Description
This hearty baked beef and vegetable casserole is a family favorite, affectionately called the ‘Fantasy Treat’ by children due to its irresistible combination of seasoned ground beef, colorful bell peppers, tender potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups diced potatoes
Seasonings and Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the diced red, yellow, and green bell peppers along with the diced potatoes. Cook for about 5 minutes, letting the vegetables soften slightly while blending their flavors.
- Season Mixture: Sprinkle in the ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly coat the meat and vegetables with seasoning.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the beef and vegetable mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent baking.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mixture to create a cheesy crust once baked.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired to add a fresh herbal touch.
Notes
- For added spice, include a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture before baking.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef for a lighter alternative.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with black beans or your favorite meat substitute.
- Add corn or black beans for extra texture and flavor.
- Mix in a can of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup before baking for a richer, creamier texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing and Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: twenty-eight g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: ground beef casserole, baked beef and vegetables, cheesy beef bake, family dinner recipe, easy weeknight meal
