Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of bell peppers with the savory flavors of ground beef, rice, and tomatoes. Here's a complete recipe to make a classic Stuffed Pepper Casserole, along with some variations to try:
**Classic Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe**
Ingredients:
* 4 large bell peppers (any color), tops removed and seeded
* 1 lb ground beef
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup cooked rice
* 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
* 1 tsp paprika
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook the rice according to package instructions. Set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the beef is fully browned, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Stir in the paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
6. Stuff each bell pepper with the cooked rice, meat mixture, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
7. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and chopped onion. Mix well.
8. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Arrange the stuffed peppers in the dish, leaving a small space between each pepper.
9. Pour the tomato and rice mixture over the peppers. Top with the remaining shredded cheese and breadcrumbs.
10. Bake the casserole for 30-35 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the top is golden brown.
**Tips for making Stuffed Pepper Casserole tastier:**
* Use a variety of bell pepper colors to add visual appeal to the dish.
* Cook the rice and ground beef mixture ahead of time to make assembly easier.
* Add some zest to the dish by using a spicy paprika or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
* Experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella or Parmesan, for a unique flavor.
* For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked black beans or mushrooms.
**Other ingredients to try in Stuffed Pepper Casserole:**
* Sausage: Use cooked Italian sausage or Chorizo for a flavorful twist.
* Mushrooms: Add sautéed mushrooms to the rice and ground beef mixture for added earthiness.
* Spinach: Wilted spinach adds a burst of nutrients and flavor to the dish.
* Artichoke hearts: Canned or marinated artichoke hearts add a sweet and salty flavor.
* Beans: Kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans can be used as a plant-based protein source.
* Seafood: Cooked shrimp or scallops can add a seafood twist to the dish.
* Bacon: Crumbled bacon adds a smoky flavor to the ground beef mixture.
* Broccoli: Steamed broccoli florets can be added to the rice and tomato mixture for added nutrition.
**Variations to try:**
* **Mexican Stuffed Pepper Casserole:** Add diced jalapeños, canned black beans, and shredded queso fresco for a spicy Mexican-inspired twist.
* **Italian Stuffed Pepper Casserole:** Substitute the ground beef with cooked Italian sausage and add marinara sauce, chopped parsley, and Parmesan cheese.
* **Veggie Stuffed Pepper Casserole:** Use a plant-based protein source like tofu or tempeh, and add roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and red onion.
With these variations and tips, you can create a delicious Stuffed Pepper Casserole that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy!
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