Ingredients
For the Beef & Vegetable Filling
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, optional
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
For the Cheese Topping
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan, optional
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Step-by-Step Method
1. Prepare the vegetables
Wash and slice the bell peppers. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
2. Brown the beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
3. Add onion and garlic
Add the diced onion and cook for about 2–3 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Add peppers
Add the red, yellow, and green bell peppers.
Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften but still have a little texture.
5. Season the filling
Stir in:
- Tomato paste
- Diced tomatoes
- Paprika
- Italian seasoning
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
- Salt
- Red pepper flakes
Pour in the beef broth and stir everything together.
Simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and some of the liquid to reduce.
6. Transfer to baking dishes
Divide the beef and pepper mixture between two small oven-safe baking dishes or place everything into one larger casserole dish.
7. Add the cheese
Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the top.
Add Parmesan if desired.
8. Bake
Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 12–18 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling.
For a beautiful golden-brown top, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.
9. Garnish and serve
Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Cooking Tips
- Use 80–90% lean ground beef for a flavorful but not overly greasy filling.
- Don’t overcook the peppers; keeping them slightly crisp adds great texture.
- For extra flavor, add a little Worcestershire sauce to the beef.
- Use mozzarella for stretchiness and cheddar for extra flavor.
- If you want it spicy, add jalapeño or extra red pepper flakes.
- You can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and add the cheese just before baking.
- For meal prep, divide into individual oven-safe containers and refrigerate.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheesy beef bake with:
- Garlic bread
- Steamed rice
- Roasted potatoes
- Green salad
- Cauliflower rice
- Steamed broccoli
- Tortilla chips
It can also be served inside warm tortillas for a delicious cheesy beef and pepper wrap.
Approximate Nutrition
Per serving, based on 4 servings:
- Calories: 430–470 kcal
- Protein: 31–35 g
- Carbohydrates: 12–16 g
- Fat: 28–31 g
- Saturated Fat: 12–14 g
- Fiber: 3–4 g
- Sugar: 6–8 g
- Sodium: 700–850 mg
- Calcium: 300–350 mg
Nutrition is approximate and will vary depending on the ground beef, cheese, and other brands used.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This is one of those easy dinners that feels comforting without requiring complicated ingredients. The seasoned beef and sweet bell peppers make a flavorful base, while the bubbly, golden cheese on top makes it extra satisfying.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey works very well and makes the dish lighter. Add a little extra olive oil if needed.
2. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. Mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, corn, or broccoli are all good additions.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the beef and vegetable mixture, refrigerate it, then add the cheese and bake when ready.
4. Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes. Allow it to cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to about 2–3 months.
5. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot and the cheese is melted again. Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave.