Amish Beef and Bell Pepper Bake

This Amish Beef and Bell Pepper Bake is a delicious, old-fashioned comfort food casserole made with simple ingredients and plenty of homemade flavor. Savory ground beef is cooked with tender onions, sweet bell peppers, and rich tomatoes, then topped with a generous layer of melted cheddar or Colby Jack cheese.

Inspired by the classic flavors of stuffed peppers, this easy casserole delivers all the goodness without the extra preparation of stuffing individual peppers. Everything comes together in one baking dish, creating a hearty, cheesy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or whenever you’re craving something warm and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
• 2 large bell peppers, any color, chopped
• 2 cups shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Place the ground beef and chopped onion in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook for approximately 7–10 minutes, stirring and breaking the meat into small pieces as it browns. Continue cooking until the beef is no longer pink and the onion becomes soft and translucent. Drain any excess grease.

Step 2: Combine the Casserole Ingredients

Transfer the browned beef and onion mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour in the crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce, then add the chopped bell peppers. Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Spread the mixture into a smooth, even layer.

Step 3: Add the Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese evenly over the entire casserole. Keep the cheese on top rather than mixing it into the beef mixture. This creates a delicious, cheesy topping that melts beautifully during baking.

Step 4: Bake Covered

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to help retain moisture and allow the vegetables to soften. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.

Step 5: Finish Baking Uncovered

Carefully remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven. Continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the cheese is completely melted with lightly golden spots.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. This gives the sauce time to settle and makes serving easier. Spoon generous portions onto plates and enjoy while warm.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty beef and pepper casserole tastes wonderful on its own, but you can also serve it with:

• Fluffy white rice or brown rice.
• Buttered egg noodles.
• Creamy mashed potatoes.
• Warm homemade dinner rolls.
• Crusty bread for soaking up the rich tomato sauce.
• A fresh green salad for a lighter side.

Helpful Tips

• Choose colorful peppers: A combination of red, yellow, and green bell peppers adds extra sweetness, flavor, and color.
• Drain the beef: Removing excess grease helps prevent the casserole from becoming oily.
• Use freshly shredded cheese: It melts beautifully and gives the casserole a delicious, creamy finish.
• Adjust the texture: If you prefer a thicker casserole, allow it to bake uncovered for a few additional minutes.
• Make it ahead: Brown the beef and onion in advance, then assemble the casserole when you’re ready to bake.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2–3 months.
• Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave or reheat larger portions in a 350°F oven until heated through.

Final Thoughts

This Amish Beef and Bell Pepper Bake is a wonderful example of how everyday ingredients can create a delicious and satisfying homemade dinner. With flavorful ground beef, tender peppers, rich tomato sauce, and a generous blanket of melted cheese, every serving delivers the comforting taste of classic stuffed peppers with much less effort.

Easy to prepare, filling, and family-friendly, this cheesy casserole is a recipe worth keeping close for those days when you want a simple meal everyone can enjoy!