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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Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food that brings together all the delightful flavors of stuffed peppers and the satisfying texture of a hearty pasta bake. Each bite combines perfectly cooked rotini pasta, savory ground beef, and a melange of colorful bell peppers, all topped with gooey Monterey Jack cheese. The result? A mouthwatering dish that warms your heart and fills your belly, making it ideal for family dinners or cozy evenings at home.

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

The first time I prepared this Easy Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake, my family was captivated by its vibrant colors and irresistible aroma wafting from the oven. This dish is a delightful symphony of flavors, effortlessly bridging the gap between nutritious and indulgent. It’s budget-friendly and can feed the whole crowd without breaking the bank. I guarantee that once you try it, it will make a regular appearance in your weekly meal rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep and 70 minutes of cooking time, you can have this comforting meal on the table in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of fire-roasted tomatoes and Italian seasoning creates a rich, flavorful sauce that clings to every bite of pasta.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Vibrant bell peppers and golden melted cheese make for a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep for the upcoming week.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily swap out ground beef for turkey or a plant-based protein to accommodate dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

12 oz uncooked rotini pasta: The spiral shape holds onto sauces beautifully. You can substitute with any short pasta if you prefer.
2 tbsp olive oil: Used for sautéing; it adds flavor while keeping the dish healthy. Feel free to replace it with avocado oil.
1 small yellow onion, diced: Onions provide a foundation of flavor. You can use shallots if desired for a sweeter taste.
1 green bell pepper, roughly chopped: Adds a nice crunch and color; substitute with zucchini or spinach for a different take.
1 orange bell pepper, roughly chopped: Offers a sweeter contrast; any color bell pepper works!
1 lb ground beef: For a rich flavor and protein. Ground turkey or plant-based meat can be used for a lighter option.
1 tbsp tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor; don’t skip this, it’s essential.
1 clove garlic, minced: Garlic enhances the aroma and depth; fresh is best, but jarred can work in a pinch.
1 14.5 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained: These add smokiness; regular diced tomatoes can be used instead.
½ cup tomato sauce: Helps bind everything together; any brand is fine.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses a fragrant aroma; you can make your own mix if you prefer.
½ tsp salt: Essential for flavor; adjust based on your preference.
¼ tsp black pepper: Freshly cracked provides the most flavor; feel free to add more for extra kick.
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded: Creates a melty, gooey topping; you can substitute with mozzarella or cheddar.
Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor; it’s a nice touch when serving.

How to Make Easy Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake

Preheat: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. This ensures an easy release after baking.

Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 12 oz uncooked rotini pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside to allow steam to escape, preventing it from becoming mushy.

Sauté Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and roughly chopped green and orange bell peppers, cover, and cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.

Add Tomato Paste and Garlic: Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and the minced garlic. Cover and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, allowing the fragrant notes to fill your kitchen.

Cook Beef: Add 1 lb of ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cover and cook for 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease, leaving a little behind for flavor.

Season the Mixture: Season with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Stir well to ensure every ingredient is coated in those delicious spices.

Mix in Sauces: Pour in the ½ cup tomato sauce and 14.5 oz can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 3–5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated. You want each piece of pasta infused with that lovely sauce.

Transfer to Casserole Dish: Carefully transfer the mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Top generously with 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.

Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. When you see it bubbling around the edges, it’s ready!

Broil for Extra Crisp: For that golden finish, broil it for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Keep a close eye to prevent burning; you just want it slightly browned.

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

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 hours, or refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta bake for up to 3 months. Just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes until warmed through. The texture and flavor will remain delightful, but to refresh the cheese topping, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh cheese before reheating.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking your pasta; since it will bake, al dente is best.
Make sure to drain excess grease from the cooked ground beef to prevent a greasy bake.
If you prefer more vegetables, feel free to add mushrooms or spinach into the mixture!
To kick up the flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
This dish is perfect for meal prep, so consider making a double batch for easy lunches during the week.

Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake is a delightful dish that combines convenience with deliciousness. Not only can this meal feed a small crowd, but it also allows for creativity — you can experiment with different proteins and veggies based on your family’s preferences. When you find that sweet spot, you may just fill your home with the warmth and comfort this dish brings. Enjoy it hot out of the oven or as tasty leftovers; no matter how you serve it, this dish is bound to become a family favorite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While rotini is a wonderful choice for its ability to hold onto sauce, feel free to swap it with any short pasta you have on hand, such as penne or bowtie.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To create a vegetarian or vegan version of the stuffed pepper pasta bake, replace the ground beef with lentils, quinoa, or a meat substitute. Ensure that the cheese used is dairy-free if desired.

What sides pair well with this dish?

This hearty casserole is a meal in itself, but adding a simple side salad or garlic bread can complement it nicely. Roasted vegetables also pair wonderfully for a wholesome meal.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the pasta bake up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy!