Are you looking for a delicious and hearty recipe for stuffed pepper casserole? Look no further! This classic dish combines the rich flavors of ground meat, cheese, and rice, all nestled within the comforting walls of bell peppers. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!
Stuffed pepper casserole is a delightful dish that brings together the best of both worlds – the savory taste of stuffed peppers and the comforting texture of a casserole. The combination of ground beef or turkey, fragrant spices, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice creates a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you start cooking:
- 4 bell peppers, any color
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the cooking process:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish and set it aside.
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place the peppers in the greased baking dish, cut-side up.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
5. Stir in the diced tomatoes, cooked rice, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Spoon the meat and rice mixture into the hollowed-out bell peppers, filling them to the top. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of each pepper.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let the stuffed pepper casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
Enjoy your delicious homemade stuffed pepper casserole with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. This dish is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Happy cooking!
