Description

Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a comforting, hearty baked dish featuring seasoned ground beef mixed with diced bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, rice, and beef stock, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. This casserole combines classic stuffed pepper flavors into an easy-to-make, one-dish meal perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

1 pound lean ground beef
2 large bell peppers, seeded and diced
1 onion, peeled and diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Other Ingredients

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

Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a 9×13 casserole dish by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Cooking the Meat and Vegetables: Place a large, deep pan over medium heat and brown the lean ground beef until fully cooked. While the meat cooks, chop the bell peppers and onion and add them to the pan. Mince the garlic cloves and add them as well, cooking until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Adding the Seasonings and Remaining Ingredients: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Montreal Grill Seasoning, ensuring all ingredients are combined well. Next, add diced tomatoes, beef stock, uncooked rice, and 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly but keep aside ½ cup of shredded cheese for topping later.
Baking the Casserole: Transfer the entire mixture from the pan into your prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese evenly on top. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the rice is cooked, the liquid is absorbed, the cheese is melted, and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Broiling and Resting: For a golden, browned cheese topping, remove the foil and place the casserole under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning. After broiling, let the casserole rest for about 15 minutes to set before serving, allowing flavors to meld and easier portioning.

Notes

You can use regular paprika instead of smoked paprika if desired.
If you prefer a spicier casserole, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes when seasoning.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
Make sure to cover the casserole during baking to prevent the cheese from drying out.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Stuffed Pepper Casserole, Ground Beef Casserole, Cheese Casserole, Easy Dinner, Weeknight Meal, Pioneer Woman Recipe