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### **Instructions:**
#### 1. **Prepare the Rice**
– If you haven’t already, **cook the rice** according to the package instructions. You can use regular white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice if you’re looking for a low-carb version.
#### 2. **Cook the Ground Meat**
– In a large skillet or pan, **heat a little oil** over medium heat. Add the **ground beef** (or your choice of protein) and **cook** until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat if necessary.
#### 3. **Sauté the Vegetables**
– Add the **diced onion** and **diced bell peppers** to the skillet with the cooked meat. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. This step helps to enhance the flavor and gives the peppers a nice tender texture.
#### 4. **Combine the Ingredients**
– Add the cooked **rice** to the skillet, along with the **tomato sauce**, **diced tomatoes**, and the seasonings (**garlic powder**, **onion powder**, **oregano**, **red pepper flakes**, **salt**, and **pepper**). Stir everything together to combine and heat through. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld.
#### 5. **Transfer to a Baking Dish**
– Once everything is mixed together, transfer the contents of the skillet to a **greased 9×13-inch baking dish**. Spread it out evenly to ensure an even bake.
#### 6. **Top with Cheese**
– Sprinkle the **shredded cheese** generously over the top of the casserole. This will melt beautifully as it bakes and create a delicious, gooey layer of cheese on top.
#### 7. **Bake**
– Place the casserole in a preheated oven at **375°F (190°C)** and bake for about **20 minutes**, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you like your cheese to be golden and slightly crispy, you can broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.
#### 8. **Garnish and Serve**
– Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with some **fresh parsley** for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve it hot and enjoy!
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## Tips for Success
### 1. **Add More Veggies**
– While this casserole already includes bell peppers and onions, you can easily add other vegetables to bulk it up and increase the nutritional value. Try adding **zucchini**, **mushrooms**, or **corn** for extra color and texture.
### 2. **Use Your Favorite Cheese**
– Feel free to use your favorite cheese or cheese blend. **Cheddar** adds a nice sharpness, while **mozzarella** is great for that stretchy, melty goodness. You could even mix in some **parmesan** for extra flavor.
### 3. **Make It Spicy**
– If you like a little heat, you can increase the **red pepper flakes** or add some **jalapeños** or **chili powder** to kick things up a notch. Adjust the heat level to suit your taste!
### 4. **Make It Vegetarian**
– For a meatless version, swap out the ground beef for **black beans**, **lentils**, or a plant-based ground meat substitute. You can also use a combination of beans and extra veggies for added texture and flavor.
### 5. **Meal Prep Friendly**
– This casserole is perfect for meal prep! You can make it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well, so you can prepare a few batches and keep them in the freezer for later. Just bake it straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes of cooking time.
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## Why This Casserole is Perfect for Any Meal
Whether you’re looking for a quick and satisfying dinner or a dish to serve at a family gathering, **Stuffed Pepper Casserole** is the ideal choice. It’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with all the ingredients that make stuffed peppers so beloved, but in a much simpler and faster form. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your dietary needs or preferences.
This dish is also great for leftovers. It reheats wonderfully and is just as delicious the next day. So, whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking to have a comforting meal on hand for the week, **Stuffed Pepper Casserole** is sure to hit the spot.
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## Conclusion
**Stuffed Pepper Casserole** is a wonderful, easy-to-make dish that’s sure to please the whole family. With its delicious combination of ground meat, rice, peppers, tomatoes, and cheese, it brings together all the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers with much less hassle. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family gatherings, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your home.
So, gather your ingredients and give this satisfying casserole a try—you’ll be glad you did!
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