Stuffed Pepper Casserole
A creamy, flavorful casserole packed with ground beef, bell peppers, and cheddar cheese, perfect for a cozy meal any night of the week.
Ingredients
Meat and Base
- 1 pound ground beef Provides savory depth and protein.
- 1 small yellow onion (diced) Adds sweetness and a wonderful aromatic boost.
- 3-4 cloves garlic (minced) Brings in a punch of flavor.
- 1 cup beef broth For richness and depth.
- 1 cup cooked brown rice Makes it hearty and filling.
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 3-4 tablespoons red pepper paste (or harissa) Adds a savory kick.
- 3 small bell peppers (seeded and diced) Bright color and a fresh crunch.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes Juicy and adds moisture to the dish.
- to taste Kosher salt Enhances all the other flavors.
- to taste ground black pepper Adds a simple hint of heat.
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika Gives a delightful smokiness.
- 1 teaspoon thyme (dried) Offers a touch of earthiness.
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded and divided) Melts beautifully for that creamy layer.
- 1 bunch parsley (freshly chopped; optional) For garnish and fresh flavor at the end.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Chop the onion and garlic, and seed and dice the bell peppers.
- If you haven’t already, prepare the brown rice.
Cooking
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme.
- Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, red pepper paste, cooked brown rice, and diced bell peppers. Mix until fully combined and heated through.
- Transfer the mixture into a baking dish, evenly spreading it out. Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese on top.
Baking and Serving
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until melted.
- Let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
For the best results, use lean ground beef and don't skip seasoning the meat. Optional variations include gluten-free or spicy adjustments.