Description
Mexican-inspired stuffed bell pepper casserole blends zesty flavors with hearty ingredients. Colorful peppers, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese create a comforting meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Vegetables:
- 3 bell peppers, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
Pantry and Dairy Ingredients:
- 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces/227 grams) tomato sauce
- 1 cup (190 grams) uncooked white rice
- 1 1/2 cups (355 milliliters) beef broth
- 1 cup (113 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C), creating an ideal environment for baking the casserole.
- In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat and combine ground beef, onion, and bell peppers. Allow the meat to brown and vegetables to soften, approximately 7-8 minutes, then carefully eliminate excess grease.
- Enhance the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and rice. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
- Gently reduce heat and let the ingredients simmer, covering the skillet to ensure even cooking. Allow the rice to absorb liquid and become tender, roughly 15 minutes.
- Transfer the aromatic mixture into a prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese across the surface, ensuring complete coverage.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
- Remove from oven and permit the casserole to rest for a few minutes, allowing flavors to meld and settle before serving.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and make the dish healthier for those watching their calorie intake.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, lower-fat alternative that works great for health-conscious eaters.
- Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring a fluffier texture and preventing the casserole from becoming too sticky or gummy.
- Add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to boost nutritional value and create a more colorful, nutrient-dense meal that kids and adults will enjoy.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 375 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg