Cheesy Ground Beef & Bell Pepper Bake
A hearty, comforting casserole made with seasoned ground beef, colorful bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, and plenty of melted cheese. Everything bakes together until bubbling and golden on top, making this an easy family-style dinner with plenty of flavor.
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until softened.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Add the diced tomatoes and bell peppers. Cook for 4–5 minutes, just until the peppers begin to soften.
Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to a baking dish or individual oven-safe dishes.
Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the top.
Bake for about 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly browned.
For a more golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Tips
For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
Don’t overcook the peppers before baking; keeping them slightly firm gives the casserole better texture.
A combination of mozzarella and cheddar gives the best balance of stretch and flavor.
Q&A
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the beef and vegetable mixture, place it in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. Add the cheese just before baking.
Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely. Mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or sliced onions are all good additions.
What cheese works best?
Mozzarella melts beautifully, while cheddar adds more flavor. Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend also works well.
Can I make this low-carb?
Yes. The recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates when served without rice, pasta, or bread.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat until hot.
Nutrition
Nutrition will vary depending on the ground beef, cheese, and portion size. This dish provides protein from the beef and cheese, along with vitamins and fiber from the bell peppers and tomatoes.
Conclusion
This cheesy ground beef and pepper bake is an easy, satisfying meal with tender vegetables, savory beef, and a golden layer of melted cheese. It works beautifully as a complete dinner on its own or alongside a fresh green salad.