Description
Hearty Stuffed Pepper Casserole brings classic comfort to your dinner table with a delightful twist on traditional stuffed peppers. Layers of seasoned ground beef, rice, and melted cheese create a satisfying one-dish meal that will become a family favorite when you want something deliciously familiar.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 pound ground beef
Vegetables:
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes (petite for regular)
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Grains and Cheese:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1–2 cups Colby Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Sauté ground beef, bell peppers, onion, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large high-sided pan over medium heat until meat browns completely and vegetables soften.
- Introduce minced garlic and cook briefly until aromatic, releasing its intense flavor profile.
- Incorporate beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and balsamic vinegar, stirring thoroughly to create a rich, integrated sauce.
- Gently fold uncooked rice into the simmering mixture, ensuring even distribution and complete coverage with liquid.
- Reduce heat, cover the pan, and allow the casserole to simmer quietly for approximately 20-25 minutes, monitoring rice tenderness and liquid absorption.
- Once rice reaches desired consistency, remove from heat and fold in the first portion of shredded cheese, creating a creamy texture throughout the dish.
- Distribute remaining cheese across the top of the casserole, allowing residual heat to melt it into a golden, bubbling layer.
- Let the casserole rest momentarily to settle flavors and achieve optimal serving temperature.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finish before presenting to eager diners.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the casserole.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter protein option that still delivers rich flavor.
- Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch and ensure each grain remains separate and fluffy during the simmering process.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to help cheese set and flav
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg