A Hearty Family Casserole with Seasoned Ground Beef, Tender Bell Peppers, Tomatoes, and Plenty of Melted Cheese

If you’re looking for an easy, comforting dinner that brings together simple ingredients and plenty of cheesy goodness, this Cheesy Ground Beef and Bell Pepper Casserole is a perfect choice. Seasoned ground beef is cooked with colorful bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and rice, then topped with plenty of melted cheese and baked until hot and bubbly.

It’s hearty, flavorful, and satisfying enough to serve as a complete family dinner. Best of all, it’s made with everyday ingredients and can easily be customized with your favorite vegetables, spices, and cheeses.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty and comforting
Savory seasoned ground beef
Tender colorful bell peppers
Plenty of melted cheese
Easy one-dish family dinner
Simple pantry-friendly ingredients
Great for busy weeknights
Easy to customize
Excellent for leftovers
Freezer-friendly

Ingredients

For the Casserole

1½ pounds ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 bell peppers, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups cooked white or brown rice
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional Additions

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup corn
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 small zucchini, diced
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the ground beef and cook for approximately 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.

Continue until the beef is browned and no longer pink.

Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 3: Add the Onion and Bell Peppers

Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the skillet.

Cook for approximately 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

The peppers should remain slightly firm because they will continue cooking in the oven.

Step 4: Add the Garlic

Add the minced garlic.

Cook for approximately 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly.

Be careful not to let the garlic burn.

Step 5: Season the Beef Mixture

Add the Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.

If desired, add Worcestershire sauce or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

Stir until everything is evenly coated.

Step 6: Add the Tomato Ingredients

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.

Cook for approximately 3–4 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.

The mixture should be rich and slightly thick.

Step 7: Add the Rice

Add the cooked rice to the skillet.

Stir gently until the rice is evenly distributed throughout the beef and pepper mixture.

Remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 8: Add the First Layer of Cheese

Stir approximately ½ cup of the shredded cheddar and ½ cup of the mozzarella into the beef and rice mixture.

Mix until the cheese begins to melt and everything is well combined.

Step 9: Transfer to the Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Spread it evenly using a spatula.

Step 10: Add the Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top.

Make sure the entire surface is covered with cheese.

Step 11: Bake

Cover the casserole loosely with aluminum foil.

Bake for approximately 20 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

Step 12: Rest

Remove the casserole from the oven.

Allow it to rest for approximately 5–10 minutes before serving.

This gives the casserole time to settle and makes it easier to portion.

Step 13: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Serve warm with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.

Tips for the Best Ground Beef and Bell Pepper Casserole

Use colorful bell peppers

A combination of red, yellow, orange, and green peppers gives the casserole beautiful color and slightly different flavors.

Don’t overcook the peppers

Cook them just until they begin to soften. They will continue cooking while the casserole bakes.

Drain excess beef grease

If your ground beef is particularly fatty, drain the excess grease before adding the vegetables and tomato ingredients.

Use freshly grated cheese

Freshly grated cheese generally melts more smoothly and creates a better topping.

Don’t skip the resting time

Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes helps the ingredients hold together when served.

Adjust the seasoning

Taste the beef mixture before transferring it to the baking dish and adjust the salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference.

Delicious Variations

Mexican-Style Beef and Pepper Casserole

Replace the Italian seasoning with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Add corn and black beans for a Tex-Mex-inspired version.

Taco Beef Casserole

Season the beef with taco seasoning and add salsa instead of tomato sauce. Top with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.

Spicy Beef and Pepper Casserole

Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or your favorite hot sauce.

Mushroom Beef Casserole

Add sliced mushrooms along with the bell peppers for extra savory flavor.

Low-Carb Beef and Pepper Casserole

Replace the rice with cauliflower rice for a lower-carbohydrate version.

Italian Beef Casserole

Use Italian seasoning, mozzarella, Parmesan, and a little basil for an Italian-inspired flavor.

Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

Add cooked crumbled bacon and replace some of the mozzarella with sharp cheddar.

Extra Cheesy Casserole

Add a third cheese such as Monterey Jack, provolone, or Parmesan for an even richer topping.

What to Serve With Ground Beef and Bell Pepper Casserole

This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with:

Green salad
Garlic bread
Crusty French bread
Steamed broccoli
Roasted vegetables
Green beans
Coleslaw
Corn on the cob
Dinner rolls
Sour cream

For a simple family dinner, serve it with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This casserole is excellent for preparing ahead.

Assemble the casserole completely in the baking dish, but don’t bake it yet.

Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

When you’re ready to cook, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for approximately 15–20 minutes.

Bake according to the recipe, adding approximately 5–10 minutes if needed.

Storage

Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.

Freezing Instructions

This casserole freezes well.

Allow the cooked casserole to cool completely.

Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

Freeze for up to 2–3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

For best results, add a little fresh cheese to the top before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes. Ground turkey works very well and creates a lighter casserole. You may want to add a little extra olive oil or seasoning for additional flavor.

Can I use uncooked rice?

This recipe uses cooked rice. If using uncooked rice, the amount of liquid and cooking time will need to be adjusted substantially.

What color bell peppers are best?

Any combination works. Red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweeter, while green peppers have a stronger, more savory flavor.

Can I make this casserole without rice?

Absolutely. You can replace the rice with cauliflower rice, cooked pasta, potatoes, or additional vegetables.

Can I add beans?

Yes. Black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans are excellent additions, particularly for a Mexican-inspired variation.

Why is my casserole watery?

Excess moisture can come from the tomatoes or vegetables. Drain canned tomatoes well and avoid adding too much liquid to the beef mixture.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, although the cheese topping is best added toward the end. Cook the beef mixture separately first, then combine the ingredients in the slow cooker and heat until hot.

What cheese melts best?

Mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack, and provolone all melt beautifully. A combination of cheddar and mozzarella gives you both flavor and excellent stretch.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Cheesy Ground Beef and Bell Pepper Casserole is perfect for:

Weeknight dinners
Sunday family meals
Potlucks
Family gatherings
Meal prep
Make-ahead dinners
Game-day meals
Casual entertaining
Leftover lunches
Comfort-food nights

It’s an especially useful recipe when you need a filling meal that can feed the whole family without requiring complicated preparation.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Ground Beef and Bell Pepper Casserole is the kind of comforting dinner that brings simple ingredients together in the most delicious way. Seasoned ground beef, colorful bell peppers, tomatoes, tender rice, and plenty of melted cheese create a hearty meal that’s easy to prepare and satisfying from the first bite.

Serve it hot with a crisp salad and warm garlic bread, and enjoy a cozy homemade dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family gatherings.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Bell Pepper Casserole