Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Sure! Here’s a recipe for a delicious Stuffed Pepper Casserole:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup white rice, uncooked
• 2 cups bell peppers, diced (any color)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 ½ cups beef or chicken broth
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the rice: In a medium pot, cook the rice according to the package instructions. Once done, set aside.
3. Prepare the beef mixture:
   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the diced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they are softened.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
   • Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
   • Drain any excess fat.
4. Combine ingredients:
   • Add the cooked rice, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and broth to the skillet.
   • Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
   • Mix everything together until well combined. Let it simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
5. Assemble the casserole:
   • Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish.
   • Spread it out evenly.
   • Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
6. Bake:
   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
   • Bake for about 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired.
   • Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips:

• You can use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier option.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to the mixture.
• For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.

Enjoy your delicious Stuffed Pepper Casserole!