My kids refer to this as their ‘Dream Bake’ because they can’t stop imagining having seconds!

Oven-Baked Southwestern Beef and Veggie Casserole

Bring bold flavors and vibrant colors to your dinner table with this easy Southwestern-style casserole. Packed with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and crisp bell peppers, this one-pan dish is topped with melty cheese and baked to perfection. It’s the ideal weeknight meal—filling, family-friendly, and low on cleanup.

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🧂 Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Ground beef	1 pound
Potatoes, diced	2 cups
Red bell pepper, diced	1
Yellow bell pepper, diced	1
Green bell pepper, diced	1
Onion, chopped	1
Garlic, minced	2 cloves
Olive oil	1 tablespoon
Ground cumin	1 teaspoon
Chili powder	1 teaspoon
Salt & black pepper	To taste
Shredded cheddar cheese	1 cup
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)	¼ cup

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for a few minutes until soft and fragrant.

2. Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until fully browned, then drain any excess grease. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper for that signature Southwest flavor.

3. Mix and Layer

In a large baking dish, combine the seasoned beef with the diced potatoes and chopped bell peppers. Mix until evenly distributed. Cover tightly with foil.

4. Bake

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, until the potatoes begin to soften.

5. Top with Cheese

Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly across the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve It Up

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. If desired, top with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a fresh pop of flavor.

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