Print

Oven Baked Southwestern Beef and Pepper Bake Recipe

Oven Baked Southwestern Beef and Pepper Bake Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 26 reviews

This Oven Baked Southwestern Beef and Pepper Bake is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for a comforting family meal. Combining seasoned ground beef with colorful bell peppers and tender diced potatoes, all topped with melted cheddar cheese, it delivers a delightful blend of smoky southwestern spices in every bite. Simple to prepare and bake, this casserole is both satisfying and vibrant, making it an ideal dinner option.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Oil

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Vegetables

  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cups diced potatoes

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Dairy and Garnish

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole later.
  2. Sauté onion and garlic: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook thoroughly until browned without any pink remaining, about 6-8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
  4. Add peppers and potatoes: Stir in the diced red, yellow, and green bell peppers along with the diced potatoes. Continue cooking for around 5 minutes so the vegetables soften slightly but retain some bite.
  5. Season the mixture: Sprinkle in the ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly coat everything with the spices, developing the southwestern flavor profile.
  6. Transfer to baking dish: Spoon the beef and vegetable mixture into an even layer inside a baking dish, smoothing the top for uniform cheese coverage.
  7. Add cheese topping: Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the entire surface of the mixture.
  8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden brown on top.
  9. Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro for a fresh burst of flavor before serving.

Notes

  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño with the bell peppers.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein alternative.
  • Make sure to cut potatoes evenly so they bake uniformly in the allotted time.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For a gluten-free meal, verify all spices and processed ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: southwestern beef bake, baked beef casserole, bell pepper beef bake, cheesy beef bake, ground beef casserole, beef and potatoes bake, spicy beef bake

Find it online: https://thehungrymason.com/oven-baked-southwestern-beef-and-pepper-bake-recipe/