Hamburger & Rice Casserole (Bell Pepper Style)

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

• Yield: 6 servings

• Difficulty Intensity: Easy / Beginner-Friendly

• Cooking Heat Intensity: Medium (Stovetop) & Medium-High (Oven at 375°F / 190°C)

Ingredients

Main Casserole Base

• 1.5 lbs (680g) Ground Beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best for flavor)

• 1 large Yellow Onion, finely diced

• 2 medium Bell Peppers (1 green and 1 red for color and subtle sweetness), cored and chopped into ½-inch pieces

• 3 cloves Garlic, minced

• 1 can (14.5 oz / 410g) Diced Tomatoes, with juice

• 1 can (15 oz / 425g) Tomato Sauce

• 1 cup Low-Sodium Beef Broth

• 3 cups Cooked Long-Grain White Rice (or cooked brown rice)

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce

Seasoning Blend

• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning

• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika

• 1 tsp Garlic Powder

• ½ tsp Onion Powder

• 1 tsp Kosher Salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ tsp Freshly Cracked Black Pepper

• ¼ tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a slight warmth)

Topping & Garnish

• 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese (or Monterey Jack), freshly shredded

• 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Pro Tips for Success

1. Use Pre-Cooked or Leftover Rice: Cold or room-temperature leftover rice absorbs the sauce without turning mushy. Avoid using hot, fresh rice directly out of the cooker if possible, as it holds extra moisture.

2. Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-packaged shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that hinder smooth melting. Shredding your cheddar from a block yields a much creamier texture.

3. Lean Meat Alternative: You can substitute lean ground turkey or ground chicken for ground beef. If using poultry, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil when cooking to keep the meat juicy.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Nutritional values are estimates based on 6 equal servings.