Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's also healthy and easy to make? Look no further! This unstuffed bell pepper casserole is a fantastic quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights. It captures all the deliciousness of stuffed peppers without the fuss of individual pepper preparation. This homemade cooking masterpiece is packed with veggies, lean protein, and savory spices, making it a delicious dish the whole family will enjoy. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferred protein and vegetable choices. Feel free to swap things in and out to suit your taste and what's in your fridge!
- 1 pound ground turkey or chicken (lean ground beef works well too)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Get Started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Sauté the Veggies and Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground turkey or chicken, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chopped bell peppers and cook for another 3-5 minutes until slightly tender.
Combine Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, cooked quinoa or rice, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. The cheese should be melted and slightly golden brown.
Serve & Enjoy: Let the casserole stand for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy this hearty and healthy meal!
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Veggie boost: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots.
- Cheese variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend.
- Make it ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Variations:
- Vegetarian: Replace the ground meat with 1 cup of cooked lentils or black beans for a vegetarian option.
- Low-carb: Substitute cauliflower rice for the quinoa or rice.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This unstuffed bell pepper casserole is a perfect example of how easy it can be to create delicious and healthy meals at home. It's a versatile recipe that can be customized to your preferences and dietary needs, making it a staple in your healthy meal rotation. Enjoy this quick and easy recipe!