Servings: 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

Meat

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables

• 3 large bell peppers (red, green, yellow), sliced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Sauce

• 1 cup marinara sauce or tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional for richer flavor)

Cheese

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly grease a baking dish or aluminum baking pans.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

• Heat oil in a skillet.
• Cook onion for 3–4 minutes.
• Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
• Add ground beef and cook until browned.
• Drain excess fat.

Step 3: Add Seasoning

Mix in:

• Salt
• Pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Tomato sauce
• Tomato paste (optional)

Simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Peppers

Stir in sliced peppers.

Cook 4–5 minutes so they soften slightly.

Step 5: Assemble

Transfer mixture into baking dishes.

Top with:

• Mozzarella
• Cheddar
• Parmesan

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes.

Broil for 2–3 minutes until cheese is golden.

Step 7: Serve

Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot.

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Nutrition Information (Approximate, Per Serving)

• Calories: 395 kcal
• Protein: 30 g
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 640 mg
• Cholesterol: 85 mg
• Calcium: 320 mg
• Iron: 3 mg

Nutrition values will vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.

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Helpful Tips

• Use lean (90–93%) ground beef to reduce fat.
• Add cooked rice or cauliflower rice to make it more filling.
• Mix in mushrooms or zucchini for extra vegetables.
• Pepper Jack cheese adds a spicy kick.
• Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.

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Storage

Refrigerator

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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Reheating

• Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes.
• Microwave: 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway if reheating individual portions.

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Variations

• Low-Carb: Omit tomato paste and serve without rice.
• Spicy: Add jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
• Tex-Mex: Season with taco seasoning and top with Monterey Jack cheese.
• Italian: Add sliced mushrooms and basil.

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Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
A: Yes. Both work well as lean alternatives to ground beef.

Q: What cheese melts best?
A: Mozzarella provides the best melt, while cheddar and Parmesan add extra flavor.

Q: Can I freeze it before baking?
A: Yes. Assemble the dish without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from thawed, adding 10–15 minutes to the baking time if needed.

Q: Can I add rice?
A: Yes. Stir in 2 cups of cooked rice before baking for a heartier casserole.

Q: What side dishes go well with it?
A: Garlic bread, a green salad, steamed broccoli, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: It can be, provided you use a gluten-free marinara sauce and check that all seasonings are gluten-free.