Cheesy Baked Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting, hearty dinner made with seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, colorful bell peppers, and plenty of melted cheese. Everything comes together in one baking dish, creating a bubbling, golden topping over a rich and flavorful beef mixture. It is an easy family-friendly recipe that works beautifully for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This ground beef casserole is the kind of meal that feels satisfying without requiring complicated preparation. The beef is cooked with onion, garlic, red bell pepper, tomatoes, and Italian-style seasonings before being covered with mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
As the casserole bakes, the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly layer while the tomato and beef mixture underneath stays rich and juicy. Every bite combines savory beef, tender vegetables, aromatic herbs, and creamy melted cheese.
Another great thing about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it with bread, rice, potatoes, or a fresh salad. You can even add cooked pasta or sliced potatoes to make it into an even more substantial meal.
Ingredients
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray and set it aside.
2. Cook the Onion and Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften.
Add the minced garlic and ground beef. Cook, breaking the beef apart with a wooden spoon, until the meat is browned and fully cooked.
If there is excess fat in the pan, carefully drain some of it before continuing.
3. Add the Vegetables and Seasonings
Stir in the diced red bell pepper, crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce, paprika, oregano, black pepper, and salt.
Mix everything well and allow the mixture to simmer for about 5–7 minutes. The tomatoes should combine with the beef and seasonings to create a thick, flavorful mixture.
4. Transfer to the Baking Dish
Spoon the cooked beef mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly with the back of a spoon so the cheese will cover the surface evenly.
5. Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the beef mixture, followed by the cheddar cheese. Try to distribute the cheese evenly so that every serving gets a delicious cheesy topping.
6. Bake Until Golden
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbling, and lightly golden around the edges.
For a more golden top, you can briefly use the broiler at the end, watching carefully to prevent the cheese from burning.
7. Garnish and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
