Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake is a delightful twist on the classic stuffed peppers, making it a perfect choice for a cozy family dinner. This dish combines tender rotini pasta with sautéed bell peppers, seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with bubbly melted cheese. The comforting aroma fills the kitchen, making it hard to resist. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake

This Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Here are some reasons why you’ll love it:

Easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
Family-friendly and a hit with kids.
Loaded with flavor from fresh vegetables and spices.
Great for meal prep and leftovers.
Can be adapted for vegetarian diets or made gluten-free.
Perfect comfort food that satisfies cravings.

This recipe also gives you a chance to explore stuffed pepper pasta casserole and cheesy stuffed pepper pasta variations, all while keeping it simple and delicious!

Ingredients for Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake

Gather these items:

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)

How to Make Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Set aside.
Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell peppers, cover, and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re softened and translucent.
Step 4: Stir in the tomato paste and minced garlic. Cover and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until everything smells fragrant.
Step 5: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cover and cook for 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is fully cooked. Drain any excess grease, leaving a little behind for flavor.
Step 6: Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and stir well.
Step 7: Pour in the tomato sauce and fire-roasted tomatoes, stir again, and let the mixture simmer for 3–5 minutes.
Step 8: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 9: Transfer the mixture to your prepared casserole dish and sprinkle the top evenly with shredded cheese.
Step 10: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Step 11: Broil for 30 seconds to 1 minute to lightly brown the top — keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Step 12: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with parsley if you like, then serve.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake

Keep these in mind:

This dish is great for meal prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For a creamy twist, you can add cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream into the mixture.

Best Ways to Serve Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake

Here are some serving ideas:

Pair it with a fresh green salad to balance the richness.
Serve it with garlic bread for a hearty meal.
Top with extra cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor.

This pasta bake with stuffed peppers is truly a versatile dish that fits well with various sides.

How to Store and Reheat Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake

For storage, use the final step from the instructions. Allow the dish to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. This makes it an excellent option for quick stuffed pepper pasta bake meals throughout the week!

Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake

What’s the secret to perfect Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake?

The secret lies in cooking your pasta al dente and not overcooking the vegetables. This ensures everything stays flavorful and retains its texture, contributing to a delightful bell pepper pasta bake recipe.

Can I make Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve, making it an excellent easy stuffed pepper pasta bake option for entertaining!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure you drain the pasta well and don’t skip on seasoning the meat. This will enhance the overall flavor of your stuffed bell pepper pasta recipe.

Variations of Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake You Can Try

Here are some fun variations to consider:

Make it vegetarian by swapping ground beef for lentils or mushrooms.
For a creamy version, add cream cheese or ricotta.
Try a spicy kick with jalapeños or pepper jack cheese.
For gluten-free options, substitute rotini with gluten-free pasta.

These variations will keep your baked stuffed peppers with pasta mix experience fresh and exciting!

Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake: 6 Cheesy Comfort Food Wonders - Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making baked mac and cheese for a comforting meal!

Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake: 6 Cheesy Comfort Food Wonders - Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake - main visual representation

Incredible homemade Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake ready to serve!

For more information on the health benefits of bell peppers, visit Healthline.