Name: Easy Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz uncooked rotini pasta; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 small yellow onion diced; 1 green bell pepper roughly chopped; 1 orange bell pepper roughly chopped; 1 lb ground beef; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1 clove garlic minced; 1 14.5 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained; ½ cup tomato sauce; 1 tsp italian seasoning; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 cup monterey jack cheese shredded; optional: fresh parsley for garnish

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Easy Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake is one of those comforting dishes that has a way of making any day feel special. Imagine tender pasta enveloped in a hearty sauce filled with bell peppers, ground beef, and melted cheese, baked to bubbly perfection. This delightful casserole combines the classic flavors of stuffed peppers with the convenience of pasta, making it a family favorite that’s not only satisfying but also a real treat for your taste buds.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Easy Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Easy Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake

When I first discovered this dish, it felt like a warm hug on a chilly evening. It’s perfect for busy weeknights but also impressive enough for a cozy gathering with friends. Whether you need a quick dinner or a dish that will impress your guests, this Easy Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake checks all the boxes. With its vibrant colors and irresistible aroma, it’s hard to resist reaching for a second helping!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prep this dish in just 10 minutes, and dinner is ready in under 90 minutes!
Irresistible Flavor: Juicy ground beef, sweet bell peppers, and melty cheese create a burst of flavor in every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Brightly colored peppers and golden melted cheese make this bake irresistible at any table.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep for the week ahead.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily swap in ground turkey or vegetarian proteins for a lighter twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

12 oz uncooked rotini pasta: This spiral pasta holds onto the sauce beautifully. You can substitute with penne or fusilli for a similar texture.
2 tbsp olive oil: A staple for sautéing the veggies. If you prefer, avocado oil or canola oil also works well.
1 small yellow onion, diced: Adds a sweet base flavor. You can use shallots if you’re looking for a subtler taste.
1 green bell pepper, roughly chopped: Brings a nice crunch and color. Feel free to use any color bell pepper for a sweeter flavor if desired.
1 orange bell pepper, roughly chopped: Adds beautiful color and sweetness. You can replace it with red or yellow peppers as well.
1 lb ground beef: The heart of the dish. Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter version.
1 tbsp tomato paste: Enhances the depth of tomato flavor. If you don’t have any, you can use an additional 1/4 cup of tomato sauce.
1 clove garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds wonderful aroma and flavor. Adjust to taste; you can add more if you’re a garlic lover!
1 14.5 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds a smoky flavor that elevates the dish. Regular diced tomatoes are fine too, but they won’t have that smoky taste.
½ cup tomato sauce: This helps bind everything together. You can use homemade or store-bought, whatever is on hand.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend that adds warmth to the dish. Use your favorite Italian herbs if you’d like a personal touch.
½ tsp salt: Essential for enhancing flavors. You might want to adjust based on your taste preference.
¼ tsp black pepper: Freshly cracked pepper adds a subtle heat. Feel free to increase this if you prefer a spicier kick.
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully for that gooey finish. You can use cheddar or mozzarella as a substitute.
Optional: fresh parsley for garnish: A sprinkle of fresh herbs brightens the presentation.

How to Make Easy Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray. This ensures your bake doesn’t stick and makes for easy cleanup!

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the uncooked rotini pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually around 7-9 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.

Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the diced yellow onion, green bell pepper, and orange bell pepper. Cover the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are softened and translucent.

Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and 1 clove of minced garlic. Cover again and cook for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant — your kitchen will smell amazing!

Brown the Ground Beef: Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cover and cook for about 7–10 minutes until the meat is no longer pink. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess grease, leaving a little behind for flavor.

Season the Mixture: Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine all the flavors.

Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Pour in the ½ cup of tomato sauce and the can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Mix everything together and let it simmer for 3–5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Combine with Pasta: Now, add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet and toss until everything is coated evenly with the delicious sauce.

Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

Top with Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top, ensuring it covers the pasta and meat mixture well.

Bake and Broil: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. For extra golden cheese, broil for 30 seconds to 1 minute — just keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

Garnish and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. If you like, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color before serving.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the pasta bake for up to 3 months! To reheat, simply pop it into the oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through. The texture may change slightly when frozen, but a little extra cheese on top before heating can refresh the dish beautifully.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcrowding the skillet when sautéing veggies; this ensures they cook evenly and don’t steam.
For a creamier texture, mix in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese before baking.
When cooking pasta, make sure to salt the water generously; this is your only chance to flavor the pasta itself!
Take care not to overcook the pasta; it should be a little firmer than you might typically prefer since it will cook further in the oven.
Feel free to add more veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.

Easy Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with rich flavors and comforting textures that will make your taste buds dance with joy. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for any occasion, and will leave your family begging for seconds. Don’t hesitate to swap in your favorite ingredients or try new variations — the possibilities are endless! I can’t wait for you to enjoy this dish as much as I do!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based protein like lentils, chickpeas, or a meat alternative. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly for that rich flavor.

What should I serve with Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. A side of steamed vegetables can also add a light touch to your meal.

Can I prepare this pasta bake ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble it a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

How do I know when my pasta bake is done?

You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbling at the edges, creating a beautiful golden crust on top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out warm.