Name: Cheesy Beef and Vegetable
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef or finely chopped beef pieces; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 carrot, finely chopped; 1/2 cup corn kernels (optional); 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Cheesy Beef and Vegetable is a hearty, family-friendly dish that combines tender beef, a medley of vegetables, and a generous layer of melted cheese. Baked or cooked in a skillet until bubbling and golden, this recipe offers the perfect balance of protein, veggies, and rich, creamy goodness in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You will appreciate this dish for its comforting flavors, satisfying texture, and versatility. It is easy to prepare using common ingredients and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or cheeses. Cheesy Beef and Vegetable is ideal for busy weeknights, as it comes together quickly and delivers a complete, nourishing meal. The gooey cheese topping ensures that even picky eaters will enjoy it.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef or finely chopped beef pieces
Olive oil
Onion, finely chopped
Garlic, minced
Bell peppers, diced
Zucchini, diced
Carrots, finely chopped
Corn kernels (optional)
Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
Dried oregano
Dried basil
Salt
Black pepper
Cheddar cheese, shredded
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
Stir in bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and corn (if using). Cook until vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Add tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the beef and vegetable mixture.
Cover and cook on low until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 3-5 minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for heat.
Low-carb option: Skip the corn and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Different cheeses: Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or feta for unique flavor profiles.
Baked version: Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?

Yes, you can include mushrooms, spinach, green beans, or peas.

Is ground beef necessary?

No, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a variation.

How do I prevent the dish from becoming watery?

Allow the vegetables to cook thoroughly so their moisture evaporates before adding the sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven before serving.

What type of cheese melts best for this dish?

Mozzarella provides great melt, while cheddar adds sharp flavor. A combination works well.

Can I add pasta or rice?

Yes, stir in cooked pasta or rice to make it even heartier.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Ensure your tomato sauce and any seasonings are gluten-free.

Can I prepare this as a casserole?

Absolutely. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until golden.

What sides go well with this dish?

A green salad, garlic bread, or steamed broccoli are excellent options.

Is this dish suitable for freezing?

Yes, it freezes well. Cool completely before freezing in portions.

Conclusion

Cheesy Beef and Vegetable is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that brings together rich flavors, tender beef, colorful vegetables, and a gooey cheese topping. Perfect for family dinners, it is versatile enough to suit a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. This recipe is sure to become a regular part of your meal rotation.

Cheesy Beef and Vegetable

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Cheesy Beef and Vegetable is a hearty, family-friendly dish with tender beef, a medley of vegetables, and a generous layer of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese for a comforting, satisfying meal.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned; drain excess fat if needed.
Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
Stir in bell pepper, zucchini, carrot, and corn. Cook 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Add tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the mixture.
Cover and cook on low until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 3-5 minutes.
Garnish with parsley and serve hot.