Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delectable dish:
- 1 pound ground beef (or thinly sliced steak for a traditional touch)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
If you prefer, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. The bell peppers add a pop of color and sweetness, reminiscent of the colorful meals from my childhood kitchen. Feel free to mix and match colors as you like!
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to bring this comforting casserole to life:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and bell peppers, sautéing until they are soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, about 8-10 minutes.
- Season the beef and vegetables with salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, mixing everything together.
- Reduce the heat and stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and provolone cheeses, spreading evenly across the surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen!
Cooking alongside my abuela taught me the importance of using all your senses. Watch for the cheese to melt and bubble — that’s when you know it’s ready!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International