Ingredients
Ingredients (Serves 6)
🔹 1 pound ground beef
🔹 2 bell peppers, chopped (use red, green, yellow, or a mix!)
🔹 1 onion, finely chopped
🔹 3 cloves garlic, minced
🔹 1 teaspoon salt
🔹 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
🔹 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
🔹 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
🔹 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
🔹 1 cup tomato sauce
🔹 1 cup beef broth
🔹 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice for low-carb)
🔹 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
🔹 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
🔹 Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
How to Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2️⃣ In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned.
3️⃣ Drain excess grease.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
4️⃣ Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef.
5️⃣ Sauté for 5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Season & Simmer
6️⃣ Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika.
7️⃣ Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Step 4: Add Rice & Cheese
8️⃣ Stir in cooked rice and half of the cheese, mixing well.
9️⃣ Sprinkle remaining cheese on top for a melty, gooey finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
🔟 Transfer to the oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes, until bubbly.
1️⃣1️⃣ Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and serve warm.
Notes
Tips for the Best Stuffed Pepper Casserole
✅ Use Any Protein – Swap ground beef for ground turkey, sausage, or shredded chicken.
✅ Low-Carb Version – Replace rice with cauliflower rice or omit it altogether.
✅ Make it Spicier – Add jalapeños, cayenne, or extra red pepper flakes.
✅ Extra Cheesy? – Mix in more cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack cheese!
✅ Want More Veggies? – Add zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.