Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole

1 pound ground beef or turkey
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
2 cups beef or chicken broth
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For Topping

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Meat

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the onion and bell peppers to the pan with the meat. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Rice and Seasonings

Stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Add the salt, black pepper, oregano, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to combine.

Step 4: Simmer the Mixture

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cover. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and absorbs most of the liquid.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the rice is fully cooked, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 350
Sugar: 7g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 24g