This Baked Potato and Beef Casserole with Mozzarella and Colorful Peppers combines hearty layers of thinly sliced potatoes, savory seasoned beef, vibrant peppers, and melty mozzarella cheese. Aromatic spices such as paprika, thyme, and turmeric enhance the beef mixture, creating a richly flavorful dish perfect for comforting family meals or special gatherings. The casserole bakes beautifully, offering a golden, bubbly cheese topping that makes every bite irresistible.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: International
Ingredients
For the Potato Layer:
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3 large potatoes (900 grams), peeled and thinly sliced
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300 grams mozzarella cheese, grated
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil (20 ml)
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1 teaspoon salt (4 grams), or to taste
For the Beef Filling:
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500 grams minced beef
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil (20 ml)
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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2 green peppers, diced
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1 red pepper, diced
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1 yellow pepper, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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100 g tomato sauce
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½ teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon thyme
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½ teaspoon turmeric
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Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preparing the Potato Base
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Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
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Peel the potatoes and slice them into thin, even rounds.
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In a large bowl, toss the sliced potatoes with vegetable oil and salt, ensuring they’re well-coated.
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Arrange the potato slices evenly in a lightly greased casserole dish or baking pan, slightly overlapping each slice to create a stable base.
Step 2: First Baking of the Potatoes
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Place the casserole dish with the potato slices in the preheated oven.
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Bake for 30 minutes, until potatoes are partially cooked and lightly golden around the edges.
Step 3: Preparing the Beef and Pepper Filling
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While the potatoes are baking, heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
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Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3–4 minutes until translucent and aromatic.
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Add the minced beef, breaking it up with a spoon and cooking until browned and crumbly.
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Stir in diced green, red, and yellow peppers, cooking for an additional 5–6 minutes until peppers are tender.
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Pour in the tomato sauce, paprika, thyme, turmeric, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing flavors to combine.
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Remove from heat and set aside briefly.
Step 4: Assembling the Casserole
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Once the potatoes have finished their first baking period, remove them from the oven.
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Carefully spread the seasoned beef and pepper filling evenly over the potato layer.
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Top generously with grated mozzarella cheese, ensuring an even layer for optimal melting.
Step 5: Final Baking
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Return the casserole dish to the oven.
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Bake for an additional 10 minutes at 200°C (392°F), until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a golden-brown crust on top.
Step 6: Garnishing and Serving
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Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes.
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Garnish generously with fresh parsley to enhance color and flavor.
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Serve warm, portioned neatly onto plates.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
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Calories: ~450 kcal
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Protein: 28 g
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Carbohydrates: 32 g
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Fat: 24 g
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Fiber: 5 g
Origin and Popularity
This hearty casserole takes inspiration from various international cuisines that combine potatoes, meat, and vibrant vegetables in baked dishes. Its simplicity, combined with vibrant colors and rich flavors, makes it popular in family kitchens worldwide, appealing especially to those who love comfort foods with an elegant twist.
Reasons to Love This Recipe
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Balanced Flavor and Texture: Soft potatoes, juicy beef, crunchy peppers, and creamy cheese create an enjoyable eating experience.
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Nutritionally Balanced: Offers a great combination of protein, vitamins, and dietary fiber.
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Perfect for Gatherings: Beautiful presentation and hearty flavors make it ideal for special meals with friends or family.
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Easy to Customize: Adjust ingredients or spices according to your preference.
Health Benefits
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Potatoes: Rich in potassium and vitamin C, supporting heart health and immunity.
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Lean Beef: Excellent source of iron, protein, and vitamin B12 for energy and muscle repair.
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Bell Peppers: Loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C, beneficial for skin and immune health.
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Mozzarella Cheese: Good source of calcium and protein, promoting bone strength.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this casserole with a fresh green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. It’s also delicious alongside crusty garlic bread or simple steamed green vegetables.
Cooking Tips
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Slice potatoes thinly and uniformly for even cooking.
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Drain excess fat from beef to keep casserole from becoming greasy.
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If the cheese browns too quickly, cover lightly with foil during the final baking stage.
Variations
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Substitute minced beef with chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for dietary flexibility.
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Use additional spices such as cumin or chili flakes to enhance flavor.
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Add other vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots for extra nutritional content.
Conclusion
This Baked Potato and Beef Casserole with Mozzarella and Colorful Peppers is a satisfying and wholesome meal ideal for family dinners or gatherings. The enticing blend of potatoes, seasoned meat, vibrant vegetables, and gooey cheese promises comfort and culinary delight in every bite. It’s both visually appealing and deliciously filling, sure to become a family favorite.
FAQs
1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack cheeses all work well.
2. How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
4. What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15–20 minutes or microwave portions individually.
5. Can I add cream or milk for richness?
A small amount of cream or milk can be added to the beef mixture for additional creaminess.
6. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
7. What potatoes are best for casseroles?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal due to their texture and starch content.
8. Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely, substitute the beef with mushrooms, lentils, or veggie mince.
9. Can I use tomato paste instead of tomato sauce?
Yes, thin the paste slightly with water to reach a sauce-like consistency.
10. Is it gluten-free?
Yes, ensure all spices and sauces are labeled gluten-free for strict diets.
Enjoy this flavorful and comforting Baked Potato and Beef Casserole with Mozzarella and Colorful Peppers!