Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
3 large bell peppers, diced (use a mix of red, green, and yellow for color)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (or brown rice for extra fiber)
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juice
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon cumin
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar for a sharper taste)
2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional Garnishes:

Fresh parsley, chopped
Red pepper flakes for heat
A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with olive oil or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Vegetables

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onions and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften slightly. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 6–8 minutes). Drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Season and Add the Rice

Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and cumin, stirring to coat the meat and vegetables evenly. Then, stir in the uncooked rice, ensuring it’s well combined.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything together, making sure the rice is submerged in the liquid.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish tightly with foil to help trap the steam and cook the rice properly.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes until the rice is tender and the flavors meld together.

Step 7: Add the Cheese

Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 5–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Let it Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to scoop. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 350
Sugar: 6g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 22g