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### Instructions
#### Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by preparing your ingredients. **Dice the onion**, **slice the bell peppers** into thin strips, and **mince the garlic**. Drain the canned tomatoes and set aside. Grate or purchase pre-shredded cheese to save time. Preheat the oven to **375°F (190°C)** and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
#### Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat the **olive oil** over medium-high heat. Add the **ground beef** and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the beef and season it with **chili powder**, **paprika**, **cumin**, **salt**, and **black pepper**. Stir well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
#### Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the **diced onion** and **bell peppers** to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and browned slightly. Add the minced **garlic** and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. If needed, season the vegetables with a pinch of salt and pepper.
#### Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Simmer
Pour in the **diced tomatoes** or **tomato sauce**, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
#### Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly in the dish. Then, top the mixture with the **cheddar cheese** and **mozzarella cheese** (if using). Spread the cheese evenly across the top, ensuring every corner is covered.
#### Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake
for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you like a crispy, golden top, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
#### Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Once the dish is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh **cilantro** or **parsley** if desired. Serve the **Cheesy Beef & Bell Pepper Bake** hot, either on its own or with a side of rice, potatoes, or a green salad.
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## Variations and Customizations
The **Cheesy Beef & Bell Pepper Bake** is incredibly versatile, and you can adjust it to fit different dietary needs, preferences, and flavors. Here are a few ways to make the dish your own:
### 1. **Add Extra Veggies**
To make the dish more vegetable-packed, consider adding other vegetables like **zucchini**, **mushrooms**, or **corn**. These ingredients will add more nutrients and texture while keeping the dish balanced and flavorful.
### 2. **Make It Low-Carb**
If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can swap out the bell peppers for **zucchini** or **eggplant**, both of which are great substitutes in baked dishes. You could also skip the side of rice and instead serve the bake with a simple side salad or cauliflower rice.
### 3. **Spice It Up**
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, you can add **jalapeños**, **serrano peppers**, or even a few dashes of **hot sauce** to the beef and veggie mixture. This will turn up the heat and give the dish an extra kick.
### 4. **Use Ground Turkey or Chicken**
If you’re looking for a leaner option, substitute the **ground beef** with **ground turkey** or **ground chicken**. These lean meats work well in this dish and will still provide a great base for the bell peppers and cheese.
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## Conclusion: A Family Favorite for Every Occasion
The **Cheesy Beef & Bell Pepper Bake** is a comforting, filling, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Its simplicity makes it ideal for busy weeknights, while its rich, cheesy goodness ensures that it will be a hit with family and friends. The combination of ground beef, sweet bell peppers, and melting cheese makes it a satisfying dish that everyone will love.
What makes this recipe truly stand out is its versatility. Whether you’re looking to customize it with extra vegetables, spice it up with heat, or make it low-carb, this dish can easily be tailored to suit your needs. It’s a great way to bring people together around the dinner table and create lasting memories with a meal that’s not only delicious but also comforting.
So, next time you need a quick yet satisfying dinner that will please the whole family, look no further than the **Cheesy Beef & Bell Pepper Bake**. It’s a meal that’s sure to become a staple in your household.
