Stuffed Pepper Casserole

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.

Place the rice, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Cover, turn heat down to low, and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.

While the rice is cooking, prep the rest of the casserole.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C).

In a large skillet set over medium heat, cook and crumble the ground beef until no longer pink. Add salt and pepper to taste. Remove from pan and set aside.

Melt the butter in the now-empty skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook 3 minutes. Add the pepper and zucchini and cook 5 minutes. Add the carrots and cook for 5 more minutes, or until everything is tender. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the rice, salsa, and beef.

Transfer the filling to a 13x9-inch pan. Top with shredded cheese.

Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens