Description
Mexican-inspired stuffed pepper delight casserole brings zesty flavors to dinner tables with ground beef, rice, and melted cheese. Home cooks can easily prepare this hearty dish that combines classic ingredients into one satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (0.45 kg) ground beef or turkey
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 3 bell peppers (any color), chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish to create a perfect cooking environment.
- Meat and Vegetable Fusion: In a large skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat, then add onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté until vegetables become soft and aromatic, creating a flavor-packed base.
- Liquid and Seasoning Blend: Integrate uncooked rice, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop a rich, cohesive mixture.
- Baking and Moisture Sealing: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 35-40 minutes until rice becomes tender and flavors meld together completely.
- Cheese Crowning and Finishing: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
- Resting and Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, letting the ingredients settle and intensify their flavors before serving this delightful one-dish meal.
Notes
- Optimize Meat Selection: Choose lean ground beef or turkey to reduce excess fat and enhance the dish’s overall healthiness.
- Rice Cooking Tip: Ensure rice is fully cooked and tender by monitoring moisture levels during the simmering process, preventing dry or undercooked grains.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Use freshly shredded cheese for superior melting quality and more vibrant flavor compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and creating a convenient make-ahead meal option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg