Description
A comforting and hearty stuffed pepper casserole combining ground beef, tender bell peppers, and rice with a savory tomato and beef broth base, topped with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a deliciously cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 1 (15 oz) can low sodium beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
Grains and Spices
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
Cheese
- 3/4 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef thoroughly, breaking it up as it cooks to ensure even cooking and texture.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onions and bell peppers to the browned beef, cooking them for 5 to 10 minutes until they soften and release their flavors.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
- Combine Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, diced tomatoes, uncooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil to start cooking the rice.
- Simmer: Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low to maintain a simmer, and let cook for about 20 minutes. Stir halfway through to prevent sticking and ensure the rice cooks evenly until tender.
- Mix in Cheese: Once the rice is tender, stir in half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese, mixing until melted and fully combined into the casserole.
- Top with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover the skillet again to allow the cheese to melt, or optionally place it under a broiler briefly to achieve a bubbly and golden cheesy top.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and serve the casserole hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, consider adding some red pepper flakes when adding the seasonings.
- If you prefer a different cheese blend, Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack can be good alternatives.
- Use low sodium broth to better control salt levels in the dish.
- This casserole can also be prepared in advance and reheated; add a splash of broth or water when reheating to maintain moisture.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based protein and use vegetable broth.
