Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers (any color – green, yellow, red, or orange)
- 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped (optional, for spicy)
- 5 cloves garlic, chopped
Protein & Dairy
- 1 pound ground beef (450g) – or substitute with ground turkey, chicken, sausage, or tofu
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, or blend)
Other Ingredients
- 14.5 ounces fire roasted tomatoes (or diced tomatoes or tomato sauce)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or wild rice)
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature by the time your casserole is ready to bake.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and jalapeno pepper if using. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan. Break it apart with a spoon and cook for 5-6 minutes until well browned and cooked through.
- Add Tomatoes & Seasonings: Stir in the fire roasted tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- Incorporate Rice & Cheese: Add the cooked rice and stir until fully combined. Then, mix in half of the shredded cheese into the mixture to create a slightly cheesy base.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a casserole dish, Dutch oven, or any oven-safe pan suitable for baking.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top to create a melty, bubbly crust when baked.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and red pepper flakes for a burst of fresh flavor and a little heat if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, sausage, or tofu for different dietary preferences.
- Use any type of rice you prefer: white, brown, or wild rice all work well.
- Adjust the heat by omitting the jalapeno or increasing red pepper flakes according to taste.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with plant-based ground meat or extra vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American