Description
Mexican-inspired Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole brings layers of spicy ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese into one comforting dish. Quick weeknight dinners become deliciously simple when you combine bold flavors and classic ingredients in this hearty southwestern-style meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 4 large bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup (192 grams) rice, cooked
- 1 12 cups (300 grams) shredded cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a moderate temperature of 375°F, preparing a welcoming environment for the casserole’s transformation.
- Brown the ground meat in a spacious skillet, carefully eliminating any lingering excess fat to ensure a lean and flavorful base.
- Introduce colorful bell peppers, aromatic onions, and pungent garlic to the skillet, allowing them to soften and release their vibrant essence.
- Incorporate the previously cooked rice, tangy diced tomatoes, rich tomato sauce, and a harmonious blend of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, melding the flavors together.
- Carefully transfer the robust mixture into a waiting casserole dish, creating an inviting canvas of textures and colors.
- Generously crown the dish with a lavish layer of shredded cheese, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor and visual appeal.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, letting it bake until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden masterpiece with enticing crisp edges.
- Remove from the oven and allow a brief moment of rest before serving the dish piping hot, ready to delight eager diners.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version that’s equally hearty and delicious.
- Quick-cooking rice or pre-cooked rice can dramatically reduce preparation time without sacrificing flavor.
- Choose different colored bell peppers to create a vibrant, visually appealing dish that pops on the dinner table.
- Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil after baking to enhance the freshness and bring a bright finishing touch to the casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg