Lightly grease a baking dish or individual foil baking pans.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the onion and cook until softened.
Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Mix in the sliced bell peppers.
Season with paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Cook for about 5 minutes until the peppers begin to soften.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
Pour in the marinara sauce and stir everything together.
Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
Step 5: Assemble
Transfer the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Top evenly with mozzarella cheese and Parmesan if using.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
For extra browning, broil for the last 2 minutes.
Step 7: Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs perfectly with:
Garlic bread
Buttered rice
Mashed potatoes
Steamed vegetables
Fresh garden salad
Roasted potatoes
Tips for the Best Bake
Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting.
Don’t overcook the peppers—they should still have a slight bite.
Add crushed red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Delicious Variations
Mexican Style
Add taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and cheddar cheese.
Italian Version
Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef and add mushrooms.
Low-Carb Option
Mix in cauliflower rice instead of regular rice or pasta.
Extra Veggies
Add zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli.
Storage
Refrigerator: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: Up to 3 months.
Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 430 kcal
Protein: 34 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fat: 28 g
Fiber: 3 g
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or ground chicken makes a lighter version while still being delicious.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What cheese works best?
Mozzarella gives the perfect stretchy topping, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, provolone, or a blend of cheeses also work well.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Ground Beef & Bell Pepper Bake is the ultimate comfort food—simple ingredients, bold flavors, and a bubbling layer of melted cheese. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing meals for the week, this easy casserole is guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table.
Serve it fresh from the oven with your favorite side dish, and enjoy a homemade dinner that’s both hearty and delicious.
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