Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 2 bell peppers, chopped
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 (15 oz) can low sodium beef broth
– 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
– 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
– 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 3/4 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once it’s mostly cooked through, add the chopped onions and bell peppers. Continue cooking for 5-10 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
2. Add Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute or two, until fragrant.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, diced tomatoes, uncooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Simmer:
Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the rice is tender.
5. Incorporate Cheese:
Once the rice is cooked, stir in half of the shredded Mozzarella and cheddar cheeses until melted and well combined.
6. Melt Remaining Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover the skillet again and let the cheese melt. For quicker melting, you can place the skillet under the broiler (if oven-safe) until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Serve:
Remove from heat and serve immediately. Enjoy your stuffed pepper casserole!
Tips and Variations:
– Meat Options: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
– Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients.
– Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for a bit of heat.
– Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Gouda, or Parmesan for a unique flavor twist.
– Make It Vegetarian: Omit the meat and add more vegetables or use plant-based ground meat alternatives.
How to Store:
– Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
– Freezing: You can freeze the casserole in individual portions or as a whole. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
– Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. If frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, you can use brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time and possibly more liquid. Adjust accordingly.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of adding the cheese