Description
A hearty, one-dish casserole with tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and vibrant bell peppers, baked to golden perfection with a bubbly cheese topping. This no-fuss, 45-minute meal is perfect for weeknight comfort or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium bell peppers (any color), diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp non-alcoholic Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step: In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned; drain fat.
- Step: Add onion, bell peppers, and garlic; cook 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Step: Stir in rice, water, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, non-alcoholic Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, salt, and pepper.
- Step: Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes.
- Step: Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Step: Sprinkle with half the cheese, then cover tightly with foil.
- Step: Bake for 15 minutes.
- Step: Remove foil, top with remaining cheese, and broil 3-4 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Step: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are non-alcoholic. If rice is still firm after simmering, add a splash of beef broth before baking to ensure optimal texture. Leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: casserole, ground beef, bell pepper, rice, easy dinner, comfort food, cheesy
