Description
Stuffed Peppers Casserole brings Mexican-inspired comfort straight to dinner tables with hearty layers of ground beef, rice, peppers, and melted cheese. Spicy, cheesy goodness combines classic ingredients in one easy casserole that satisfies hungry families without complicated prep work.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef or ground turkey
Core Vegetables:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 bell peppers (red, green, yellow), diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid and Seasoning Components:
- 4 cups (946 milliliters) beef broth
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) tomato sauce
- 1 cup (185 grams) cooked white rice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by warming it to 350°F (175°C), ensuring an even temperature for optimal cooking.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat, thoroughly cooking until no pink remains. Drain excess fat completely to prevent a greasy texture.
- Introduce diced onions, minced garlic, and bell peppers into the skillet with the cooked meat. Gently sauté the ingredients for 2-3 minutes, allowing vegetables to soften and release their aromatic flavors.
- Transfer the skillet contents to a spacious mixing bowl, combining with beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Integrate Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Carefully fold in the cooked rice, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture and creating a harmonious blend of ingredients.
- Grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish and evenly spread the prepared mixture across the surface, creating a uniform layer.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil, creating a protective barrier to retain moisture during initial baking.
- Place the covered casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to heat thoroughly.
- Remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the top to develop a slight crispness and golden-brown appearance.
- Carefully remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
Notes
- Versatile Meal Solution: This casserole transforms traditional stuffed peppers into an easy, one-dish wonder perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
- Protein-Packed Comfort: Ground beef or turkey provides a hearty protein base that keeps the dish satisfying and nutritionally balanced.
- Quick Prep Technique: Sautéing vegetables and meat together builds deep flavor layers while significantly reducing overall cooking time.
- Flexible Ingredient Options: Easily swap rice with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or other grains to accommodate dietary preferences or pantry availability.
- Smart Baking Strategy: Covering with foil initially prevents drying out, then uncovering creates a delightful crispy top layer for textural contrast.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready, making meal planning a breeze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg