Description
Hearty stuffed pepper casserole delivers classic Mexican-inspired flavors with ground beef and rice. Cheesy layers and zesty seasonings create a comforting meal you can enjoy with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (0.45 kilogram) ground beef
- 1 cup (200 grams) uncooked white rice
- 3 bell peppers, chopped
Vegetable and Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) tomato sauce
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
Seasoning and Cheese Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Sauté ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until completely browned, approximately 6 minutes. Remove excess grease.
- Incorporate bell peppers, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper into the meat. Sauté for 3 minutes until vegetables become slightly tender.
- Blend uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth into the meat mixture. Stir thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Allow the mixture to simmer gently, covering the skillet and reducing heat. Cook for 15 minutes until rice absorbs liquid and becomes tender.
- Transfer the entire skillet contents into the prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly across the surface.
- Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole, covering the entire mixture.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 18 minutes, or until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
- Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help set the casserole and enhance flavor integration.
Notes
- Customize spice levels by adjusting paprika and adding red pepper flakes for extra heat or reducing for milder flavor.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter protein options that accommodate different dietary preferences.
- Pre-cook rice separately to ensure perfect texture and prevent potential mushiness in the final casserole dish.
- Experiment with cheese varieties like cheddar or pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles and add personal culinary flair.
- Prep Time: 9 minutes
- Cook Time: 33 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 397 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg