Description
Savory Mexican-inspired stuffed pepper casserole delivers comforting layers of ground beef, rice, peppers, and melted cheese in one delightful dish. Hearty ingredients blend perfectly, creating a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) lean ground beef
- 1.5 cups (340 grams) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or both)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 14 ounces (400 grams) canned diced tomatoes
- Parsley for garnish
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian or Cajun seasoning
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup (190 grams) long grain white rice
- 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) beef broth
Instructions
- Fire up a spacious skillet with olive oil over medium-high temperature, introducing ground beef and methodically disintegrating the meat while cooking until achieving a rich, caramelized brown tone. Drain any lingering fatty residue.
- Incorporate diced onions, vibrant red and green bell peppers, and fragrant garlic into the seasoned meat landscape. Gently sauté until vegetable textures soften and onions turn translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Elevate the flavor profile by introducing Italian or Cajun seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Thoroughly integrate these aromatic elements to ensure a balanced distribution across the mixture.
- Stream canned diced tomatoes with their natural juices into the skillet, followed by uncooked long grain white rice. Blend components comprehensively, creating a harmonious culinary canvas.
- Pour beef broth into the skillet, allowing the liquid to reach a boisterous boil before reducing heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and let the mixture cuddle and meld together, approximately 20 minutes, until rice absorbs most of the liquid.
- Transition your oven to 375°F, positioning a rack in the center. Carefully transfer the aromatic mixture into a waiting casserole dish, crowning the surface with a lavish layer of shredded cheese.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, baking for 15-20 minutes until cheese transforms into a molten, golden blanket. Extract from oven, allowing momentary cooling.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the surface for a vibrant finishing touch. Serve immediately, embracing the robust flavors of this comforting dish.
Notes
- Customize spice levels by adjusting seasoning intensity, perfect for those who prefer mild or bold flavors.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein alternative that keeps the dish versatile.
- Use brown rice instead of white rice to boost nutritional value and add a nutty, wholesome texture to the casserole.
- Incorporate extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to increase vegetable content and create a more nutrient-dense meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg