Description
Mexican-inspired stuffed bell pepper casserole delivers robust flavors from ground beef, rice, and melted cheese. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly for a comforting meal you’ll crave on cool evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 large bell peppers (chopped)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Olive oil (as needed)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375F (190C) to prepare for the casserole baking process.
- Sauté ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until completely browned and no pink remains.
- Incorporate diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped bell peppers into the meat, cooking until vegetables become tender and slightly translucent.
- Mix uncooked rice, marinara sauce, and beef broth into the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
- Carefully transfer the entire mixture to a prepared baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and promote even cooking.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb liquid and become perfectly tender.
- Remove foil and generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese across the surface.
- Return to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, watching the cheese melt and develop a golden, bubbly crust.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps set the ingredients and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the dish.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, diet-friendly alternative.
- Use brown rice instead of white rice to boost nutritional value and add more fiber to the casserole.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free and verify all ingredients meet dietary requirements.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 495 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg