Description
Introduce a delightful twist to your dinner routine with the Stuffed Peppers Casserole, a dish that encapsulates the essence of classic stuffed peppers in a simplified, one-dish bake. Perfect for busy weeknights or comforting weekend meals, this casserole combines the rich flavors of bell peppers, ground meat, and aromatic spices in a savory tomato base, topped with the subtle nuttiness of cooked rice. It’s a comforting, hearty meal that promises to satisfy a variety of palates.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 bell peppers (red, green, yellow), diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-step Directions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Start by browning the ground beef or turkey in a large skillet over medium heat. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease from the meat.
Step 2
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers to the skillet with the browned meat. Sauté the mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Step 3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed meat and vegetables with the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir in the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper to season the mixture. Finally, fold in the cooked rice until everything is well integrated.
Step 4
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Step 5
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and slightly crispy on top. Adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more spices or salt to taste.
Servings & Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
- For freezing, wrap the casserole dish securely with foil or store portions in freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then bake in an oven at 350°F until thoroughly warmed. Alternatively, individual portions can be microwaved until hot.
Conclusion
The Stuffed Peppers Casserole is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that brings comfort and warmth to any table. With its robust flavors, nutritious ingredients, and simple preparation method, it’s an excellent choice for anyone seeking a cozy, satisfying meal. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or as a hearty leftover, this casserole is sure to become a favored staple in your culinary repertoire.
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Stuffed Peppers Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Introduce a delightful twist to your dinner routine with the Stuffed Peppers Casserole, a dish that encapsulates the essence of classic stuffed peppers in a simplified, one-dish bake. Perfect for busy weeknights or comforting weekend meals, this casserole combines the rich flavors of bell peppers, ground meat, and aromatic spices in a savory tomato base, topped with the subtle nuttiness of cooked rice. It’s a comforting, hearty meal that promises to satisfy a variety of palates.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 bell peppers (red, green, yellow), diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Start by browning the ground beef or turkey in a large skillet over medium heat. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease from the meat.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers to the skillet with the browned meat. Sauté the mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed meat and vegetables with the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir in the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper to season the mixture. Finally, fold in the cooked rice until everything is well integrated.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and slightly crispy on top. Adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more spices or salt to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes