Description
Hearty Mexican-inspired stuffed bell pepper casserole promises a delightful flavor explosion with spicy ground beef, melted cheese, and zesty seasonings. Home cooks can easily craft this comforting one-pan meal that delivers satisfying southwestern comfort in every single bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground turkey
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 3 large bell peppers
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Canned and Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces / 227 grams) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Grains and Liquids:
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 cup uncooked brown rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups chicken broth
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Cheese and Garnish:
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F, ensuring a consistent temperature for even cooking.
- Sauté ground beef in a large skillet, incorporating diced onion and minced garlic until meat browns completely and develops rich flavor.
- Eliminate excess fat from the meat mixture by carefully draining through a colander.
- Incorporate colorful diced bell peppers, tangy diced tomatoes, robust tomato sauce, aromatic Italian seasoning, and balanced salt and pepper into the skillet.
- Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 10 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and ingredients to soften.
- Fold in pre-cooked rice, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Adjust seasonings to personal preference.
- If desired, introduce chicken broth to enhance the dish’s moisture and create a more succulent consistency.
- Transfer the vibrant mixture into a prepared greased baking dish, spreading evenly for uniform cooking.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top, ensuring complete coverage.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly surface.
- Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, permitting flavors to settle and making serving easier.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to create a lighter, leaner version of this hearty casserole.
- Enhance the nutritional profile by adding quinoa instead of rice, boosting protein and creating a gluten-free alternative.
- Customize the heat level by incorporating different peppers like jalapeños or using spicy cheese varieties for those who enjoy a kick.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time and store in the refrigerator to streamline the cooking process and make weeknight meals a breeze.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg