This cheesy peppers and beef skillet bake is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that comes together easily and delivers the perfect balance of tender vegetables, juicy ground beef, and gooey melted cheese. It is ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep because it reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day. The combination of sautéed peppers, seasoned beef, and oven-browned cheese creates a rich and satisfying meal that pairs well with rice, pasta, potatoes, or flatbread. This recipe is also flexible, allowing you to adjust the spice level, cheese varieties, or vegetables according to what you have at home. Whether you serve it straight from the skillet or portion it into foil baking pans like in the photo, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 pound ground beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional: red pepper flakes, sliced jalapeños, parsley for topping
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until softened. Add the bell peppers and continue cooking until they become tender but still slightly crisp. Transfer the vegetables to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat if needed. Add the garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir for a minute to let the flavors bloom.
Pour the marinara or tomato sauce over the beef and let it simmer for a few minutes. Return the cooked onions and peppers to the skillet and combine everything well. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
Transfer the mixture into an oven-safe dish or foil pans. Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheese generously on top. Add optional jalapeños or red pepper flakes if you like a spicy finish.
Place the dish under the broiler or in a hot oven until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes so the layers can settle.
Garnish with parsley before serving. This dish can be enjoyed as a stand-alone meal or served with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, or warm bread.
Tips for Best Results
Slice the peppers evenly so they cook consistently. Use a mix of cheese for richer flavor and better melting. For extra creaminess, add a few spoonfuls of cream cheese to the beef mixture before adding the vegetables. For a smoky taste, substitute paprika with smoked paprika. If you are meal prepping, divide into small foil pans and bake when ready to serve. Letting the dish rest after baking improves texture and flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until the cheese melts again. This dish also freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months. To reheat from frozen, bake covered until hot throughout, then uncover to crisp the cheese.