Image Credit : Daily Dishes
#### Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef
– 2 bell peppers, chopped
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 (15 oz) can low sodium beef broth
– 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
– 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
– 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ¾ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
– ¾ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
### Instructions
#### Cooking the Beef and Vegetables
1. **Cook the Ground Beef:**
– In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook until it is mostly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
2. **Add Onions and Bell Peppers:**
– Add the finely chopped onion and chopped bell peppers to the skillet with the ground beef. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften, about 5-10 minutes.
3. **Add Garlic:**
– Add the minced garlic to the beef and vegetable mixture. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant.
#### Preparing the Casserole
4. **Combine Ingredients:**
– Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, low sodium beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), uncooked long grain white rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
5. **Bring to a Boil:**
– Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
6. **Simmer the Casserole:**
– Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir halfway through to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
#### Adding the Cheese
7. **Check Rice and Stir in Cheese:**
– After 20 minutes, check if the rice is tender. If the rice is cooked, stir in about half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese until it is melted and well incorporated with the beef and rice mixture.
8. **Top with Remaining Cheese:**
– Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
#### Finishing Touches
9. **Melt the Cheese:**
– Cover the skillet again and let the cheese melt over the top of the casserole. This should take a few minutes. Alternatively, if you are in a hurry and using an oven-safe skillet, you can place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. **Serve:**
– Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from the heat. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Enjoy your delicious Stuffed Pepper Casserole!
### Tips for Best Results
– **Vegetable Variations:** Feel free to add other vegetables like diced zucchini or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
– **Cheese Choices:** You can use other types of cheese such as Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend if you prefer.
– **Serving Suggestions:** This casserole pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
