Stuffed Pepper Casserole

**Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables**
Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant. Then, add the bell peppers and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.

**Step 4: Combine the Ingredients**
Once the beef and vegetables are cooked, stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juice), and seasonings. Mix everything together, ensuring that the rice and beef mixture is well-seasoned and moist. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

**Step 5: Bake the Casserole**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the beef and rice mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the top, then cover the dish with foil.

**Step 6: Bake and Serve**
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. The casserole is now ready to be enjoyed!

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### **Why You’ll Love This Recipe**

– **Easy and Convenient**: Unlike traditional stuffed peppers that require individual preparation for each pepper, this casserole combines everything in one dish for simplicity and convenience.
– **Versatile**: You can customize this casserole to your liking by using different proteins (like ground turkey or sausage), or even adding extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or corn.
– **Great for Meal Prep**: This casserole reheats wonderfully, making it an excellent option for meal prepping. Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
– **Comforting and Hearty**: With ground beef, rice, cheese, and flavorful peppers, this casserole hits all the comfort food notes and is sure to satisfy hungry appetites.
– **Kid-Friendly**: Even picky eaters are likely to enjoy this casserole, thanks to its familiar flavors and cheesy, melty goodness.

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### **Tips for Success**

– **Customize the Peppers**: While traditional stuffed peppers use bell peppers, you can get creative with other varieties like poblano peppers or Anaheim peppers for a slightly different flavor.
– **Add Spice**: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some chili flakes, or even add diced jalapeños or a bit of hot sauce to the mixture.
– **Top with Fresh Herbs**: For an extra burst of flavor, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil before serving.
– **Use Leftovers**: If you have leftover vegetables or rice from another meal, this casserole is a great way to repurpose them.

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### **Conclusion**

Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a perfect weeknight meal that combines classic stuffed pepper flavors into an easy-to-make casserole. Whether you make it for family dinner or meal prep for the week, it’s a hearty, flavorful dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. This dish offers all the comfort of the original stuffed peppers with a fraction of the effort! Enjoy it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete, satisfying meal.