Southwestern Glop
A hearty, cheesy casserole with flavorful beef, peppers, and rice, topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese—perfect for family dinners and comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 2 pounds hamburger ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz) can crushed tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 bell peppers, cut into 1-inch squares
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1.5 to 2 pounds Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- red pepper (optional) to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook hamburger and drain fat.
- Add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, allspice, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper if using.
- Add cooked rice, chopped onion, and bell pepper squares.
- Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Place bell pepper squares in the bottom of a large baking dish to cover the base.
- Spread the meat mixture evenly over the bell peppers.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven and grate the Monterey Jack cheese.
- Spread cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven and let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider adding black beans or corn to the mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the hamburger for a lighter option. If you're short on time, using pre-cooked rice can speed up the preparation. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper, depending on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
This Southwestern Glop is a hearty dish that can stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with a fresh Vegetable Salad Stack-Up for a balanced meal. You might also serve it with tortilla chips on the side for added crunch. A dollop of sour cream or guacamole can enhance the flavors if desired.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker serving, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwestern Glop contains roughly 104 calories, with 3g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (100% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1064mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat and rice mixture in advance. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just assemble the dish and bake it when you're ready to serve.
What can I use instead of Monterey Jack cheese?
If you don't have Monterey Jack cheese, you can substitute with cheddar or pepper jack for a spicier kick. Both will melt well and complement the flavors of the dish.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the hamburger with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or textured vegetable protein. Use vegetable broth instead of Worcestershire sauce for a completely vegetarian dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).