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### Instructions:
#### Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
#### Step 2: Cook the Ground Meat
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or other meat of choice) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Once cooked, drain any excess fat.
#### Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet with the cooked meat. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent. This step will bring out the flavors of the vegetables and allow them to absorb the savory goodness of the meat.
#### Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Add the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined. Let the mixture cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
#### Step 5: Transfer to the Baking Dish
Once everything is thoroughly mixed, transfer the meat and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly in the dish.
#### Step 6: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. You can use any cheese you like, but cheddar and mozzarella work wonderfully in this dish. The cheese will melt and become golden and bubbly as the casserole bakes, adding a delicious, gooey texture to every bite.
#### Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly around the edges. If you like your cheese to be extra golden and crispy, you can broil it for an additional 1–2 minutes, but watch it carefully to avoid burning.
#### Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this easy stuffed pepper casserole!
### Tips and Variations:
– **Make it Low-Carb:** To make this dish keto-friendly or lower in carbs, swap out the rice for cauliflower rice or a low-carb rice alternative. You could also omit the rice entirely and increase the meat and vegetables for a more hearty, low-carb option.
– **Add More Veggies:** Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or corn to the casserole. You can even sneak in some spinach or kale for added nutrients.
– **Spice it Up:** If you enjoy a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mixture for an extra kick.
– **Ground Meat Options:** While ground beef is the classic choice for stuffed peppers, feel free to experiment with ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a different flavor profile.
– **Make Ahead:** This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it the next day. It’s also great for freezing. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze. When you’re ready to bake it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
### Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
– **Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need to feed a crowd.
– **Customizable:** You can tweak this recipe to suit your preferences, whether you’re a fan of extra veggies, different proteins, or spices.
– **Hearty and Filling:** The combination of rice, ground meat, and melted cheese creates a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
– **One-Pan Wonder:** No need for multiple pots and pans—this casserole comes together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.
### Conclusion:
Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a delicious, flavorful, and easy alternative to traditional stuffed peppers. It takes the best elements of the classic dish—savory ground meat, rice, and peppers—and turns them into a convenient, one-pan casserole. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting dish for a family dinner, this casserole is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. So grab your ingredients, assemble the casserole, and let your oven do the rest. It’s a meal everyone will love!
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