Start with bell peppers to make a super easy version of that classic Italian casserole

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Place the diced bell peppers into the bottom of a well-greased casserole dish.

2. Pour the rice over the top of the peppers, distributing as evenly as possible.

3. Quickly brown the beef with the onion and garlic (season too) and then place on top of the rice.

4. In a large bowl, mix the water in with the tomato sauce and spices before pouring the liquid into the casserole dish.

5. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole and place into the preheated oven for 45 minutes.

For a lighter version, try substituting ground turkey or chicken for the beef. You can also sneak in other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to add more nutrients. For those who love a bit of heat, adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can spice things up.