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Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant. Then, add the bell peppers and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients Once the beef and vegetables are cooked, stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juice), and seasonings. Mix everything together, ensuring that the rice and beef mixture is well-seasoned and moist. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the beef and rice mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the top, then cover the dish with foil.
Step 6: Bake and Serve Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. The casserole is now ready to be enjoyed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Convenient: Unlike traditional stuffed peppers that require individual preparation for each pepper, this casserole combines everything in one dish for simplicity and convenience.
- Versatile: You can customize this casserole to your liking by using different proteins (like ground turkey or sausage), or even adding extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or corn.
- Great for Meal Prep: This casserole reheats wonderfully, making it an excellent option for meal prepping. Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Comforting and Hearty: With ground beef, rice, cheese, and flavorful peppers, this casserole hits all the comfort food notes and is sure to satisfy hungry appetites.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters are likely to enjoy this casserole, thanks to its familiar flavors and cheesy, melty goodness.
Tips for Success
- Customize the Peppers: While traditional stuffed peppers use bell peppers, you can get creative with other varieties like poblano peppers or Anaheim peppers for a slightly different flavor.
- Add Spice: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some chili flakes, or even add diced jalapeños or a bit of hot sauce to the mixture.
- Top with Fresh Herbs: For an extra burst of flavor, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil before serving.
- Use Leftovers: If you have leftover vegetables or rice from another meal, this casserole is a great way to repurpose them.
Conclusion
Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a perfect weeknight meal that combines classic stuffed pepper flavors into an easy-to-make casserole. Whether you make it for family dinner or meal prep for the week, it’s a hearty, flavorful dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. This dish offers all the comfort of the original stuffed peppers with a fraction of the effort! Enjoy it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete, satisfying meal.
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