Description
Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering Stuffed Pepper Casserole that brings classic Mexican flavors to your dinner table. Layers of seasoned ground beef, rice, peppers, and melted cheese create a hearty one-dish meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large bell peppers, chopped (any color)
Grains and Liquid Base:
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 14.5 ounces (414 grams) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 15 ounces (425 grams) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal environment for the casserole to bake evenly.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat, ensuring a rich, caramelized texture. Carefully drain any excess fat to prevent a greasy dish.
- Introduce chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté until vegetables become tender and fragrant, releasing their natural flavors, approximately 5 minutes.
- Incorporate diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, and broth into the skillet. Fold in cooked rice and a blend of herbs and spices, mixing thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Transfer the aromatic mixture to a generously greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it uniformly to ensure consistent cooking.
- Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. If desired, remove the foil, sprinkle cheese across the surface, and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes golden.
- Allow the casserole to rest briefly after removing from the oven, enabling it to set and cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish before serving.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version that maintains the hearty texture and protein content.
- Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to create a lower-carb alternative that keeps the dish’s delicious flavor profile.
- Consider adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for an extra depth of flavor that elevates the casserole’s taste complexity.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time to make this a quick weeknight meal, storing chopped vegetables and cooked meat separately in the refrigerator for easy assembly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 295 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg