This simple yet flavorful casserole has been a regular addition to many households, and it’s easy to see why. Packed with hearty ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and topped with melty provolone cheese, this dish is the epitome of comfort food. It’s also an incredibly versatile recipe, which means you can tweak it to suit your tastes or what you have available in the kitchen. In this post, I’ll break down the recipe in detail, give you a few variations, and offer tips for perfecting this family-friendly meal. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
Before we jump into the cooking instructions, here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 1 ½ 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 |
Why This Recipe Works
The beauty of this casserole is how quickly it comes together and how flavorful it is. Ground beef serves as the hearty base of the dish, while the vegetables bring in a bit of sweetness and crunch. Provolone cheese, with its mild, creamy flavor, melts beautifully on top, forming a delicious golden crust that ties everything together.
The addition of eggs and heavy cream creates a custard-like filling that holds the beef and vegetables together and ensures the casserole doesn’t dry out in the oven. Worcestershire sauce adds a tangy depth of flavor, while seasoned salt gives a boost to the overall seasoning.
Preparation
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for ensuring the casserole cooks through evenly and the cheese has enough time to melt and brown beautifully.
2. Cook Ground Beef
Next, grab a skillet and cook 1 ½ pounds of ground beef over medium heat. You want to brown the beef and break it up into small crumbles. Be sure to drain any excess fat after the beef is cooked. This helps prevent the casserole from becoming greasy and ensures that the beef maintains a nice texture in the final dish.
3. Sauté Vegetables
Once the beef is browned and drained, it’s time to add the vegetables. Add 2 sliced green bell peppers and ½ sliced yellow onion to the same skillet. Sauté the vegetables for a few minutes until they become tender and start to caramelize slightly. Add 2 teaspoons of minced garlic and cook for another minute or so until fragrant. The aroma of garlic filling the kitchen is one of the best parts of this step.
4. Season the Vegetables
Once the vegetables are softened, it’s time to season them. Add 1 teaspoon of seasoned salt to the mixture. This will give the veggies a boost of flavor without overpowering the dish. If you don’t have seasoned salt, you can use regular salt and add a pinch of your favorite seasoning mix or herbs, such as thyme or oregano.
5. Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a separate bowl, crack 4 large eggs and whisk them together with 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce and ¼ cup of heavy whipping cream. The cream and eggs will create a rich, custardy filling that holds everything together in the casserole.
6. Combine the Ingredients
Once the beef, vegetables, and egg mixture are all ready, combine everything in one large bowl. Gently fold the cooked beef, sautéed vegetables, and egg mixture together. The goal here is to mix everything evenly without overworking the eggs, which could result in a rubbery texture when cooked.
7. Assemble the Casserole
Next, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter. Spread the combined beef and vegetable mixture evenly into the dish. This is the base of your casserole.
8. Top with Provolone Cheese
Now it’s time to top the casserole with 8 slices of provolone cheese. Layer the cheese evenly over the top, ensuring that every inch of the casserole is covered. The cheese will melt and bubble as it bakes, forming a gorgeous, gooey layer on top.
9. Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges. The casserole should be firm to the touch, and the aroma of the baked cheese and beef will fill your kitchen.
10. Cool and Serve
Once the casserole is done, let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the casserole to set, making it easier to slice without it falling apart. Serve the casserole warm, and enjoy the comforting flavors and textures in every bite.
Tips for Success
While this casserole recipe is simple, here are a few tips to make sure it turns out perfectly every time:
- Use Lean Ground Beef While you can use any type of ground beef for this recipe, lean beef (around 85% lean) works best to avoid excess fat and to help the casserole maintain a nice texture. If you prefer a more flavorful option, you can use ground chuck or a combination of ground beef and pork.
- Vegetable Variations Feel free to add or swap out vegetables based on your preferences. Mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach could work great in place of the bell peppers and onions. The key is to keep the vegetables thinly sliced so they cook evenly in the skillet.
- Cheese Options If you’re not a fan of provolone cheese, you can substitute it with mozzarella, cheddar, or even a blend of your favorite cheeses. A mix of mozzarella and parmesan creates a lovely crispy top, while cheddar gives a sharp, tangy contrast to the richness of the beef and cream.
- Make Ahead Option This casserole can be prepared ahead of time. Simply assemble it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and bake as directed. This makes it a perfect meal for busy nights when you want to do the prep in advance.
- Freezing If you’re looking to make this dish ahead of time and freeze it for later, go ahead and assemble the casserole, but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual. It’s a great way to have a homemade meal on hand for busy days.
- Spicy Kick If you like a little heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or on top of the cheese before baking. You can also toss in some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to suit your taste.
Possible Variations
- Low-Carb Version: For a low-carb alternative, you can replace the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. You can also skip the heavy cream and use a low-fat version to reduce the calorie count.
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for lentils or another meat alternative. Add in extra veggies such as spinach, mushrooms, or eggplant for added flavor and texture.
- Cheese Lovers: Feel free to add a variety of cheeses! A combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan works beautifully, adding layers of flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This casserole is the kind of dish that becomes a staple in your meal rotation once you’ve made it a few times. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Whether you’re feeding a family or having friends over for a cozy meal, this casserole is sure to impress with its comforting, rich flavors.
So, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven and give this simple yet satisfying casserole a try—you’ll see why it’s become a weekly favorite in so many homes! Enjoy!
