Cheesy Ground Beef & Bell Pepper Bake
Yield: 4–6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef (85–90% lean)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional if using lean beef)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), sliced into strips
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ cup diced tomatoes (drained) or tomato sauce
Cheese Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley
- Basil
- Green onions
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing spoon
- 8-inch baking dish or two small foil pans
- Oven
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease the baking dish lightly.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Heat the skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the ground beef until browned.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Add:
- onion
- garlic
Cook for 2–3 minutes.
Add sliced bell peppers.
Cook another 4–5 minutes until slightly softened but still colorful.
Step 4: Season
Mix in:
- Italian seasoning
- paprika
- onion powder
- garlic powder
- salt
- pepper
- tomato paste
- tomatoes or tomato sauce
Cook 3–4 minutes until thickened.
Step 5: Assemble
Transfer mixture to the baking dish.
Spread evenly.
Top with:
- mozzarella
- cheddar
- Parmesan
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes.
For a golden top:
Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Step 7: Rest
Allow to rest for 5 minutes.
Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Nut Information
This recipe is naturally tree nut-free and peanut-free.
However, always check labels on:
- shredded cheese
- seasoning blends
- packaged Parmesan
Some processed foods are produced in facilities that also handle nuts.
To Add Nuts (Optional)
If you enjoy extra texture, try adding one of these just before serving:
- Toasted pine nuts
- Chopped walnuts
- Sliced almonds
These additions are optional and not traditional for this dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Garlic bread
- Rice
- Mashed potatoes
- Buttered noodles
- Cauliflower rice
- Green salad
- Roasted broccoli
Variations
Low-Carb
Skip tomato sauce or use a low-sugar version.
Serve over cauliflower rice.
Mexican Style
Add:
- taco seasoning
- black beans
- corn
- pepper jack cheese
Top with avocado and cilantro.
Italian Style
Use:
- marinara sauce
- oregano
- basil
- provolone cheese
Mushroom Version
Add:
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms
Cook before adding peppers.
Spicy Version
Add:
- diced jalapeños
- cayenne pepper
- hot sauce
Extra Veggies
Mix in:
- zucchini
- spinach
- mushrooms
- diced tomatoes
Storage
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Microwave
- 1–2 minutes per serving.
Oven
- 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving, 6 servings)
- Calories: 350–420
- Protein: 28 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Carbohydrates: 9–12 g
- Fiber: 2–3 g
- Sugar: 5–6 g
Values vary depending on the cheese and beef used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey or chicken works well; you may want to add a little olive oil since they’re leaner.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving, adding 5–10 minutes if baking from cold.
Q: Can I use frozen peppers?
Yes. Thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.
Q: How do I prevent a watery casserole?
Drain the beef well, cook the peppers until some moisture evaporates, and use drained diced tomatoes or a thick tomato sauce.
Q: What cheeses melt best?
Mozzarella gives a stretchy topping, cheddar adds flavor, and Parmesan contributes a savory, browned crust.
Q: Can I add rice to the casserole?
Yes. Stir in 1–2 cups of cooked rice before baking for a heartier meal.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Use your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese or omit the cheese and serve with fresh herbs for flavor.
Q: How do I know it’s done?
The filling should be bubbling around the edges and the cheese should be fully melted with golden-brown spots on top.
