Description

Indulge in the hearty goodness of Stuffed Pepper Casserole, a delectable twist on the classic stuffed peppers recipe. Packed with savory ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and aromatic spices, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the details of this comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

1 pound ground beef
2 bell peppers, chopped
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
1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
3/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Cooking the Beef and Veggies:

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add chopped onions and bell peppers. Cook until softened, about 5-10 minutes.
Add minced garlic to the beef mixture and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

2. Flavorful Simmering:

Stir in Worcestershire Sauce, beef broth, diced tomatoes, uncooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Cover and simmer, stirring halfway through, for about 20 minutes until rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

3. Cheesy Finale:

Once rice is tender, stir in half of the shredded cheese until melted and incorporated.
Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover and let the cheese melt, or place under the broiler (if oven-safe) for faster melting.
Remove from heat and serve piping hot.

Notes

Serving Suggestions:

Garnish and Presentation: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the casserole just before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
Accompaniments: Serve Stuffed Pepper Casserole with a side of garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Individual Portions: For a creative presentation, transfer the casserole into individual ramekins or oven-safe bowls before adding the cheese topping. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden for personalized servings.
Make it a Meal: Elevate the casserole by adding protein-rich ingredients such as cooked quinoa, black beans, or shredded rotisserie chicken to make it a complete meal.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Store any leftover Stuffed Pepper Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it cools completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Freezing Instructions: Stuffed Pepper Casserole can be frozen for future enjoyment. Portion the cooled casserole into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Thawing and Reheating: When ready to enjoy frozen casserole, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese before reheating for an extra cheesy finish.
Meal Prep: Consider batch-cooking Stuffed Pepper Casserole and portioning it into single-serving containers for convenient weekday lunches or quick dinners. Simply grab a container from the fridge or freezer and reheat for a fuss-free meal.