Cheesy Ground Beef and Pepper Bake: A Low-Carb, High-Flavor Dinner You’ll Crave Weekly 🍳🧀🌶️
Looking for a low-carb, high-protein meal that’s easy to make, loaded with flavor, and satisfies even the pickiest eaters? This Cheesy Ground Beef and Pepper Bake is your new go-to. Whether you’re meal prepping, following keto, or simply craving a cheesesteak-inspired casserole, this one-pan wonder is a winner.
Packed with savory ground beef, melty provolone cheese, and the sweet bite of sautéed bell peppers and onions, this dish brings all the comforting flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak—without the bread. And the rich, egg-based custard ties it all together into a satisfying, oven-baked masterpiece.
🧾 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 1½ pounds |
| Green Bell Peppers | 2, sliced thin |
| Yellow Onion | ½, sliced thin |
| Garlic | 2 teaspoons, minced |
| Seasoned Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Provolone Cheese | 8 slices |
| Eggs | 4 large |
| Worcestershire Sauce | 2 teaspoons |
| Heavy Whipping Cream | ¼ cup |
💡 Optional additions: Mushrooms, red bell peppers, spinach, or hot sauce for extra kick.
🍳 How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef & Pepper Bake
🔹 1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar.
🔹 2. Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the 1½ pounds of ground beef.
- Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spatula.
- Drain any excess grease if needed.
- Stir in the seasoned salt and Worcestershire sauce.
🔹 3. Sauté the Veggies
- Add sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef.
- Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 6–8 minutes.
🔹 4. Assemble the Bake
- Transfer the cooked meat and vegetable mixture to your prepared baking dish.
- Lay slices of provolone cheese evenly over the top.
🔹 5. Mix the Egg Custard
- In a bowl, whisk together:
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- Pour the mixture over the casserole, letting it settle around the beef and cheese.
🔹 6. Bake
- Place in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the egg is fully set.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
💥 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Low-carb and keto-friendly
✔️ One-dish wonder – fewer dishes to clean
✔️ Customizable with your favorite add-ins
✔️ Meal-prep approved – holds up well in the fridge
✔️ Tastes like a cheesesteak casserole, with all the flavor and none of the guilt
🧊 Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap portions in foil or freezer bags and store up to 2 months.
- To Reheat: Microwave individual servings or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
🔁 Creative Variations
🌶️ Spicy Version: Add jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, or hot sauce
🍄 Veggie Boost: Mix in mushrooms, spinach, or shredded zucchini
🧀 Cheese Swap: Try mozzarella, Swiss, or cheddar in place of provolone
🥩 Steak Option: Swap ground beef for thinly sliced ribeye for a true Philly cheesesteak bake
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- With a fresh salad for a light, balanced meal
- Over cauliflower rice for extra fiber
- Inside lettuce wraps for a handheld twist
- Topped with sour cream or avocado for creaminess
This dish also pairs perfectly with:
- Roasted asparagus
- Garlic green beans
- Cucumber-tomato salad
🏆 Why It’s a Weekly Favorite
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Pepper Bake is one of those rare recipes that’s:
- Fast to make (ready in under an hour)
- Uses common ingredients
- Satisfies every craving—cheesy, meaty, creamy, and savory
- Family-friendly and great for leftovers
Once you make it, you’ll understand why so many people are adding this to their weekly dinner rotation.