Description
Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a comforting and flavorful baked dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, diced bell peppers, onions, cooked brown rice, and melted cheddar cheese. The combination of smoky paprika and spicy red pepper paste delivers a rich, hearty meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef, lean
- 1 yellow onion, small; diced
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, 1 can
- 1 cup beef broth
- 3–4 tablespoons red pepper paste or harissa
Other Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 3 small bell peppers, seeded and diced
- Parsley, freshly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of lean ground beef using a wooden spoon until it starts to brown.
- Add Seasonings: Mix in kosher salt, minced garlic cloves, ground black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Continue cooking until the beef is nicely browned and fragrant.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, and red pepper paste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 8 minutes until the liquid reduces by half.
- Assemble Casserole Layers: Transfer half of the meat mixture into a baking dish. Layer with cooked brown rice, diced bell peppers, diced yellow onion, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat these layers once more.
- Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes until it is bubbly and the cheese on top starts to brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Ensure the brown rice is fully cooked before using it in the casserole to avoid undercooked rice in the final dish.
- Use either freshly grated cheddar or pre-shredded cheese according to your preference. Different cheese varieties can be used for flavor variations.
- Any color of bell peppers—green, red, yellow, or orange—can be used depending on your taste preference or availability.
