Description
Mexican-inspired Stuffed Pepper Casserole brings zesty flavors and hearty comfort to dinner tables across home kitchens. Melted cheese, savory ground beef, and tender peppers create a delicious one-dish meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
Vegetables:
- 1 white onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, cored and diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cored and diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups water
- 1 15-ounce (425 grams) can chopped tomatoes
Starches and Cheese:
- 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and Pepper:
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing a spacious baking dish for the casserole.
- In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat and sauté chopped onions until translucent and fragrant.
- Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbles and cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
- Season the beef mixture with Italian seasoning, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper, stirring to distribute spices evenly.
- Add minced garlic and diced bell peppers, cooking for 3-4 minutes until vegetables soften and release their aromatic flavors.
- Pour water, chopped tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and basmati rice into the skillet, thoroughly combining all ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covering the skillet until rice absorbs liquid and becomes tender, approximately 15-18 minutes.
- Transfer the complete mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer and generously sprinkling shredded cheddar cheese across the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt completely and develop a golden, bubbly surface.
- Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving, which helps the dish set and makes portioning easier.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier protein option that keeps the dish’s robust flavor profile.
- Use brown rice instead of basmati for added fiber and a nuttier taste, ensuring you adjust liquid measurements and cooking time accordingly.
- Customize heat levels by adding diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for spice lovers, or keep it mild for sensitive palates.
- Create a gluten-free version by double-checking seasoning ingredients and using certified gluten-free rice to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 451 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg