Cheesy Ground Beef & Bell Pepper Bake

Description

This Cheesy Ground Beef & Bell Pepper Bake is a hearty, colorful casserole packed with juicy seasoned ground beef, tender bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and plenty of bubbling melted cheese. It has all the satisfying flavors of stuffed peppers without the extra work of filling individual peppers. Red, yellow, and green bell peppers add natural sweetness and vibrant color, while garlic, paprika, oregano, and Worcestershire sauce give the beef a rich savory flavor. A generous layer of cheddar and mozzarella melts over the top and develops irresistible golden spots in the oven. This easy casserole is perfect for busy weeknight dinners, family meals, meal prep, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Ground Beef Mixture

• 1½ lbs lean ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional

For the Cheese Topping

• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Garnish

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Crushed red pepper flakes, optional

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the diced onion and cook for approximately 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften.
4. Add the red, yellow, and green bell peppers. Cook for another 4–5 minutes until slightly tender but still colorful.
5. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for approximately 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
6. Push the vegetables toward the sides of the skillet and add the ground beef.
7. Break the beef into small pieces with a wooden spoon and cook for approximately 6–8 minutes, until completely browned.
8. Carefully drain excess grease from the skillet if necessary.
9. Add tomato paste and stir it into the beef mixture. Cook for about 1 minute to deepen its flavor.
10. Add the drained diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
11. Stir everything together until the beef and vegetables are evenly coated with the seasonings.
12. Simmer uncovered for approximately 5 minutes, allowing excess moisture from the tomatoes and vegetables to evaporate.
13. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
14. Transfer the ground beef and bell pepper mixture into the prepared baking dish.
15. Spread it into an even layer using the back of a spoon.
16. Combine the shredded cheddar and mozzarella, then scatter the cheeses evenly across the beef mixture.
17. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top.
18. Bake uncovered for approximately 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling.
19. For a more golden topping, switch the oven to broil for approximately 1–2 minutes at the end. Watch carefully because cheese can brown quickly.
20. Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
21. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, freshly ground black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
22. Spoon generous portions onto plates and serve warm.

Tips

• Use lean ground beef to prevent the casserole from becoming excessively greasy.
• Drain the diced tomatoes before adding them. Too much liquid can make the finished casserole watery.
• Don’t overcook the bell peppers in the skillet because they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
• Freshly shredded cheese melts especially smoothly.
• For extra heat, add diced jalapeño, cayenne pepper, or additional red pepper flakes.
• You can add mushrooms, zucchini, corn, or spinach for additional vegetables.
• Let the casserole rest before serving so the juices settle and portions are easier to scoop.

Notes

This casserole can be assembled several hours ahead. Prepare the beef mixture, transfer it to the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. Add the cheese before baking. If baking directly from the refrigerator, additional cooking time may be required. Leftovers should be refrigerated promptly in an airtight container and can be stored for approximately 3–4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the casserole covered in the oven until thoroughly heated.

Q&A

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey or chicken can replace the beef. Because they’re leaner, you may want to add a little additional olive oil while cooking.
Can I add rice?
Yes. Stir approximately 1½–2 cups of cooked rice into the beef mixture before transferring it to the baking dish.
Can I make this casserole spicy?
Absolutely. Add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or your favorite hot sauce.
What cheese works best?
A combination of cheddar and mozzarella gives both strong flavor and excellent melting. Monterey Jack or pepper Jack also works beautifully.
What should I serve with it?
Serve it with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, garlic bread, rice, or warm crusty bread.

Servings

Serves 6–8

Nutrition (Approx. Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings)

• Calories: 405
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 590mg
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Potassium: 610mg
• Calcium: 25% DV
• Iron: 16% DV
  Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the ground beef, cheese, vegetables, ingredient brands, and serving size.