Cheesy Ground Beef & Pepper Casserole

 

Cheesy Ground Beef & Pepper Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Dish

If you're craving something hearty, simple, and loaded with flavor, look no further. This Cheesy Ground Beef & Pepper Casserole is everything you want in a dinner — warm, filling, and absolutely satisfying.

Made with everyday ingredients and layered with bold, cheesy goodness, it’s a one-pan wonder that hits the spot whether you're feeding a hungry family or prepping for a cozy night in.

This recipe has become a go-to in kitchens everywhere — and once you try it, you’ll see why.

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🛒 Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small yellow onion, diced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained

• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra melt)

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🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until they begin to soften.

3. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease if needed.

5. Stir in the diced tomatoes, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer for 3–5 minutes to combine flavors.

6. Remove from heat. Stir in 1 cup of the cheddar cheese.

7. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13" baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.

8. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if you like!

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🧀 Why You'll Love This Casserole

• One dish, all the flavor – Protein, veggies, carbs, and cheese in one comforting bake.

• Easy to customize – Use ground turkey, cauliflower rice, different cheeses, or spicy peppers.

• Meal-prep friendly – Stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day.

• Kid-approved – Even picky eaters go back for seconds!

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🍽️ Serving Ideas

This casserole can hold its own as a main dish, but here are a few ways to round it out:

• With a side of garlic bread or cornbread

• Paired with a green salad or roasted broccoli

• Topped with sour cream, hot sauce, or crushed tortilla chips for a Tex-Mex twist

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🥡 Storing & Reheating

To store:
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To reheat:
Microwave individual portions or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

To freeze:
Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

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🔁 Variations to Try

• Low-carb version: Swap rice for riced cauliflower.

• Add heat: Stir in diced jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes.

• Extra veggies: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or corn.

• Tex-Mex version: Use taco seasoning, black beans, and pepper jack cheese.

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Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ground Beef & Pepper Casserole is the kind of dish that never disappoints. It's simple enough for a weeknight, satisfying enough for guests, and customizable to fit your pantry and cravings.

Whether you're feeding a family or just yourself, this is the kind of comfort food that fills your belly and your soul.

Print it. Save it. Share it. Make it tonight. You’ll be glad you did.