Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Beef and Rice (Print version)

A cozy unstuffed pepper casserole with ground beef, cooked rice, bell peppers, tomato sauce, and a bubbly cheese topping.

# Ingredients:

For the casserole

01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 3 medium bell peppers, diced, about 3 cups
04 - 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
07 - 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
08 - 1 tablespoon gluten-free Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
12 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 3 cups cooked long-grain white rice
14 - 1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
15 - 1 cup (115 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

For serving

16 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
17 - Red pepper flakes, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375 F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or use a large oven-safe skillet.
02 - Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell peppers and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring often, until the peppers start to soften.
03 - Add the ground beef and cook for 6-7 minutes, breaking it into small pieces, until no pink remains. Drain excess fat if the pan looks greasy.
04 - Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
05 - Remove the pan from the heat. Fold in the cooked rice, 1/2 cup cheddar, and 1/2 cup mozzarella until evenly combined.
06 - Spread the mixture in the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella. Bake uncovered for 18-20 minutes, until hot and bubbling around the edges.
07 - Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and red pepper flakes if using, then serve warm.

# Good to know:

01 - Use cooked long-grain rice for the most reliable texture.
02 - If the filling seems dry before baking, stir in 1/4 cup broth or extra tomato sauce.
03 - Ground beef should be fully cooked before the casserole goes into the oven.

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