Chili Pepper Casserole

Packed with bold flavors, this Chili Pepper Casserole is a vibrant and hearty dish that brings a spicy kick to your dinner table. Featuring a rich combination of savory ground beef, smoky chili powder, and earthy cumin, this casserole is layered with tender cooked rice, juicy tomatoes, and the perfect balance of red bell and green chili peppers. A bubbly layer of melty cheddar cheese crowns this delectable creation, making it irresistibly indulgent. Easy to prepare in under an hour, this comforting casserole is ideal for a family meal or entertaining guests. Plus, it's a one-dish wonder that's versatile and can be customized with your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro. Try this satisfying recipe for a delicious way to spice up your weeknight dinners!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 3 green chili peppers, deseeded and chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1.5 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.

Step 4

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 5

Stir in the diced red bell pepper, green chili peppers, black beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste.

Step 6

Season the mixture with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is evenly distributed.

Step 8

Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with oil or cooking spray. Spread the rice mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.

Step 9

Layer the chili-pepper-beef mixture on top of the rice layer, spreading it out evenly.

Step 10

Top the casserole with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 11

Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Step 12

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired.

Step 13

Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2577.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3589.2

Total Fat 186.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 86.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 543.2mg	0%
Sodium 3209.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 306.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 44.5g	0%
Total Sugars 30.7g
Protein 184.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2022.9mg	0%
Iron 29.0mg	0%
Potassium 4399.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.1%

Protein: 20.3%

Carbs: 33.7%