Cheesy Beef & Bell Pepper Skillet Bake

This Cheesy Beef & Bell Pepper Skillet Bake is a hearty one-pan meal loaded with seasoned ground beef, colorful bell peppers, savory tomatoes, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s perfect for a quick family dinner with minimal cleanup.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1½ lbs (680 g) lean ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz / 410 g) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) if your skillet is oven-safe.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the onion and bell peppers and cook for 5–6 minutes, until they begin to soften.
4. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
5. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat if needed.
6. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
7. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the beef mixture.
8. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Optional Add-Ins

• Sliced mushrooms
• Black olives
• Corn kernels
• Jalapeños
• Cooked rice
• Cooked pasta
• Cooked quinoa
• Crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat

Serving Suggestions

• Garlic bread
• Steamed rice
• Buttered noodles
• Mashed potatoes
• Crisp green salad
• Roasted vegetables

Tips

• Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest melt.
• Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper Jack for a different flavor.
• Add a splash of beef broth if the mixture becomes too thick.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

This Cheesy Beef & Bell Pepper Skillet Bake is a comforting, flavorful dinner that’s easy to prepare and sure to become a family favorite.