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Oven Baked Southwestern Beef and Pepper Bake Recipe

Oven Baked Southwestern Beef and Pepper Bake Recipe

4.7 from 21 reviews

This Oven Baked Southwestern Beef and Pepper Bake is a hearty and flavorful dish combining ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and tender potatoes, all seasoned with cumin and chili powder for a spicy kick. Finished with melted cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro, it makes an easy, comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 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

Seasonings and Others

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 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 ensure it’s hot and ready for baking your dish.
  2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it thoroughly, breaking it apart as it browns evenly. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat to keep the dish light.
  4. Add Vegetables: Stir in the diced red, yellow, and green bell peppers along with the diced potatoes. Cook for approximately 5 minutes to allow the vegetables to soften slightly while mixing well with the beef.
  5. Season: Sprinkle ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine all the spices evenly with the meat and vegetables.
  6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the entire beef and vegetable mixture evenly into a prepared baking dish to ensure even cooking during baking.
  7. Add Cheese: Generously sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture, which will melt and create a delicious golden crust.
  8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  9. Finish and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired before serving to add a fresh, herbal flavor.

Notes

  • Make sure to dice the potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
  • You can substitute cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor.
  • For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños along with the bell peppers.
  • This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking to save time on busy days.
  • Use fresh cilantro as garnish to preserve its bright flavor and color.

Nutrition

Keywords: Southwestern beef bake, baked beef and peppers, ground beef recipe, easy beef casserole, cheesy beef bake