Ingredients

For the Beef Mixture

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional

For the Cheese Topping

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly grease a large baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the ground beef and cook for about 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.

Continue cooking until the beef is browned and no longer pink.

Drain excess grease if necessary.

3. Add the Vegetables

Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet.

Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to soften.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant.

4. Season the Mixture

Add:

  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika
  • Red pepper flakes, if using

Stir well so the seasonings coat the beef and vegetables.

5. Add Tomatoes and Sauce

Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 5–7 minutes.

The sauce should become slightly thicker and rich in flavor.

6. Transfer to the Baking Dish

Pour the beef and tomato mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Spread it evenly with a spoon or spatula.

7. Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.

Add the cheddar cheese and finish with the grated Parmesan.

Try to cover most of the surface so the cheese melts into a delicious golden crust.

8. Bake

Place the dish in the preheated oven.

Bake uncovered for approximately 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbling, and golden brown around the edges.

For a darker, more browned topping, switch the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes at the end. Watch it carefully so the cheese doesn’t burn.

9. Rest and Garnish

Remove the bake from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top before serving.