Here’s a hearty and flavorful Oven-Baked Southwestern Beef and Pepper Bake recipe — packed with seasoned ground beef, sweet bell peppers, cheese, and a touch of spice. It’s like a deconstructed stuffed pepper casserole with Southwestern flair!
🌶️ Oven-Baked Southwestern Beef and Pepper Bake
🐄 Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 bell peppers, chopped (use a mix of red, green, and yellow for color)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned/drained)
- 1/2 cup black beans (optional, drained and rinsed)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional, for garnish)
For topping (optional):
- Crushed tortilla chips or seasoned breadcrumbs
- Sour cream or avocado for serving
🍳 Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Brown the beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease.
- Add veggies and seasoning:
- Stir in garlic, chopped bell peppers, diced tomatoes (with juices), corn, black beans (if using), and all the spices. Cook for 5–7 minutes until peppers begin to soften and mixture is well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the bake:
- Transfer beef and pepper mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- If using crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs, sprinkle a thin layer over the cheese for a crunchy topping.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Garnish & serve:
- Let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, or guacamole.
🔁 Variations:
- Add cooked rice or quinoa to the mixture before baking to make it a one-dish meal.
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
- Spice it up with a dash of hot sauce, jalapeños, or chipotle powder.
📝 Make-Ahead & Storage:
- Make ahead: Assemble the bake, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in oven or microwave.
- Freezer-friendly: Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months.