Introduction: With a dish that pays homage to classic flavors and modern convenience, you can enter the realm of comfort and nourishment. Stuffed Pepper Casserole captures the essence of stuffed peppers while adding a flavorful and fuss-free twist. This casserole is a harmonious blend of tender bell peppers, seasoned ground meat, aromatic rice, and a hearty tomato sauce. Prepare to savor the comfort of a favorite dish transformed into a satisfying and simple-to-make casserole that’s ideal for sharing.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 4 large bell peppers, any color, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Sautéing Symphony: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or ground turkey over medium heat until fully cooked. Remove any excess fat.
2. Aromatic Ensemble: Add the diced bell peppers and diced onion to the skillet with the cooked meat. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent.
3. Rice Revelation: Stir in the cooked white rice, ensuring that it’s well combined with the meat and vegetables.
4. Tomato Harmony: Add the drained diced tomatoes and tomato sauce to the skillet. Season with garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to incorporate the flavors.
5. Casserole Creation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
6. Cheesy Embrace: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole, creating a luscious cheesy layer.
7. Baking Brilliance: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Unveiling Comfort: Remove the foil and let the casserole bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and slightly crispy.
9. Fresh Flourish: Once out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the casserole for a touch of color and freshness.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a tribute to the flavors of a timeless favorite, streamlined into a cozy casserole that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. With every forkful, you’ll experience the comfort of tender peppers, savory meat, and the delightful embrace of melted cheese. This casserole is a testament to the fact that comfort food can also be convenient and nourishing, offering a satisfying meal that brings together the best of both worlds. Share this casserole with loved ones and enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors that celebrate the essence of home-cooked goodness.