fiber. Leftover cooked rice saves time and keeps the casserole from getting mushy.
Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully, giving a gooey, creamy topping. If you want extra richness, add some cheddar or Monterey Jack. For dairy-free options, use vegan cheese.
How Do You Get Peppers Tender but Not Mushy?
Cooking peppers just right can be tricky. Here’s how to keep them tender yet firm in this casserole:
- Slice the peppers in halves, not too thin to avoid them turning to mush.
- Place peppers cut side up in the baking dish so the filling stays inside.
- Cover loosely with foil for the first 25 mins to steam peppers gently.
- Remove foil for the last 10 mins to let cheese brown and peppers finish cooking without over-softening.
This method ensures tender, flavorful peppers that hold their shape well under the delicious beef and cheese topping.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for browning ground beef and sautéing onions and garlic evenly.
- Sharp knife – essential for slicing bell peppers cleanly and safely.
- Cutting board – keeps your work surface safe and tidy while prepping veggies.
- Glass casserole dish (around 9×13 inches) – evenly bakes the peppers and lets you see how bubbly the cheese gets.
- Aluminum foil – helps steam the peppers while baking to keep them tender.
- Spoon or spatula – handy for stirring the filling and filling the pepper halves.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meal that still packs protein.
- Add chopped mushrooms or zucchini to the filling for extra veggies and moisture.
- Stir in cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a different texture and extra nutrients.
- Mix in some shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a sharper, spicier cheese flavor.
Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, green), halved and seeded
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 35 minutes of baking time. Altogether, expect about 50 minutes from start to finish, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Arrange the Peppers:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a glass casserole dish. Slice the bell peppers in half lengthwise, removing seeds and membranes, then arrange the halves cut side up in your casserole dish.
2. Cook the Filling:
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef, and cook while breaking it apart with a spatula until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
3. Mix and Fill:
Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, cooked rice, marinara or spaghetti sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the skillet mixture. Cook for another 3-4 minutes to combine flavors and warm everything. Spoon this beef mixture evenly into the pepper halves laid out in the casserole dish.
4. Bake with Cheese:
Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the stuffed peppers. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the peppers are tender.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the casserole for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Bell Peppers for This Casserole?
Yes, you can use frozen bell peppers—just make sure to thaw and drain them well before assembling the casserole to prevent excess moisture from making the dish soggy.
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I Substitute the Rice for Something Else?
Sure! Try cooked quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even cooked couscous as a tasty alternative that changes the texture and boosts nutrients.
