Of course! This Oven-Baked Southwestern Beef and Pepper Bake is a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly easy dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or feeding a crowd. It captures all the hearty, smoky flavors of the Southwest with minimal fuss.
Here is a classic, well-loved recipe.
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The Spirit of the Dish
This bake is all about bold, simple flavors and easy preparation. It’s a complete meal in one dish, featuring seasoned ground beef, colorful bell peppers, corn, black beans, and a cheesy, savory topping. It’s the culinary equivalent of a warm, sunny Southwestern day.
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Oven-Baked Southwestern Beef and Pepper Bake
This recipe yields a 9×13 inch casserole, serving 6-8 people.
Ingredients:
For the Beef and Vegetable Base:
· 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef (90/10 is ideal)
· 1 large yellow onion, chopped
· 3-4 bell peppers (a mix of colors: red, green, yellow), chopped into 1-inch pieces
· 4 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
· 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained (or 1 ½ cups frozen corn)
· 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel), undrained
· 2 tablespoons tomato paste
· 2 teaspoons ground cumin
· 2 teaspoons chili powder
· 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
· 1 teaspoon dried oregano
· 1 ½ teaspoons salt
· ½ teaspoon black pepper
· ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For the Topping:
· 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
· Optional for serving: fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, sour cream, lime wedges, tortilla chips
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Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and onion, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped bell peppers to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
4. Build the Filling: Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper (and cayenne if using). Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
· Add the undrained diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained black beans, and drained corn. Stir everything until well combined and heated through.
5. Transfer and Bake: Pour the entire beef and pepper mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
6. Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Bake, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and starting to get golden spots.
7. Rest and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to scoop.
· Garnish with fresh cilantro, slices of avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve with tortilla chips on the side for scooping.
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Tips for a Perfect Southwestern Bake
· Customize the Heat: Control the spice level with the type of diced tomatoes you use (mild vs. original Rotel) and the amount of cayenne pepper. You can also add a diced jalapeño with the bell peppers for more kick.
· Make it a Rice Bowl: This bake is fantastic served over a bed of fluffy cilantro-lime rice to stretch it even further.
· Add a Crunchy Topping: For extra texture, mix ½ cup of crushed tortilla chips or a handful of French-fried onions into the cheese before sprinkling it on top.
· Use a Dutch Oven: If you have an oven-safe Dutch oven or deep skillet, you can cook the entire filling and then bake it right in the same pot. Just top with cheese and transfer the whole pot to the oven.
· Make Ahead: This is a great make-ahead meal. Assemble the beef and pepper base (without the cheese topping), let it cool, and store it covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature for 20 minutes, top with cheese, and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Enjoy this hearty, colorful, and delicious taste of the Southwest