Description
Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering Stuffed Pepper Casserole, blending classic bell pepper flavors with hearty ground beef and rice. Delightful layers of melted cheese and savory seasonings promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Vegetables:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
Tomato and Rice Base:
- 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces / 227 grams) tomato sauce
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) cooked rice
Cheese and Seasoning:
- 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Brown ground beef and diced onions in a large skillet over medium heat, carefully draining any accumulated fat.
- Add chopped green and red bell peppers to the meat mixture, sautéing until vegetables become slightly softened and translucent.
- Incorporate diced tomatoes, tangy tomato sauce, pre-cooked rice, and season with salt and black pepper, allowing the mixture to simmer and meld flavors for approximately 5 minutes.
- Transfer the robust meat and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the entire surface of the casserole, creating a uniform cheese layer.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, monitoring until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
- Remove from oven, let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow flavors to settle, then serve piping hot for maximum enjoyment.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the dish.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter protein option.
- Precook rice slightly less than normal to prevent becoming mushy during the baking process.
- Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for an extra flavor kick that elevates the entire casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg