STUFFED PEPPER CASSEROLE

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

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Rice: Cook the rice according to package instructions. Set aside.
3. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add Vegetables: Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
5. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
6. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a large casserole dish. Spread it out evenly.
8. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
9. Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips:

• Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or omit it entirely and add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
• Spice It Up: Add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Enjoy your Stuffed Pepper Casserole!