STUFFED PEPPER CASSEROLE

Stuffed Pepper Casserole: A Quick and Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish

Introduction:
Step into the world of culinary comfort with our Stuffed Pepper Casserole, a delightful twist on the classic stuffed pepper recipe! This dish captures all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed peppers but with a streamlined and efficient cooking process. No more painstakingly hollowing out peppers or waiting for them to bake; instead, enjoy a hearty, flavorful casserole ready in a fraction of the time. Let’s embark on a flavorful journey that promises to bring the essence of stuffed peppers to your table in no time.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 bell peppers, diced
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) low-sodium beef broth
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup raw long-grain white rice
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3/4 cup grated Mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 cup grated Cheddar cheese

Instructions:

Step 1: Cooking the Beef and Vegetables
Sautéing the Beef:

1. In a roomy skillet, sauté the ground beef, breaking it apart into smaller pieces as it cooks.

Adding the Vegetables:

2. When the beef is almost cooked, add the diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Continue cooking for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the vegetables become tender.

Step 2: Flavoring the Casserole
Incorporating the Flavors:

3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for a few minutes until fragrant.

Combining the Ingredients:

4. Stir in the Worcestershire Sauce, beef broth, diced tomatoes, rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Step 3: Finishing the Casserole
Melting the Cheese:

5. Once the mixture is simmering, cover the skillet and let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Adding Cheese:

6. When the rice is cooked, fold in half of the grated cheese until melted and combined with the meat and rice.

Final Touch:

7. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the casserole. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt, or place it under a broiler for quicker melting.

Step 4: Serving

8. Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the casserole hot and enjoy the classic flavors of stuffed peppers in a fraction of the time!

Tips:

• Experiment with different cheese blends for unique flavors.
• Substitute beef with plant-based meat or additional veggies.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and reheat when needed.

Variations:

• Add chilies, corn, and beans for a twist.
• Include jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
• Swap rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use different types of meat for this casserole?
A: Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage as a delicious alternative to ground beef.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time and freeze it?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly, and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Q: Can I use different colored peppers in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use a mix of red, yellow, and orange peppers for a colorful and flavorful dish.

Q: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can omit the ground beef and use additional vegetables or plant-based meat substitutes to make a vegetarian version of this casserole.