Mom's Stuffed Green Peppers Casserole 🌶️🍚

This hearty casserole is a family favorite and a fantastic way to combine delicious flavors into one cozy dish. It's perfect for busy weeknights, as it's simple to prepare and makes great leftovers. The sweet bell peppers meet savory ground beef and rice, all enveloped in a rich, tomato sauce that's sure to satisfy!

Consider serving it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients

For the casserole

• 1 can of Italian diced tomatoes
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 rib of celery, diced
• 1 (8 ounce) can of tomato sauce
• 2 teaspoons salt, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
• 4 medium green peppers, sliced into large strips
• 1 pound of lean ground beef
• 1 cup of cooked rice
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 2-3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine the diced tomatoes, onion, celery, tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.

   🍅 Using Italian seasoned tomatoes can add even more flavor, so feel free to experiment!

2. Meanwhile, chop the green peppers into strips and set them aside.

3. In a bowl, mix the browned ground beef with the cooked rice, dried basil, and the remaining salt and pepper. Add Worcestershire sauce for an extra kick!

4. Layer the pepper strips over the beef-rice mixture in the saucepan, covering it.

5. Cover the pot and cook for 25 minutes or until the peppers are tender.

   ⏲️ Keep an eye on the casserole while it cooks; if the sauce thickens too much, you can stir in a splash of water or stock to keep it saucy.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for some heat. 🌶️
• Vegetarian: Replace ground beef with black beans or lentils and add more veggies, like zucchini or corn.
• Extra Cheesy: Stir in some shredded cheese into the beef mixture for extra creaminess before layering the peppers!
• Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled and refrigerated overnight. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time when baking it the next day.

Enjoy this comforting dish, and feel free to make it your own! 🍽️