Cheesy Ground Beef & Pepper Casserole

A delicious, hearty casserole loaded with seasoned ground beef, colorful bell peppers, onions, and plenty of melted cheese! This easy oven-baked dinner is comforting, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights.
📝 Ingredients
Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
– 1½ lbs ground beef
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 green bell pepper, chopped
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup cream cheese, softened
– ½ cup sour cream
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
👩‍🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
3. Add vegetables: Stir in diced onion, red pepper, green pepper, and garlic. Cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly softened.
4. Season: Add paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
5. Make it creamy: Reduce heat and stir in cream cheese and sour cream until combined.
6. Add cheese: Stir in half of the cheddar and mozzarella.
7. Assemble: Transfer the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese evenly over the top.
8. Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
9. Rest and serve: Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
⭐ Recipe Tips
– Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
– Drain the beef well to prevent a watery casserole.
– Add mushrooms or jalapeños for extra flavor.
– Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting.
– For a little heat, add red pepper flakes.
– Don’t overcook the peppers; they should retain a little texture.
🥜 Nut Information & Allergens
– Naturally nut-free when prepared with standard ingredients.
– Contains dairy from cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, and mozzarella.
– Naturally gluten-free if all packaged seasonings and ingredients are certified gluten-free.
– No peanuts or tree nuts are required.
Always check labels for possible cross-contamination.
📊 Nutrition Information
Estimated per serving, based on 8 servings.
Nutrient Amount
Calories 410 kcal
Protein 30 g
Carbohydrates 7 g
Fat 30 g
Fiber 1 g
Sugar 3 g

Nutrition values are approximate and depend on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes! Ground turkey or ground chicken works beautifully.

Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q3: Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes! Cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Q4: Can I make it without cream cheese?

Absolutely! Substitute additional sour cream or a little heavy cream.

Q5: Can I add mushrooms?

Yes! Sliced mushrooms make a delicious addition. Cook them with the peppers and onions.

Q6: Is this casserole keto-friendly?

Yes! With low-carb ingredients and no added starches, it can fit into many keto meal plans.

Q7: How do I prevent a watery casserole?

Drain the ground beef thoroughly and avoid adding too much moisture from vegetables.

Q8: What cheese works best?

Cheddar and mozzarella provide a wonderful combination of flavor and stretch. Monterey Jack is another great option.

Q9: Can I make it spicy?

Yes! Add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes.

Q10: How long do leftovers last?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Q11: How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

Q12: What can I serve with this casserole?

Serve with green salad, roasted broccoli, cauliflower rice, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.

❤️ Final Thoughts: This cheesy ground beef casserole is loaded with flavor in every bite! Tender seasoned beef, colorful peppers, creamy filling, and a golden cheesy topping make it an easy dinner everyone will love.