Hamdi Saidani Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole is one of the best and easiest oven-baked stuffed pepper casseroles ever. This recipe is made with ground beef, bell peppers, cooked rice (white or brown), and other tasty ingredients and seasonings. This Stuffed Pepper Casserole takes about 45 mintues to done baking and can serve 6 persons. This cheesy Stuffed Pepper Casserole is much way better than undone or traditional Mexican Stuffed Pepper Casserole.
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Stuffed Pepper Casserole Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 large bell peppers seeded and diced
- 1 onion peeled and diced
- 1 ½ cups beef stock
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes
- 1 cup long-grain uncooked white rice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons Montreal Grill Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika(you can use regular paprika)
How To Make The Best Stuffed Pepper Casserole In The Oven
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, prepare your 9×13 casserole dish by spraying it with a non-stick cooking spray.
- Cooking the Meat and Vegetables: Place a large, deep pan over medium heat and brown your ground beef. As the meat cooks, chop your bell peppers and onion, and add them to the pan. Also, mince your garlic and add it to the mix.
- Adding the Seasonings and Remaining Ingredients: Next, add your Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and grill seasoning to the pan. Stir everything together to ensure the ingredients are well combined. Then, add all the rest of the ingredients, but remember to keep aside half a cup of the shredded cheese.
- Baking the Casserole: Transfer the mixture from the pan into your prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover the dish with aluminum foil, and bake in the preheated oven. You’ll know it’s done when all the liquid has been absorbed, the cheese has melted, and the casserole is hot and bubbly. This should take about 45 minutes.
- Broiling and Resting: If you want a browned cheese top, remove the foil and place the casserole under the broiler for 3-5 minutes. Once done, let the casserole rest for about 15 minutes before serving.
How To Make This Stuffed Pepper Casserole In Skillet
You can still prepare this Stuffed Pepper Casserole in a skillet over the stovetop. Here’s how:
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your bell peppers and onion, mincing your garlic, and measuring out your seasonings.
- Cook the Meat and Veggies: Heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef and brown it. As the meat cooks, add your chopped bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic.
- Add the Seasonings and Remaining Ingredients: Next, add your Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and grill seasoning. Stir everything together to combine. Then, add all the remaining ingredients, but remember to keep aside half a cup of the shredded cheese.
- Simmer the Casserole: Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer over medium-low heat until all the liquid has been absorbed, the rice is cooked, and the cheese has melted. This should take about 20-25 minutes.
- Let it Rest: Remove the skillet from heat and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together for an even tastier dish.
How To Make This Stuffed Pepper Casserole In Instant Pot Or Crock Pot
If you want to use an Instant Pot or Crock Pot, follow these steps:
- Prepare Your Ingredients: As with the skillet method, start by chopping your bell peppers and onion, mincing your garlic, and measuring out your seasonings.
- Cook the Meat and Veggies: Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function or your Crock Pot to high heat. Add your ground beef and brown it. As the meat cooks, add your chopped bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic.
- Add the Seasonings and Remaining Ingredients: Add your Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and grill seasoning. Stir everything together to combine. Then, add all the remaining ingredients, but remember to keep aside half a cup of the shredded cheese.
- Cook the Casserole: If using an Instant Pot, secure the lid and set the pressure cook function for 7 minutes. If using a Crock Pot, cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-6 hours.
- Add the Final Touches: Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally if using an Instant Pot. Then, stir in the reserved cheese until it melts. If using a Crock Pot, simply stir in the cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together for an even tastier dish. Enjoy your Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole!
How To Make Vegan Stuffed Pepper Casserole:
For a vegan version of this Stuffed Pepper Casserole, you’ll need to make a few simple substitutions:
- Ground Beef Substitute: Replace ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute. You can use 1 pound of your favorite brand. If you prefer a whole food option, you could use a similar amount of lentils or finely chopped mushrooms.
- Cheese Substitute: Omit the regular cheese and use vegan cheese instead. Use 2 cups of your favorite vegan cheese that melts well.
- Beef Stock Substitute: Replace the beef stock with vegetable stock. Use the same amount, 1 ½ cups.
Follow the same cooking instructions as the original recipe but with these vegan substitutes.
How To Make Vegetarian Stuffed Pepper Casserole:
The vegetarian version of this casserole is very similar to the vegan version. You can use the same substitutes for ground beef and beef stock. However, you can use regular cheese if you consume dairy products. If not, stick with the vegan cheese substitute.
Remember, the key to a successful vegetarian or vegan dish is to ensure that the substitutes you use still provide a balance of flavors that’s close to the original recipe.
What to Serve with Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Stuffed pepper casserole goes well with salads like arugula salad or broccoli salad. This combo will give you a healthy and fresh dinner. I love to serve my stuffed pepper casserole with a bowl of cold gazpacho soup as an appetizer and some toasted bread.
How To Make This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Keto
To make this stuffed pepper casserole keto-friendly, simply substitute the rice with cauliflower rice, just use 1 cup of cauliflower rice. Also, instead of canned tomatoes, use freshly crushed tomatoes to reduce the sugar. As for the cheese, it’s okay to keep it as is; there’s no need to replace it.
How To Make Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Ahead
Yes, you can make stuffed peppers 1 day in advance. Just follow these steps:
- Prepare the vegetables and the casserole as per the recipe, but stop before adding the cheese topping.
- Instead, cover the dish with plastic wrap and transfer it to the fridge.
- When you are ready to bake it, remove it from the fridge and let it rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheese on top and bake it for 45 minutes.
- Don’t forget to let it rest for about 15 minutes before serving.
How To Store Leftover Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Cooked stuffed pepper casserole can last in the fridge for 2-3 days. To store it correctly, first, let it cool until it reaches room temperature. Then, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and transfer it to the fridge.
You will know that the stuffed pepper casserole has gone bad if there is a noticeable change in color or if it emits a foul smell. In such cases, it is best to discard it.
How To Freeze Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Stuffed pepper casserole can be stored in the freezer for a longer shelf life and can last for about 2-3 months if frozen properly. To freeze it correctly, divide the casserole into individual servings. Place each serving in freezer bags and write the freeze date on each bag. Then, place them in the freezer.
When you’re ready to serve it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. It should be fully defrosted by the next morning.
How To Reheat Stuffed Pepper Casserole
For refrigerated stuffed pepper casserole, you should reheat it in the oven for about 10-15 minutes at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying. Alternatively, you can also reheat it in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
For the frozen stuffed pepper casserole, you should thaw it first, and then reheat it in the oven uncovered for about 15 minutes at 350 to allow any excess water to evaporate.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole Nutrition Facts
Amout Per Serving:
- Calories: 507kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 27g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 93mg
- Sodium: 692mg
- Potassium: 705mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Vitamin A: 1798IU
- Vitamin C: 60mg
- Calcium: 344mg
- Iron: 4mg
FAQs
Can I Use Taco In Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Yes, you can use taco seasoning in the Stuffed Pepper Casserole for a Mexican twist. Simply replace the grill seasoning with your favorite taco seasoning. The amount would be the same, 1 ½ teaspoons.
Can I Use Quinoa Instead Of Rice?
Yes, you can substitute quinoa for rice in this recipe. However, you would need to adjust the amount of liquid according to the quinoa water ratio. Start with 2 cups of cooked quinoa and adjust the liquid as needed. The cooking time might also be slightly less than when using rice.
Can I Use Orzo In This Recipe?
Yes, orzo can be used as a substitute for rice in this recipe. However, the cooking time and liquid ratio might need to be adjusted. Start with the amount of liquid that the orzo package calls for and monitor the casserole closely to prevent it from drying out.
Can I Use Brown Rice In This Recipe?
Yes, you can use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe. However, keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice. Therefore, you will need to increase the cooking time to ensure the rice is fully cooked. Start with the same amount of rice and liquid, and extend the cooking time by about 15 minutes. Check the casserole regularly to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
More Casserole Recipes:
- Chicken And Rice Casserole
- Contessa Green Bean Casserole
- Beef Casserole
- Broccoli Casserole
- Tuna Casserole
Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Description
Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole is one of the best and easiest oven-baked stuffed pepper casseroles ever. This recipe is made with ground beef, bell peppers, cooked rice (white or brown), and other tasty ingredients and seasonings. This Stuffed Pepper Casserole takes about 45 mintues to done baking and can serve 6 persons. This cheesy Stuffed Pepper Casserole is much way better than undone or traditional Mexican Stuffed Pepper Casserole.
Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole Ingredients
Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, prepare your 9×13 casserole dish by spraying it with a non-stick cooking spray.
- Cooking the Meat and Vegetables: Place a large, deep pan over medium heat and brown your ground beef. As the meat cooks, chop your bell peppers and onion, and add them to the pan. Also, mince your garlic and add it to the mix.
- Adding the Seasonings and Remaining Ingredients: Next, add your Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and grill seasoning to the pan. Stir everything together to ensure the ingredients are well combined. Then, add all the rest of the ingredients, but remember to keep aside half a cup of the shredded cheese.
- Baking the Casserole: Transfer the mixture from the pan into your prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover the dish with aluminum foil, and bake in the preheated oven. You’ll know it’s done when all the liquid has been absorbed, the cheese has melted, and the casserole is hot and bubbly. This should take about 45 minutes.
- Broiling and Resting: If you want a browned cheese top, remove the foil and place the casserole under the broiler for 3-5 minutes. Once done, let the casserole rest for about 15 minutes before serving.
