Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), diced
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Mexican blend)
- Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a casserole dish or deep skillet.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, then drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and garlic; sauté until translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in diced bell peppers and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Mix in cooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and heat through.
- Transfer mixture to prepared casserole dish and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes for a crisp, golden cheese topping.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving.
Notes
- Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Add corn, black beans, or diced zucchini for extra veggies.
- Swap in different cheeses like pepper jack or feta for a twist.
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or balsamic vinegar for depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
