Description
Craving the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers without the extra prep? Pioneer-Style Stuffed Pepper Casserole brings all the savory goodness of bell peppers, ground beef, and melty cheese into a simple, one-pan dish. It’s a quick, comforting, and family-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 can, with juices)
- 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 (or regular paprika)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the diced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the beef stock, diced tomatoes (with juices), Worcestershire sauce, Montreal seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the uncooked rice and stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Simmer the Casserole: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Add Cheese and Bake : Once the rice is fully cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the skillet and let it cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, just until the cheese melts. (Optional) For a golden-brown top, place the skillet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot. Pair it with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
✔ Substitutions – Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles instead of beef.
✔ Make it Spicy – Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
✔ Storage – Keeps in the fridge for 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
✔ Reheating – Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave in 30-second intervals
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop & Baking
- Cuisine: American