Oven Baked Southwestern Beef and Pepper Bake
Introduction
Oven Baked Southwestern Beef and Pepper Bake is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines seasoned ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and southwestern spices baked to perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, it’s filling, comforting, and full of bold flavors. With melted cheese and a satisfying blend of spices, it’s a dish that will easily become a household favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in onion, garlic, and sliced bell peppers. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Season & Mix: Add diced tomatoes, black beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes. Fold in cooked rice if using.
- Assemble Bake: Transfer mixture into a greased baking dish. Top evenly with shredded cheese.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro, and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Description
This Oven Baked Southwestern Beef and Pepper Bake is a colorful and satisfying dish loaded with protein and flavor. The sweetness of the peppers balances perfectly with the savory beef and smoky spices, while the melted cheese ties everything together. Great served with warm tortillas, a fresh salad, or as a dip-style casserole with tortilla chips.
Tips
- For extra spice, add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Add corn kernels for a touch of sweetness and extra texture.
- For a creamier texture, stir in ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese before baking.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day.
Correction
If the mixture is too watery from the tomatoes, let it simmer a little longer on the stovetop before transferring to the baking dish to prevent the casserole from being runny.
Enjoy
Serve warm, scoop onto plates, and enjoy a cheesy, savory, and flavorful Southwestern feast that the whole family will love!
