Low Carb Beef and Pepper Cheesy Bake – Quick, Cheesy, Family Favorite

Low Carb Beef and Pepper Cheesy Bake is that cozy, cheesy dinner that checks all the boxes—quick, hearty, low-carb, and picky-eater approved. If you’re juggling a million things (and maybe a couple of hangry kids or a grumbly spouse), this one-pan wonder is about to become your new dinner hero. Packed with juicy ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and gooey layers of cheddar and mozzarella, it’s comfort food that won’t mess with your macros.

And let’s be real: when something this cheesy hits the table and it’s still low carb? That’s the kind of kitchen magic we all need. Whether you’re doing keto, trying to cut back on carbs, or just need something delicious without extra effort, this Low Carb Beef and Pepper Cheesy Bake has your back.

Table of Contents

What is Low Carb Beef and Pepper Cheesy Bake?

Low Carb Beef and Pepper Cheesy Bake is basically a fuss-free casserole-style dish that brings bold flavor without the carb crash. Think of it as a comfort food hybrid—like your favorite beefy skillet meal met a cheesy pepper-stuffed lasagna, minus the pasta. It starts with seasoned ground beef, gets sautéed with sweet bell peppers and onions for flavor and crunch, and then gets smothered in melty cheddar and mozzarella cheese.

Everything bakes up golden and bubbly, served straight from the oven with barely a dish to clean. Whether you’re on a low-carb lifestyle or just tired of the dinner rut, this dish fits right in. Plus, it’s flexible—want to sneak in mushrooms or switch up the cheese? You totally can.

Reasons to Try Low Carb Beef and Pepper Cheesy Bake

Here’s why this Low Carb Beef and Pepper Cheesy Bake deserves a spot on your weeknight rotation: First, it’s low-carb without tasting like it—no weird substitutes or sad “healthified” swaps here, just satisfying flavor. Second, it’s fast. From skillet to oven to table in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when takeout is whispering your name.

Third, it’s budget-friendly. Ground beef, bell peppers, and cheese are affordable staples, and you might already have everything you need. Fourth, it’s meal-prep gold—make a batch, stash it in the fridge, and reheat for easy lunches or quick dinners. And finally, it’s family-approved. Even the carb lovers in the house won’t complain when this hits their plate. It’s that good.

Ingredients Needed to Make Low Carb Beef and Pepper Cheesy Bake

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions to Make Low Carb Beef and Pepper Cheesy Bake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives it enough time to fully heat while you prep the rest of your ingredients. A properly preheated oven is key to getting that perfectly browned, bubbly cheese top. Pro tip: If your oven runs a little cool (some do!), you might want to use an oven thermometer to be sure you’re baking at the right temperature.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

In a large skillet over medium heat, add two tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Let them cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for the onions to turn soft and translucent and the garlic to become fragrant—not brown. This step lays the flavor foundation for the entire dish, so don’t rush it. If your onions are burning too quickly, turn the heat down slightly.

Want a shortcut? You can prep your onions and garlic ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to two days. Check out our ingredient prep tips for more make-ahead ideas.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to your skillet with the sautéed aromatics. Break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula and stir frequently so it browns evenly. Cook for 5–7 minutes or until the beef is fully cooked with no pink left. If your beef releases a lot of fat, you may want to drain the excess grease before moving to the next step—especially if you’re aiming for a leaner low-carb meal.

Using ground turkey or chicken instead? Totally fine. For more ideas, check out our Easy Homemade Beefy Melt Burritos for flavor inspiration with other proteins.

Step 4: Add Bell Peppers and Seasonings

Now it’s time to add in the sliced red and green bell peppers. These not only add color but a subtle sweetness and slight crunch. Sprinkle in your salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 5 minutes. This softens the peppers slightly while letting them soak up all that beefy, garlicky flavor.

Looking to mix it up? Feel free to toss in mushrooms, spinach, or even diced zucchini. Our Low Carb Mexican Soup is a great example of how to get creative with low-carb veggie combos.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

Now take your beef and pepper mixture and divide it between two individual-sized foil pans or pour everything into one 8×8 baking dish—whatever you have on hand works. This makes cleanup a breeze, especially if you’re meal prepping for the week or cooking for one.

Step 6: Add the Cheese Layers

Sprinkle an even layer of shredded cheddar cheese followed by mozzarella cheese over the beef mixture. This duo gives you the best of both cheesy worlds: cheddar for sharpness and mozzarella for that gooey melt factor. Don’t skimp—the cheese is what ties it all together and gives it that indulgent baked texture without the carbs.

Want more cheesy low-carb recipes? Try our Crockpot Marry Me Chicken for another comfort food favorite.

Step 7: Bake to Cheesy Perfection

Place your dish (or foil pans) on a baking sheet—this makes it easier to handle and catches any cheesy spills—and bake in your preheated oven for 15–20 minutes. You’re looking for melted, bubbling cheese with golden edges. If you’re a fan of crispier cheese on top, you can broil it for an additional 2–3 minutes, but keep a close eye on it.

Step 8: Let It Rest and Serve

Once it’s done baking, remove it from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything set up a bit, making it easier to scoop and even more flavorful. Serve it hot with a side salad or low-carb veggie, or just eat it straight out of the pan—we won’t judge.

Now that you’ve nailed this recipe step by step, be sure to explore more low-carb winners like our Ground Beef and Potato Casserole for future meal inspiration.

What to Serve with Low Carb Beef and Pepper Cheesy Bake

This dish can totally stand on its own, but if you want to round it out, there are some great pairings. For a low-carb plate, try a fresh side salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or some roasted cauliflower or zucchini noodles for extra veggies. If you’ve got a family who isn’t low-carb, you can easily serve it with rice, crusty bread, or even a quick buttered pasta on the side. You can also pair it with Low Carb Mexican Soup if you’re feeling a cozy two-dish vibe. The cheesy bake is flexible like that—it fits in with whatever mood your dinner table is having.

Key Tips for Making Low Carb Beef and Pepper Cheesy Bake

Want to make this dish even smoother? Here are some quick tips: Use pre-shredded cheese to save time, but grate your own if you want better melt and fewer additives. Don’t overcook the bell peppers—they should be just tender, not mushy. If your beef releases a lot of fat, drain it before adding the peppers so your dish doesn’t turn greasy. Craving more flavor? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex twist. And finally, use a cast iron skillet if you have one—you can go from stovetop to oven without dirtying another dish.

Storage and Reheating Tips Low Carb Beef and Pepper Cheesy Bake

Got leftovers? Lucky you. This dish stores well for up to 4 days in the fridge. Let it cool completely before popping it into an airtight container. Reheat individual portions in the microwave (about 1–2 minutes on high), or reheat the whole dish in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes, covered with foil. You can also freeze it—just wrap it tightly and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake until hot. It’s a great make-ahead meal when you need something quick but satisfying.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Totally! Assemble everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works great if you want a leaner version.

Is this keto-friendly?
Absolutely—it’s low in carbs and high in protein and fat, making it great for keto diets.

What other veggies can I add?
Mushrooms, spinach, or even riced cauliflower would be great additions!

Can I make it in one big pan?
Yes, just use an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish instead of individual foil pans.

Final Thoughts

Low Carb Beef and Pepper Cheesy Bake is one of those magical meals that feels indulgent but won’t derail your low-carb goals. It’s cozy, filling, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re trying to shake up your weeknight routine or need a dish that won’t cause a family revolt at the table, this one delivers every time. And hey, once you fall in love with it, don’t be surprised if you start exploring more low-carb comfort meals—like this Cheesy Burrito Casserole or our ever-popular Beef Enchilada Pasta One-Pan Meal. Happy cooking, and happy eating.

Visit our Pinterest for regular slow cooker recipe updates, or join our Facebook discussions where cooking fans exchange their favorite hearty meal ideas.

Print