Description
Spicy Southwest “Stuffed Pepper Casserole” brings hearty comfort straight from grandmother’s kitchen, blending rich ground beef, zesty peppers, and melted cheese into one irresistible dish. Friendly and filling, this casserole delivers classic flavors you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 2 bell peppers (red & green), diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Liquid and Seasoning Components:
- 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Calibrate the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal thermal environment for the upcoming culinary creation.
- Craft the rice foundation according to package guidance, reserving it for later integration.
- Initiate the flavor development by warming olive oil in a spacious skillet over moderate heat. Introduce chopped onions, allowing them to soften and become translucent. Incorporate minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence for a brief moment.
- Introduce ground protein, methodically fragmenting it while cooking. Enhance with a medley of seasonings – salt, pepper, oregano, and basil – ensuring thorough incorporation and complete protein transformation. Eliminate any residual fat accumulation.
- Construct the casserole base by amalgamating the protein-onion mixture with prepared rice, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Fold in approximately half of the shredded cheese, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
- Strategically distribute chopped bell peppers across the bottom of a pre-greased 9×13-inch baking vessel. Gently cascade the rice and protein mixture over the pepper landscape, ensuring uniform coverage.
- Crown the casserole with the remaining cheese, creating a molten golden canopy.
- Position the assembled dish within the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 30-35 minutes. Await the telltale signs of culinary perfection: bubbling cheese and tender peppers.
- Extract the casserole, permitting a brief cooling interlude. Optional: Embellish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch. Serve while warmth and flavor remain at their peak.
Notes
- Customize peppers by using a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers for vibrant color and varied flavor profiles.
- Swap ground meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version that’s protein-packed and delicious.
- Control spice levels by adding mild or hot salsa instead of plain tomato sauce, letting you adjust heat according to personal preference.
- Make this dish ahead by preparing the entire casserole and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, which enhances flavor melding and saves time during meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg