Ingredients
Creating this casserole requires a handful of simple ingredients, each bringing its own character to the dish. Much like my mum’s treasured handwritten recipes, it’s all about the balance and the little details:
– Ground beef: The heart of the casserole, providing a rich, meaty base.
– Onion and garlic: These aromatics fill the kitchen with an inviting scent, much like those early baking mornings with my mum.
– Bell peppers: I use a mix of colors for both flavor and a touch of visual joy.
– Taco seasoning: A homemade blend is best, allowing you to control the spice and salt levels — and add that pinch of cinnamon for a personal touch.
– Cream cheese: This adds a creamy texture that melds beautifully with the spices.
– Cheddar cheese: Shredded and golden, it provides that irresistible, melty goodness.
– Sour cream: A dollop on top before serving adds a refreshing tang.
– Fresh cilantro: To finish, adding a splash of color and brightness.
Instructions
Cooking this casserole is like painting memories with flavors, reminiscent of those early dawns spent in the kitchen. Here’s how you can recreate it:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), setting the stage for the magic to unfold.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, much like the sun melting over Devon fields.
3. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, letting their aroma fill the air, a nod to those treasured mornings with mum.
4. Toss in the bell peppers and sprinkle with taco seasoning, stirring until everything is well acquainted.
5. Stir in the cream cheese until it’s luxuriously melted into the mixture, like an old story blending seamlessly with the present.
6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with shredded cheddar cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden, about 20 minutes.
7. Let it rest for a moment, then serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International