Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

• Start by heating a large skillet or casserole dish on the stove over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Drain any excess grease if necessary.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for even less cleanup, use an oven-safe skillet so you can cook and bake in the same dish.

Step 2: Add the Bell Peppers

• Next, stir in the chopped bell peppers. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes, just until they start to soften. The mix of colors here is so cheerful; it’s like cooking happiness in a pan! I love using red, yellow, and green peppers for a nice pop of color.

Step 3: Stir in the Base Ingredients

• Add the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (juice and all), tomato sauce, broth, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir to combine. This is the part where everything starts smelling incredible—your kitchen will be filled with the warm, comforting aroma of homemade goodness.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook the Rice

• Cover the skillet and let everything simmer over medium-low heat for about 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the rice doesn’t stick. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is tender and has soaked up all those delicious flavors.

Pro Tip: If your rice is taking longer to cook, add an extra splash of broth to keep things moist. No one likes dry casserole!

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake

• Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts. Alternatively, if your skillet is oven-safe, you can pop it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes for a golden, bubbly finish. Trust me, that gooey, melty cheese layer is what dreams are made of.