Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a complete list of ingredients for making this dish from scratch. The measurements can easily be adjusted depending on your serving size or dietary preferences.

Main Ingredients:

  • 1½ pounds (680 g) lean ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for a lighter version)
  • 3 large bell peppers (red, yellow, green – sliced into strips)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar)
  • 1 cup marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Optional Add-ins:

  • 1 cup cooked rice or cauliflower rice (for extra bulk)
  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Equipment Needed

You won’t need any fancy kitchen tools for this recipe. Here’s what you’ll use:

  • Skillet or sauté pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Foil baking trays or casserole dish
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Oven preheated to 375°F (190°C)

Step 1: Preparing the Vegetables

Start by washing and slicing your bell peppers into thin strips. Use a mix of red, yellow, and green peppers for a vibrant appearance and balanced flavor. Red peppers are the sweetest, yellow ones add a mild brightness, and green peppers contribute an earthy edge that complements the beef perfectly.

Set the sliced peppers aside while you chop your onion and mince the garlic. Having all your vegetables prepped before cooking ensures a smooth, stress-free process.

Step 2: Cooking the Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with your spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes if you prefer a little spice.

Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the pan to keep your casserole from becoming greasy.

Step 3: Incorporating the Sauce

Pour the marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes into the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Allow it to simmer for 5 minutes so that the flavors meld together beautifully. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste or a dash of Worcestershire sauce.

Step 4: Assembling the Casserole

Line your baking trays with aluminum foil if they aren’t pre-coated. Spread a thin layer of the meat mixture at the bottom of each tray. Next, add a layer of sliced bell peppers, spreading them evenly across the surface. Continue layering meat and peppers until all ingredients are used.

Finish with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. The cheese will melt, bubble, and form a golden crust that’s irresistibly appetizing.

Step 5: Baking to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled trays on the middle rack and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.

For an extra golden top, you can broil the casserole for the last 2–3 minutes—but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning the cheese.

Step 6: Cooling and Serving

Once baked, remove the trays from the oven and allow them to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This brief resting period helps the layers settle and makes slicing easier.

Serve the casserole hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:

  • A light green salad with vinaigrette
  • Garlic bread or dinner rolls
  • Steamed rice or mashed potatoes
  • Roasted vegetables for a low-carb option

Storage and Reheating Tips

This dish stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping. Once cooled, cover the trays tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers.

  • Refrigerate: Up to 4 days
  • Freeze: Up to 3 months (wrap securely in foil and plastic wrap)

To reheat, simply bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or microwave individual servings for 2–3 minutes until heated through.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

  • Calories: 420
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Fiber: 3 g

These values may vary depending on your ingredients, but overall, this recipe provides a satisfying balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber.