Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb lean ground turkey or chicken
- 1 cup brown rice, cooked
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 bell peppers, diced (use a mix of colors for visual appeal)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Greek yogurt or light sour cream
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Ground Turkey:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Saute Vegetables:
- Add chopped onion, diced bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked turkey. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
- Season:
- Stir in cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground turkey mixture with cooked brown rice, black beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Mix well.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish sprayed with cooking spray, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and then slice.
- Serve with optional toppings such as chopped fresh cilantro and a dollop of Greek yogurt or light sour cream.
Note:
This Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a well-balanced and satisfying meal that’s suitable for those following the Weight Watchers program. Adjust the ingredients and portion sizes based on your specific plan. Enjoy the flavors of stuffed peppers in an easy-to-make casserole form!
