Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
There is something special about a warm casserole on a busy evening. This Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole brings together juicy beef, colorful bell peppers, rice, tomato sauce and melted cheese in one simple dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 2 green bell peppers chopped
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 can 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 can 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until nicely browned. Break it into small pieces while cooking. Drain any extra grease before moving forward.
Cook the Vegetables
- Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for about five minutes until slightly soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant and flavorful.
Season Everything
- Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, paprika and Italian seasoning. Stir well so every piece of beef and every vegetable gets coated with the delicious blend of spices.
Add the Tomato Mixture
- Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together until smooth. Let the mixture simmer gently for five minutes to build rich flavor.
Mix in the Rice
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet. Stir carefully until every grain is coated with the savory tomato mixture. This creates a hearty base that holds the casserole together.
Assemble the Casserole
- Grease your baking dish lightly. Spoon the beef and rice mixture into the dish. Spread it into an even layer using the back of a spoon for even baking.
Add the Cheese
- Cover the entire casserole with shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure every corner has cheese. This creates a rich, golden topping that becomes bubbly while baking.
Bake Until Golden
- Place the baking dish into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake for about 25 minutes until the cheese melts completely and turns lightly golden around the edges.
Garnish and Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for five minutes. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top before serving. Enjoy every warm and cheesy bite with your favorite side dish.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for less grease.
- Fresh bell peppers give the best flavor.
- Cook the rice before mixing it in.
- Grate cheese fresh for better melting.
- Let the casserole rest before serving.
- Add extra vegetables for more nutrition.
- Taste the sauce before baking.
- Use fresh parsley for a bright finish.