Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)

1 small onion, diced

3 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained

1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce

1 cup beef or chicken broth

1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown)

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned (5 minutes). Drain excess grease.
Stir in onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook until softened (3-4 minutes).
Add salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and smoked paprika. Stir well.
Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, and rice. Mix to combine.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice is tender.
Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top. Transfer to oven and bake for 10 minutes until melted and bubbly.
Remove from oven, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

Brown Rice Option: If using brown rice, increase the broth by about ½ cup and simmer longer (about 5-8 extra minutes).

Best Cheese Melt: For a gooier texture, cover the skillet for the last few minutes of baking to help the cheese fully melt.

Make Ahead Tip: Assemble the casserole (without cheese), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the cheese and bake as directed.

Serving Suggestions: Pair with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies for a well-rounded meal.

For a Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips or panko breadcrumbs on top before baking.

Author: Anna
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6 servings
Calories: ~420 kcal