Description
Hearty Mexican-inspired Stuffed Pepper Casserole brings bold southwestern flavors to dinner tables with minimal effort. Spicy ground beef, melted cheese, and colorful bell peppers combine into a comforting one-dish meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 white onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, cored and diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cored and diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings, Liquids, and Other Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups water
- 1 15-ounce can chopped tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed and drained
- Chopped fresh parsley for serving
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C), creating the perfect environment for a bubbling casserole.
- In a spacious skillet, drizzle olive oil and sizzle onions until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Introduce ground beef to the pan, browning the meat thoroughly and breaking it into small, even crumbles.
- Sprinkle a harmonious blend of Italian seasoning, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper, infusing the meat with robust flavors.
- Incorporate minced garlic and vibrant red and yellow bell peppers, sautéing until the vegetables soften and release their aromatic essence.
- Pour in water, diced tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce, creating a rich, savory liquid base, then fold in rice.
- Allow the mixture to reach a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally until the rice absorbs the liquid and becomes tender.
- Transfer the hearty mixture into a baking dish, creating an even layer that promises delicious bites.
- Generously blanket the surface with shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven, baking until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling crust, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top, adding a final touch of color and fresh herbaceous flavor before serving.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for turkey or plant-based crumbles to create a lighter, leaner version of the casserole that suits different dietary preferences.
- Add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to boost nutritional value and create more complex flavor profiles.
- Toast rice briefly before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent mushiness during cooking.
- Use fresh herbs like oregano or thyme instead of dried Italian seasoning for a more vibrant, garden-fresh taste that elevates the entire dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg