Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the Veggies:
- Add the chopped bell peppers, onion, and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
- Cook the Rice:
- Stir in the uncooked rice and beef broth, mixing everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the rice starts to absorb the liquid.
- Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Pour the beef, vegetable, and rice mixture into the greased baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake:
- Bake the casserole for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Continue baking uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot!
Tips:
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for black beans or lentils.
- Make-Ahead: This dish can be prepped ahead of time and baked just before serving.
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a simple, delicious, and crowd-pleasing dinner idea! 🌶️🧀