Description
Hearty stuffed bell pepper casserole blends Mexican-inspired flavors with comforting casserole textures. Cheese, ground beef, and rice combine for a satisfying meal that brings families together around the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
Vegetables:
- 3 bell peppers (red, green, yellow), chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Liquid Base:
- 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 ounces) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
Seasonings and Cheese:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare oven to 350F (175C), ensuring proper rack placement for even heating.
- Cook rice following package guidelines, allowing it to rest and cool slightly.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, gently sautéing onion, garlic, and bell peppers until they become translucent and tender.
- Introduce ground beef to the skillet, browning thoroughly and eliminating any excess grease to maintain a rich, concentrated flavor.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth, seasoning with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer, melding flavors for approximately 5 minutes.
- Fold the cooked rice into the meat mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Transfer the combined mixture to a greased casserole dish, creating an even layer for consistent cooking.
- Generously sprinkle cheddar cheese across the surface, covering the entire casserole.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt completely and develop a golden, bubbly texture.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-7 minutes before serving, allowing flavors to settle and making it easier to portion.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by choosing mild or spicy peppers like jalapeños for extra kick.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for healthier protein alternatives.
- Use brown rice or quinoa for added nutritional value and different texture in the casserole.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline cooking process and reduce overall kitchen time.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg