Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
– 1 cup uncooked rice
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
– 1 bell pepper, diced (I love using a mix of colors for a vibrant dish)
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon pepper
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella works great!)
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Equipment Needed
– Large skillet
– Mixing bowl
– Casserole dish (3-quart is ideal)
– Wooden spoon
– Baking cover or aluminum foil
Step-by-Step Instructions
To start, I heat my large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef (or turkey) to cook until it’s browned. I like to break it up into small pieces with my wooden spoon, ensuring it cooks evenly. Once browned, I drain any excess grease and toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. I let that sauté for about 3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant. This combination fills my kitchen with the most wonderful aroma! (See the next page below to continue steps…)