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  1. Food and Cooking
  2. Recipes
  3. Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Just like the classic dish, but even easier.

By Ree DrummondPublished: Jan 15, 2025
Star FillStar FillStar FillStar FillHalf Star
4.7
6 Ratings
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the pioneer woman's stuffed pepper casserole recipe
Will Dickey
Yields:
6 serving(s)
Prep Time:
40 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 45 mins

Do you love stuffed peppers but are short on patience? Boy, have I got a solution for you. This weeknight dish tastes just like classic stuffed peppers but in one easy-to-assemble casserole.

This stuffed pepper casserole is based off my favorite stuffed bell peppers recipe, which is also similar to the stuffed peppers my mom always made when I was growing up. In addition to the usual rice, beef, and cheese, there's fresh zucchini and tomatoes. I like the extra veggies and my kids are none the wiser! As far as ground beef casseroles go, this is one I make year-round. Plus, it reheats beautifully so you can cook once and eat it all week. Talk about easy family meal ideas!

Do you have to pre-cook the rice?

No, and that's part of what makes this so easy. You assemble the casserole with uncooked rice. Rest assured, there's enough liquid in the casserole to cook the rice, plus you bake it covered which helps the rice steam.

Can you make stuffed pepper casserole ahead of time?

This casserole should be baked just after it is assemble so the rice cooks properly. If you want to work ahead, you can bake it as directed, let it cool, cover, and refrigerate for up to two days. Then just reheat the entire casserole in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven, covered with foil, for 20 to 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

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Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp.

    olive oil, plus more for the baking dish

  • 1

    medium yellow onion, chopped

  • 1

    red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces

  • 1

    green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces

  • 1 lb.

    ground beef (80/20)

  • 2 Tbsp.

    tomato paste

  • 1 1/2 tsp.

    kosher salt

  • 1 tsp.

    ground cumin

  • 1 tsp.

    paprika

  • 1/2 tsp.

    black pepper

  • 4

    garlic cloves, finely chopped

  • 4

    vine-ripened tomatoes, chopped

  • 1

    large zucchini, quartered lengthwise and sliced

  • 2 cups

    chicken broth

  • 1 cup

    long-grain white rice

  • 1/4 cup

    fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, plus more for sprinkling

  • 1 Tbsp.

    Worcestershire sauce

  • 2 cups

    shredded pepper jack cheese (about 8 ounces)

Directions

    1. Step 1Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 3-quart baking dish with oil.
    2. Step 2In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until the beef is cooked through and browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the tomato paste, salt, cumin, paprika, black pepper, and garlic; cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Add the tomatoes and zucchini and cook until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. 
    3. Step 3Stir in the chicken broth, rice, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, and 1 cup of the cheese. Remove from heat and spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
    4. Step 4Bake until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, 50 minutes to 1 hour. Remove the foil and stir the casserole. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup cheese. Increase the oven to broil.
    5. Step 5Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, 2 to 3 minutes. Allow to cool 5 minutes before sprinkling with more parsley and serving.
Love this recipe? Try one of these next!
  • Stuffed Bell Peppers
  • Stuffed Pepper Soup
  • Sausage and Egg Stuffed Peppers
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