Description
A hearty and delicious Stuffed Pepper Casserole featuring layered ground beef, aromatic spices, diced bell peppers, cooked brown rice, and melted cheddar cheese, baked to bubbly perfection. This comforting dish combines the flavors of stuffed peppers in an easy casserole form, perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef, lean
- 1 yellow onion, small; diced
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 small bell peppers, seeded and diced
Spices and Seasonings
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Liquids
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, 1 can
- 1 cup beef broth
- 3-4 tablespoons red pepper paste or harissa
Other
- 1 ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- Parsley, freshly chopped; optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of lean ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks until it begins to brown.
- Add seasoning: Stir in kosher salt, minced garlic cloves, ground black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Continue cooking until the beef is well browned and fragrant.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, beef broth, and red pepper paste or harissa. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 8 minutes until the liquid reduces by half. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the casserole: In a baking dish, spread half of the meat mixture. Top with half of the cooked brown rice, diced bell peppers, diced yellow onion, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes until the dish is bubbly and the cheese topping is starting to brown.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the brown rice is fully cooked before layering it in the casserole to avoid undercooked rice in the final dish.
- You can use pre-shredded cheddar cheese or grate your own for fresher flavor.
- Bell peppers of any color (green, red, yellow, or orange) can be used according to your preference or availability.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
