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1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Meat:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef (or turkey) over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the Vegetables:
- Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the Tomatoes and Rice:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, and beef (or chicken) broth.
- Add the uncooked rice, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Simmer:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
8. Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
- Serve the stuffed pepper casserole hot.
Tips and Variations
- Protein Options: Use ground turkey, chicken, or a meat substitute for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Rice Variations: Use brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a healthier option.
- Vegetable Additions: Add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese Topping: Use other cheeses like Parmesan or a blend of Italian cheeses.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
Enjoy your stuffed pepper casserole as a hearty and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any night of the week!
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