Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
– 1 cup uncooked rice (I prefer brown rice)
– 2 large bell peppers, chopped (any color you like)
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
– 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar works great!)
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon paprika
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Equipment Needed
– Large skillet
– 9×13 inch baking dish
– Spoon and spatula for stirring
– Cutting board and knife
– Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
To start, I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) because I want it nice and hot by the time the casserole is ready to go in. In a large skillet over medium heat, I brown the ground beef (or turkey, for a healthier option) with the chopped onion and minced garlic. The smell of the cooking meat and onions is absolutely incredible, and it’s a great sign that the base flavor is coming together. After the meat is cooked through, I drain any excess fat. (See the next page below to continue steps…)