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A Delicious Twist On A Classic Casserole: Stuffed Bell Peppers, Bacon Cheeseburgers & Taco Mac And Cheese Are On The Menu

July 11, 2024

On weeknights, many families rush around trying to prepare for the next day. While these moments can be stressful, the silver lining of the evening is when everyone pauses to enjoy a perfectly cooked family dinner together. From tough homework assignments and Soccer practice to getting everyone tucked into bed, the days can seem long, but those special moments make cooking a memorable meal worthwhile.

When life gets busy, you need a family recipe that is quick to make, easy to bake and mouthwatering to eat, such as a casserole. Try this recipe for Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole next time you are in a pinch.

It’s made with hearty Ground Turkey Breast, delicious Bell Peppers, Crushed Tomatoes and Brown Rice then topped with gooey Sharp Cheddar Cheese. This short ingredient list makes it easy to assemble. Brown the Turkey and the Onions then combine all the ingredients, in a layered fashion, in a baking dish. It’s simple to prepare before baking to perfection.

It’s just right for little ones who are hungry and ready for a wholesome and appetizing home-cooked meal. Adults enjoy the natural flavors and fresh ingredients that keep all ages happy and content.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Servings: 4

• 20 Ounces of Ground Turkey Breast
• 1 Yellow Onion, chopped
• 1/4 Teaspoon of Salt
• 1/4 Teaspoon of Pepper
• 3 Large Bell Peppers, chopped (1 each red, yellow and green)
• 1 28 Ounce Can of Crushed Tomatoes
• 1/2 Cup of Long-Grain Brown Rice
• 1 Teaspoon of Oregano
• 1/2 Teaspoon of Garlic Powder
• 8 Ounces of Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Heat the oven to 350 F.

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the Turkey, the Onions, the Salt and the Pepper. Break up the Turkey and cook until they are browned.

Add the Turkey Mixture to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Add the Bell Peppers, the Crushed Tomatoes, the Brown Rice, the Oregano and the Garlic Powder. Mix everything until it is combined. Cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 80-90 minutes until the Rice is tender.

Remove the foil, add the Shredded Cheese and bake it for 5 minutes until the Cheese is melted.

Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
For another comfort food option made easy try this Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole, it's loaded with Ground Turkey, Bacon and Vegetables in a Creamy Sauce topped with Tater Tots and Cheese.

This slow cooker recipe is sure to be a smash hit. It's simple; just mix the ingredients together and let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting.

Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Recipe adapted from "Julie's Eats and Treats"
Servings: 5

• 1 Pound of Lean Ground Turkey
• 5 Bacon Strips, diced
• 1/2 Small Onion, diced
• 2 Cloves of Garlic, minced
• 3 Tablespoons of All-Purpose Flour
• 1 1/2 Cups of Milk
• 1/2 Tablespoon of Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 Dash of Hot Sauce
• 1 1/2 Cups of Cheddar Cheese, plus additional for topping (optional), divided
• 1 6-8 Ounce Bag of Frozen Mixed Vegetables
• 2 Tablespoons of Sour Cream
• Nonstick Cooking Spray
• 1 16 Ounce bag of Frozen Tater Tots
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the Ground Turkey, the Bacon, the Onion and the Garlic until the Turkey is no longer pink. Sprinkle the Flour over the Turkey and stir well to combine. Stir in the Milk, the Worcestershire Sauce and the Hot Sauce. Cook 2-3 minutes, or until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the Cheddar Cheese, the Frozen Vegetables and the Sour Cream.

Spray the slow cooker with the Non Stick Spray. Place some of the Tater Tots in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the Meat Gravy over the Tater Tots. Arrange the remaining Tater Tots on top.

Cover and cook it on low for 3-3 1/2 hours. During the last 10 minutes of cooking, sprinkle it with the extra Cheddar Cheese, if desired. Cover it and finish cooking it.

A Better-For-You Mac And Cheese
Macaroni and Cheese is a beloved comfort food that's easy to make during a busy week. With just a few extra ingredients and steps, you can turn Boxed Mac and Cheese into a filling dinner.

To make this Taco Mac and Cheese, simply prepare your favorite Boxed Mac and Cheese according to the package’s instructions and stir fry the Meat and the Vegetables together. (Hint: You can even chop the Vegetables the night before to make cooking the next day even easier.) Then add the Taco Seasoning and combine it for a better-for-you take on a classic dish.

Taco Mac and Cheese Casserole

• 1 Box of Macaroni and Cheese
• 1/4 Cup of Milk
• 4 Tablespoons of Butter
• 1 Pound of Ground Turkey
• 1 Red Bell Pepper, diced
• 1 Yellow Bell Pepper, diced
• 1 Orange Bell Pepper, diced
• 1 Onion, diced
• 2 Teaspoons of Taco Seasoning

Prepare the Boxed Mac and Cheese with the Milk and the Butter according to the package’s instructions.

In a skillet, brown the Ground Turkey over medium heat. Add the Bell Peppers and the Onion and then add the Taco Seasoning.

Stir the Turkey Mixture with the Mac and Cheese to combine it. You can serve it in your favorite individual serving size bowl or place it in a casserole dish for everyone to help themselves. Either way it's a sure hit!

If you made any of these recipes at home, use #MyCulinaryConnection on your favorite social network to share your work.

Visit: www.Culinary.net to find more quick and simple recipes.

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