Description
Taco Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a hearty and flavorful one-dish meal that combines all the delicious elements of stuffed peppers and taco night—ground beef, rice, peppers, cheese, and Mexican spices baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 3 bell peppers (any color), chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook diced onion and chopped peppers until softened, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, and cooked peppers and onions. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- In a saucepan, combine rice and broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Combine the cooked rice with the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir in half of the cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and casserole is heated through.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro, sour cream, or avocado if desired.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Use cooked quinoa instead of rice for added protein and fiber.
- This dish freezes well—store in an airtight container up to 3 months.