Enchilada Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Introduction

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a comforting and delicious Enchilada Stuffed Pepper Casserole. This dish combines the vibrant flavors of enchiladas and stuffed peppers into one delightful meal. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner that’s sure to impress your loved ones.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

2 large red bell peppers (300g), seeded and chopped

2 large green bell peppers (300g), seeded and chopped

500g ground beef or turkey

1 onion (150g), diced

2 cloves garlic (10g), minced

400g canned black beans, drained and rinsed

300g cooked rice

400ml enchilada sauce

200g shredded cheddar cheese

100ml sour cream

20ml olive oil

10g ground cumin

10g chili powder

Salt, to taste

Fresh cilantro (optional), for garnish

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Yield: 6 servings

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, sauté until the onions are translucent (about 3 minutes).

3. Add the ground beef or turkey to the pan, cook until browned and fully cooked.

4. Stir in cumin, chili powder, salt, and mix well.

5. Add the chopped bell peppers, black beans, rice, and half of the enchilada sauce to the pan. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through.

6. Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top and spread it evenly.

7. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the casserole.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.

10. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and garnished with fresh cilantro, if desired.

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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, and sauté until the onions are translucent, about 3 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Meat

Add the ground beef or turkey to the pan. Cook the meat until it is browned and fully cooked through.

Step 4: Add Spices

Stir in ground cumin, chili powder, and salt to the meat mixture, mixing well to combine.

Step 5: Combine Other Ingredients

Add the chopped red and green bell peppers, drained black beans, cooked rice, and half of the enchilada sauce to the pan. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through.

Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish

Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top, spreading it evenly.

Step 7: Add Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole.

Step 8: Bake

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

Step 9: Cool Slightly

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Step 10: Serve

Serve the casserole with a dollop of sour cream and garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.

Notes

Ingredient Variations

Feel free to substitute ground beef or turkey with lean ground chicken or a plant-based protein for a healthier option.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Pair the casserole with a side salad or tortilla chips for a complete meal.

Customization Tips

Add other vegetables such as corn or zucchini for additional flavor and nutrition. Adjust spices according to your preference for heat.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration

Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, the casserole can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and seal in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Enchilada Stuffed Pepper Casserole with a side of tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast. Consider pairing with a fresh green salad tossed with a zesty vinaigrette for a refreshing touch. You can also serve it alongside guacamole or salsa for additional flavor.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 6 servings):
Calories: 450
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 600mg
Total Carbohydrates: 40g
Dietary Fiber: 8g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 28g

Daily values may vary based on individual diets.

Ingredient Substitutions

– For ground beef or turkey, you can use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option.
– Substitute bell peppers with zucchini or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.
– Instead of black beans, you can use pinto beans or kidney beans.
– If cheddar cheese isn’t available, Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese would work well.
– Greek yogurt can be used in place of sour cream for a lower-fat alternative.

Cook Techniques

Sautéing

Sautéing is a cooking method that involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over relatively high heat. This technique is used in the casserole to soften the onions and garlic, enhancing their flavors before adding the meat.

Browning

Browning is the process of cooking food at a high temperature until the surface turns brown. This technique is essential for the ground beef or turkey, as it creates a rich flavor and a pleasing texture that adds depth to the dish.

Mixing Ingredients

Thoroughly mixing ingredients ensures even distribution of flavors and textures in a dish. In this casserole, combining the cooked meat with bell peppers, black beans, and rice creates a harmonious blend of tastes.

Baking

Baking involves cooking food using dry heat, typically in an oven. In the casserole, baking helps meld the flavors together and allows the cheese on top to melt and become bubbly, resulting in a delicious topping.

Garnishing

Garnishing is the final touch that enhances the presentation and flavor of a dish. Adding sour cream and fresh cilantro provides a creamy texture and fresh taste that complements the casserole beautifully.

FAQ

Can I use different types of meat for this casserole?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef or turkey with chicken, pork, or even a meat alternative for a vegetarian option.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To increase the spiciness, you can add jalapeños or other chili peppers to the mixture or use a spicy enchilada sauce.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

What can I serve with the Enchilada Stuffed Pepper Casserole?

This casserole pairs well with a fresh salad, guacamole, or tortilla chips for a complete meal.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in airtight containers. Just make sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.

Conclusion

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Enchilada Stuffed Pepper Casserole this Valentine’s Day. This dish not only brings a hearty and satisfying meal to the table but also adds a romantic touch with its vibrant colors and delicious taste. Perfect for sharing with your loved ones, this casserole is a delicious way to celebrate love and togetherness.

Enchilada Chicken Bake

Swap out the ground beef or turkey for shredded chicken in a similar casserole dish, using enchilada sauce, Tex-Mex spices, and cheese for a delicious variation.

Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

For a meatless option, use a mix of vegetables like zucchini, corn, and mushrooms along with black beans and quinoa, topped with cheese and enchilada sauce.

Taco Stuffed Peppers

Fill your bell peppers with ground beef, taco seasoning, black beans, and rice, then bake and top with cheese and avocado for a taco twist.

Cheesy Quinoa and Spinach Bake

Make a nutritious option by mixing cooked quinoa with sautéed spinach, feta cheese, and a light tomato sauce, then bake until bubbly for a healthy twist.

Spicy Shrimp and Rice Casserole

Combine shrimp with spicy seasoning, rice, and a creamy sauce, then bake until the shrimp are tender and served with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Use zucchini as a healthy alternative to peppers, stuffing them with ground meat, rice, and enchilada sauce, topped with cheese and baked to perfection.