Cheesy Ground Beef and Bell Pepper Bake
If you’re looking for an easy, cheesy, and satisfying dinner that doesn’t require a lot of complicated ingredients, this Cheesy Ground Beef and Bell Pepper Bake is definitely one to try!
Honestly, I love recipes like this because they turn simple everyday ingredients into something that feels special. Ground beef, colorful bell peppers, a flavorful tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese come together to create a delicious oven-baked meal that the whole family can enjoy.
I usually make this kind of dish when I want something hearty but don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen. The ground beef gets seasoned beautifully, the bell peppers become tender while still holding their shape, and the melted cheese on top turns golden and bubbly.
What makes this recipe even better is how easy it is to customize. You can use your favorite cheese, add extra vegetables, make it spicy, or even serve it over rice for a more filling meal.
Another thing I love is that you can prepare individual portions in small foil baking pans, just like the ones in the picture. They’re convenient for meal prep, family dinners, and storing leftovers.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or simply need a comforting weeknight dinner, this cheesy ground beef and pepper bake is a delicious option!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy ingredients: Made with affordable ingredients that are easy to find at almost any grocery store.
- Full of flavor: Seasoned ground beef and sweet bell peppers create a delicious combination.
- Extra cheesy: Melted mozzarella or cheddar gives every serving a delicious cheesy topping.
- Perfect for busy nights: Everything comes together in about 45 minutes.
- Great for meal prep: Prepare individual portions and save them for later.
- Customizable: Easily change the vegetables, seasonings, and cheese to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here is what you’ll need to make this delicious ground beef and bell pepper bake.
Main Ingredients
- 1½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
For Garnishing
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Extra shredded cheese, if desired
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Bell Pepper Bake
This recipe is very straightforward. I usually prepare the beef and vegetables first, assemble everything in a baking dish, and let the oven do the rest.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a large baking dish or prepare individual oven-safe foil baking pans with a little cooking spray or olive oil.
Set aside while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Bell Peppers
Wash the red, green, and yellow bell peppers thoroughly.
Remove the seeds and cores, then cut the peppers into medium-sized strips or bite-sized pieces.
Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
I like using different colored peppers because they add natural sweetness, beautiful color, and a little crunch to the finished dish.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and chopped onion.
Cook for approximately 7–9 minutes, breaking the beef into small pieces with a wooden spoon until it is browned and fully cooked.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Season the Beef
Add the paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional chili flakes.
Stir everything together so the beef is evenly coated with the seasonings.
Next, add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce.
Mix well and allow everything to simmer for about 3–4 minutes.
The mixture should be rich, flavorful, and slightly saucy.
Step 5: Add the Bell Peppers
Add the sliced red, green, and yellow bell peppers to the skillet.
Stir gently to combine them with the seasoned ground beef.
Cook for approximately 3–4 minutes.
You don’t want the peppers completely soft at this stage because they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
I personally like leaving them slightly crisp so they keep some texture after baking.
Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dishes
Spoon the ground beef and bell pepper mixture into your prepared baking dish or individual foil pans.
Spread everything evenly so each serving gets a good amount of beef and colorful peppers.
Make sure the mixture is distributed evenly rather than packed too tightly.
Step 7: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the beef and pepper mixture.
If you’re using cheddar cheese, add it along with the mozzarella for extra flavor.
Honestly, this is my favorite part because that cheesy topping is what makes this dish so irresistible!
Step 8: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
Bake uncovered for approximately 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese has completely melted and started turning golden brown.
If you want a more golden, slightly crispy cheese topping, switch on the broiler for the final 1–2 minutes.
Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
The filling should be bubbling around the edges, and the peppers should be tender.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes.
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top.
Serve warm while the cheese is still melted and delicious.
Enjoy!
Helpful Tips for the Best Ground Beef and Pepper Bake
1. Use Lean Ground Beef
I recommend using lean ground beef because it produces less grease and keeps the finished dish from becoming too oily.
If you use regular ground beef, simply drain the excess fat after browning.
2. Don’t Overcook the Peppers
Bell peppers become softer as they bake. Cooking them only briefly before transferring everything to the oven helps them maintain their shape and texture.
3. Use Freshly Shredded Cheese
Freshly shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and gives the dish a wonderful stretchy cheese topping.
You can also combine mozzarella with cheddar for extra flavor.
4. Drain Excess Liquid
If your tomato sauce or beef mixture looks watery, allow it to simmer for a few extra minutes before assembling the casserole.
This helps prevent a watery final dish.
5. Let It Rest Before Serving
Allowing the bake to rest for 5 minutes makes it easier to serve and gives the sauce a little time to settle.
6. Use Individual Foil Pans
Small foil baking pans are perfect if you’re making individual servings or preparing meals ahead of time.
Just make sure they’re oven-safe and placed on a sturdy baking sheet for easier handling.