Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch glass baking dish with avocado oil spray or butter.
Step 2: Brown the Beef In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once finished, drain the excess fat and stir in the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Transfer the seasoned beef to the bottom of your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables In the same skillet, add your olive oil or butter. Toss in the sliced onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp and the onions are translucent. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking so it doesn’t burn.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Layer Dollop small pieces of the softened cream cheese over the beef layer in the baking dish. This will melt into a rich sauce during the baking process.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake Spread the sautéed vegetable mixture evenly over the beef and cream cheese. Finally, cover the entire top with the Provolone cheese slices. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You want the cheese to be completely melted and just beginning to turn golden brown around the edges.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
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The Searing Secret: If you choose to use sliced steak instead of ground beef, sear it quickly over very high heat. This creates a “crust” that locks in flavor.
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Drain the Veggies: If your mushrooms release a lot of water while cooking, drain the pan before adding the vegetables to the casserole dish. This prevents the bottom of the casserole from becoming watery.
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Add Some Heat: If you like a kick, add a few slices of pickled jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
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The Broil Finish: For those who love a crispy cheese crust, turn the oven to “Broil” for the last 2 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
Storage and Reheating
In the Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This recipe actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. This maintains the texture of the peppers. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works perfectly fine—just heat in 30-second intervals.
