Description
Mexican-inspired stuffed pepper casserole delivers hearty comfort with layers of ground beef, rice, peppers, and melted cheese. Spicy seasonings and rich tomato sauce create a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners that leave you craving another bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef or turkey
Grains:
- 1 cup uncooked rice
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 3 bell peppers (any color), chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Liquids and Sauces:
- 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
Dairy:
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring a precise temperature for optimal cooking results.
- In a large skillet, thoroughly brown the ground meat over medium heat, carefully draining any excess fat to maintain a lean texture.
- Incorporate finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers into the skillet with the browned meat, sautéing until the vegetables become translucent and tender, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Introduce uncooked rice, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet, mixing thoroughly to create a harmonious blend of flavors and ingredients.
- Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent sticking and ensure even flavor distribution.
- Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 centimeters) baking dish, covering it completely with aluminum foil to trap moisture and heat.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice reaches a perfectly tender consistency.
- Remove the foil and generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the casserole’s surface, returning it to the oven for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling layer.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, enabling the ingredients to set and the flavors to fully develop before serving.
Notes
- Prep Like a Pro: Brown the meat thoroughly and drain excess fat to keep the dish lean and flavorful.
- Veggie Wisdom: Soften onions, garlic, and bell peppers completely to release their natural sweetness and enhance overall taste.
- Rice Trick: Uncooked rice absorbs the rich marinara and broth, creating a luxurious, creamy texture throughout the casserole.
- Seasoning Secret: Italian seasoning adds depth and authenticity, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal.
- Cheese Perfection: Let the cheese melt and turn slightly golden for a crispy, irresistible topping that adds texture and richness.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This casserole can be assembled in advance and refrigerated, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg