Discover the flavors of a classic dish with a twist in this Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole recipe. Perfect for those who love the hearty combination of bell peppers and ground beef, this casserole simplifies the traditional stuffed pepper preparation. Featuring a blend of savory ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and a mix of Mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, this dish promises a delicious melding of flavors. The process is straightforward: cook the beef with onions and peppers, stir in garlic, then simmer everything with rice and a flavorful broth. Finish by melting cheese through the mixture for a gooey, irresistible topping. Ideal for a weeknight dinner, this casserole brings the essence of stuffed peppers to your table with minimal fuss and maximum enjoyment.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 bell peppers, chopped (choose colors for variety, like one red and one green)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can low sodium beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (do not drain)
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning (blend of basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions:
- Preparation:
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Wash and chop the bell peppers into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are uniformly chopped for even cooking.
- Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves. This size helps them to integrate well into the casserole.
- Mix the Mozzarella and cheddar cheeses in a bowl and set aside. Pre-shredded cheese can be used for convenience.
- Cooking the Beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula or spoon. Cook until the beef is mostly browned. This usually takes around 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onions and bell peppers. Cook for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften. This step is crucial for developing the flavors.
- Adding Flavor:
- Add the minced garlic to the beef mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Combining Ingredients:
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), uncooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid.
- Simmering:
- Let the casserole simmer for about 20 minutes. Midway through, stir the mixture to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. This simmering allows the rice to absorb the flavors and cook through.
- Adding Cheese:
- Once the rice is tender, stir in half of the mixed cheeses until it melts and incorporates into the beef and rice mixture. This adds a creamy, cheesy texture to the casserole.
- Final Cheese Layer:
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover with the lid again to let the cheese melt. For a quicker melt or a slightly browned top, place the oven-safe skillet under the broiler for a couple of minutes (keep a close eye on it!).
- Serving:
- Once the cheese is melted to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat. Your Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole is ready to be served. It’s best enjoyed hot, perhaps with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad.
Note: Always check the rice for doneness and adjust the cooking time if needed. Different brands of rice may have slightly different cooking times.
Enjoy your meal!
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