Beefy Cheese and Onion Stuffed Pepper Casserole 🌶️🧀

This hearty casserole is packed with flavor and features tender bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of seasoned beef, creamy cheese, and caramelized onions. Ideal for a cozy family dinner, this dish is comforting, satisfying, and easy to prepare. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal! 🍞🥗

Ingredients

For the casserole

• 4 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For the topping

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for a crunchy top)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place them upright in a baking dish.

🔪 If the peppers are wobbly, you can slice a tiny bit off the bottom to create a flat base. Just be careful not to create a hole!

• In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

• Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through. Season with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

• Stir in the cooked rice and drained diced tomatoes. Mix everything well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

• Remove the skillet from heat and fold in half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and well combined.

• Carefully stuff each bell pepper with the cheese and beef mixture, packing it down gently but firmly.

• Top each filled pepper with the remaining shredded cheese. If you’re using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them on top for added crunch.

• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (shiny side down) and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

🕰️ Keep an eye on the casserole during the last few minutes to prevent the cheese from burning.

• Once cooked, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or quinoa. Add extra veggies like zucchini or spinach to bulk it up! 🌱
• Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for some heat! 🌶️
• Cheesy: Mix in a layer of cream cheese or ricotta to the beef mixture for an extra creamy texture.
• Gluten-free: Simply omit the breadcrumbs or substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.

Enjoy this Beefy Cheese and Onion Stuffed Pepper Casserole for a comforting meal that will warm your heart and satisfy your hunger! 😋✨