Oven-Baked 4-Ingredient Amish Beef and Bell Pepper Bake (Print Version)
A hearty 4-ingredient beef and bell pepper casserole with marinara and melted cheese, baked until saucy and tender.
# Ingredients:
Main ingredients
01 -
1 1/2 lb (680 g) ground beef, 85% or 90% lean
02 -
3 large bell peppers, seeded and sliced into strips or chunks
03 -
1 jar (24 oz or 680 g) thick marinara or tomato pasta sauce
04 -
2 cups (225 g) shredded Colby Jack, mild cheddar, or Monterey Jack cheese
Pantry seasoning
05 -
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
06 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
07 -
Cooking spray or 1 teaspoon oil for the baking dish, if needed
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 -
Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 7-9 minutes, breaking it into crumbles, until cooked through. Season with salt and pepper, then drain well.
03 -
Add the marinara to the skillet and stir until the beef is evenly coated. Simmer for 2 minutes, then remove from the heat.
04 -
Spread the sliced bell peppers across the bottom of the baking dish. Spoon the hot beef and sauce mixture evenly over the peppers.
05 -
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes, until the peppers start to soften and the sauce bubbles at the edges.
06 -
Remove the foil, sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top, and bake for 10-15 minutes longer until melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
07 -
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before scooping. Serve as is, or spoon over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
# Notes:
01 -
Use a thick marinara to keep the casserole from turning watery.
02 -
For softer peppers, add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time.
03 -
Nutrition is estimated per serving for 6 servings.