Hearty Stuffed Pepper Casserole 🌶️🍚

This delicious and filling casserole brings the classic flavors of stuffed peppers into a hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. It’s packed with protein, veggies, and cheesy goodness – a meal that warms the soul and satisfies the appetite!

Consider serving this casserole with a side salad or some crusty bread to round out the meal. It's perfect for meal prep, so make a larger batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week! 🥗🍞

Ingredients

For the casserole

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 6 small green bell peppers, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage
• 1 pound ground beef
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 pinch dried oregano (or to taste)
• 1 pinch garlic powder (or to taste)
• 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed tomato soup
• 1/4 can water (10.75 ounce)
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add in the chopped green bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are slightly soft, about 2 minutes.

3. Stir in the ground Italian sausage and ground beef into the vegetable mixture. Cook until the meat is crumbly and browned, stirring often, about 10 to 12 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess grease.

   🔪 Tip: Breaking up the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks helps ensure even distribution and a better texture in your casserole.

4. Season the meat mixture with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and garlic powder to taste.

5. Mix in the diced tomatoes, cooked rice, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish.

7. In a bowl, whisk the tomato soup with the water until smooth, then pour it over the meat mixture in the baking dish.

8. Spread the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

9. Bake in the preheated oven until heated through and the cheese is browned and bubbly, approximately 30 minutes.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Substitute the meat with a combination of lentils and mushrooms for a hearty, plant-based option.
• Spicy kick: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture for a spicy twist!
• Cheese lovers: Mix in a variety of cheeses such as Mozzarella or Pepper Jack for an extra cheesy flavor profile.
• Low-carb: Swap out the rice for cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative that still gives that comforting texture.

Enjoy this comforting casserole with your loved ones, and watch it become a staple in your household! 😍👨‍🍳