Easy Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole (Dump and Bake)

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground chicken

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground chicken is often less expensive.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: mozzarella cheese

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories, while mozzarella is often cheaper.

sour cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: plain yogurt

Greek yogurt provides creaminess with fewer calories.

rice

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: couscous

Quinoa is a protein-rich alternative, while couscous is often less expensive.

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain off the excess grease. Set aside.

In the prepared dish, whisk together the broth, tomato sauce, garlic, soy sauce, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper.

Stir in the uncooked rice, onion, bell peppers, and tomatoes.

Cover tightly with foil and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the rice is almost done, but still a little bit firm. Be careful that you don't overcook the rice or it will become mushy. Use a fork to fluff the rice. Gently stir in the ground beef. Sprinkle the cheese on top.

Return to the oven, uncovered, just until the cheese melts and the rice is perfectly tender, about 5-10 minutes.

Garnish with chopped fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens