Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Resting Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Difficulty Level: Easy

Recipe Intensity: Beginner

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Ingredients

For the Casserole

• 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 bell peppers (red, green, and yellow), diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Topping

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• 9×13-inch casserole dish
• Mixing spoon
• Aluminum foil
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven

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Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Time: 5 Minutes

Intensity: Easy

Preheat your oven to:

375°F (190°C)

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

Set aside while preparing the filling.

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Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Time: 8 Minutes

Intensity: Easy

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the ground beef.

Cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.

Drain excess fat if necessary.

The beef should be fully cooked and lightly browned.

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Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Time: 7 Minutes

Intensity: Easy

Add:

• Diced onions
• Bell peppers

Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.

Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.

The vegetables should become fragrant and tender.

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Step 4: Add Seasonings

Time: 2 Minutes

Intensity: Easy

Stir in:

• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix thoroughly to coat the meat and vegetables.

Cooking the spices briefly helps enhance their flavor.

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Step 5: Add Rice and Liquids

Time: 3 Minutes

Intensity: Easy

Add:

• Uncooked rice
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth

Stir until everything is evenly combined.

The rice will absorb the flavorful liquid as it bakes.

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Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Time: 3 Minutes

Intensity: Easy

Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish.

Spread evenly.

Cover tightly with aluminum foil.

This helps trap steam and cook the rice properly.

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Step 7: Bake

Time: 35 Minutes

Intensity: Moderate

Place the casserole in the preheated oven.

Bake covered for 35 minutes.

During this time, the rice will absorb the liquid and become tender.

Check for doneness near the end of the baking period.

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Step 8: Add Cheese

Time: 2 Minutes

Intensity: Easy

Remove the foil.

Sprinkle evenly with:

• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

The cheese layer creates a rich and satisfying topping.

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Step 9: Finish Baking

Time: 10 Minutes

Intensity: Easy

Return the casserole to the oven uncovered.

Bake for an additional 10 minutes.

The cheese should become:

• Melted
• Golden
• Slightly bubbly

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Step 10: Rest Before Serving

Time: 10 Minutes

Intensity: Easy

Remove from the oven.

Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes.

This helps the ingredients settle and makes serving easier.

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Step 11: Garnish and Serve

Time: 2 Minutes

Intensity: Easy

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.

Serve warm.

Enjoy with your favorite side dishes.

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Tips for Success

Use Fresh Bell Peppers

Fresh peppers provide the best texture and flavor.

A mix of colors creates a more attractive casserole.

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Don’t Skip the Resting Time

Resting allows the casserole to firm up and improves serving quality.

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Check Rice Doneness

Different rice varieties may require slight adjustments in cooking time.

If needed, add a splash of broth and continue baking.

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Shred Your Own Cheese

Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-packaged varieties.

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Flavor Variations

Mexican Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Add:

• Black beans
• Corn
• Taco seasoning

Top with pepper jack cheese.

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Turkey Version

Replace ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.

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Spicy Version

Add:

• Jalapeños
• Crushed red pepper flakes

For extra heat.

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Low-Carb Version

Substitute rice with cauliflower rice.

Reduce baking time slightly.

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Serving Suggestions

Stuffed Pepper Casserole pairs perfectly with:

• Garlic bread
• Green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Cornbread
• Steamed broccoli
• Cucumber salad

It also works well as a complete meal on its own.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

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Freezer

Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight before reheating.

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Reheating

Reheat in the oven at:

350°F (175°C)

For 15–20 minutes or until heated through.

Microwave individual portions if desired.

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Nutritional Benefits

Protein

Ground beef provides high-quality protein that supports muscle maintenance and satiety.

Vegetables

Bell peppers contribute:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A
• Fiber
• Antioxidants

Balanced Meal

The combination of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables creates a complete and satisfying dish.

Family-Friendly Nutrition

This casserole offers a practical way to include vegetables in everyday meals.

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Nutrition Information

Per Serving (Based on 6 Servings)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Sugars: 7g
• Fiber: 3g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 720mg
• Potassium: 650mg
• Calcium: 220mg
• Iron: 3mg
• Vitamin C: 85mg