Name: Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Rotini Pasta (12 oz); Olive Oil (2 tbsp); Yellow Onion (1 small, diced); Green Bell Pepper (1, roughly chopped); Orange Bell Pepper (1, roughly chopped); Ground Beef (1 lb); Tomato Paste (1 tbsp); Garlic (1 clove, minced); Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz, undrained); Tomato Sauce (½ cup); Italian Seasoning (1 tsp); Salt (½ tsp); Black Pepper (¼ tsp); Monterey Jack Cheese (1 cup, shredded); Fresh Parsley (optional, for garnish)

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As the aroma of a warm, bubbling Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake wafts through your kitchen, memories of family dinners flooded back. The vibrant colors of the sautéed green and orange peppers meet the golden tones of melted cheese. Just picture it: pasta enveloped in rich tomato sauce kissed with Italian herbs, oozing with cheesiness, and loaded with seasoned ground beef. It’s an inviting dish that wraps you in a comforting hug—the kind of meal that brings a smile after a long day.

Table of Contents

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

This recipe is perfect for cozy family gatherings, cool evenings, or when you’re just looking for something deliciously fulfilling. It strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and home-cooked goodness. I can’t help but feel excitement at the thought of sharing this dish with you. Let’s get cooking and create a dish that will surely become a staple in your household!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep and an hour of bake time, it’s a hassle-free weeknight dinner.
Irresistible Flavor: A harmonious blend of spices, savory beef, and gooey cheese will tickle your tastebuds.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The layered colors of vibrant peppers and golden cheese make it a feast for the eyes.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for lunch leftovers, cozy family meals, or a potluck gathering with friends.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily custom-made for gluten-free pasta fans or vegetarians by swapping in turkey or lentils!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Rotini Pasta (12 oz): A great choice because its spirals hold onto the sauce beautifully. You may substitute with penne or any pasta you love.
Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Used for sautéing; it adds flavor and helps cook the veggies until they’re tender. Can easily be replaced with vegetable oil if preferred.
Yellow Onion (1 small, diced): Adds sweetness and depth to the dish, enhancing overall flavor.
Green Bell Pepper (1, roughly chopped): Provides a slightly bitter crunch; you can swap it out for red or yellow bell peppers for a sweeter taste.
Orange Bell Pepper (1, roughly chopped): Brightens the dish visually and adds a mild sweetness; labeled bell pepper works too.
Ground Beef (1 lb): A hearty base for the dish; feel free to substitute with ground turkey or mushroom for a lighter option.
Tomato Paste (1 tbsp): Concentrated flavor that enhances the sauce’s richness; you can use marinara if needed.
Garlic (1 clove, minced): Infuses a wonderful aromatic scent; you might want more if you’re a garlic lover!
Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz, undrained): Adds a smoky goodness that can’t be matched; regular diced tomatoes works if fire-roasted isn’t available.
Tomato Sauce (½ cup): Binds everything together; choose low-sodium for a healthier profile.
Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): A blend of herbs that captures the flavors of Italian cuisine and rounds out the dish beautifully.
Salt (½ tsp) & Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Essential for enhancing flavors; adjust to your taste!
Monterey Jack Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts into blissful gooeyness on top; use mozzarella or cheddar for a different twist.
Fresh Parsley (optional, for garnish): A sprinkle adds a lovely fresh finish, brightening up the dish.

How to Make Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake

Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it’s warming up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking. This ensures your **Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake** releases easily when it’s done baking, making serving a breeze.

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in your rotini and cook according to package instructions until al dente—this should take around 7-9 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you whip up the other ingredients. Keeping the pasta slightly undercooked helps it maintain texture in the bake.

Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and chopped bell peppers, covering the skillet. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn soft and translucent. This step releases their flavor and builds the base of your dish.

Mix in Garlic and Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and minced garlic into the skillet. Cover again and let everything mingle for about 1-2 minutes, until your kitchen is filled with that delicious aroma. This quick sauté brings out the sweetness of the onions and peppers and awakens the garlic’s zest.

Brown the Beef: Now, add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease, but leave a little for flavor. This will add richness to your pasta bake.

Season the Mixture: Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, stirring well until everything is evenly coated. It’s the spices that will elevate this dish, so don’t rush this step! Allow the flavors to blend together blissfully.

Stir in Tomatoes: Pour in the tomato sauce and fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Mix well and let this simmer for 3–5 minutes. You’re looking for a delightful bubbling around the edges and a cohesive sauce that envelops the ground beef and veggies.

Toss the Pasta: Add the drained pasta to your skillet and carefully toss everything together until the rotini is well-coated in the flavorful mixture. Visualize the vibrant colors of sauce-glazed pasta mingling with the richness of beef and pepping veggies.

Transfer and Top: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Now comes the best part—sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese generously over the top! This is where the magic happens, transforming your bake into a cheesy masterpiece.

Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake uncovered for about 20–25 minutes. Keep an eye out for that glorious bubbling cheese, which signals it’s time to enjoy! Once the edges are bubbly, finish with a quick broil for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Watch it closely to keep from burning.

Cool and Garnish: After removing it from the oven, allow your baked creation to cool for a few minutes. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color. This final touch elevates your **Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake** into something even more delightful!

Storing & Reheating

If you have any leftovers (not likely!), they’ll be happy in your fridge for about 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze this dish, sealing it tightly, for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Be aware that freezing may slightly alter the texture, so adding a splash of water or extra cheese can refresh it beautifully.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcrowding the skillet when browning beef; this ensures a nice browning instead of steaming.
Feel free to swap ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative, or use more veggies for a vegetarian option.
For even more flavor, try adding chopped mushrooms or zucchini to the sautéed mixture.
If you like it spicy, consider mixing in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Make it ahead! Assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

Crafting this delightful Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake is as enjoyable as devouring it. Set aside the ordinary, experiment with flavors, and watch as your family gathers around the table, eager to dig in.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While rotini holds great sauce, you could use penne, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just remember to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you select for that perfectly cooked bite.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, indeed! You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Make sure to store it in an airtight container, and remember to let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.

What can I substitute for ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils work wonderfully in this dish! If you go vegetarian, opt for finely chopped mushrooms or lentils as they add a great texture and flavor.

How can I spice up the flavor?

Spice lovers could kick up the flavor by adding some diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture. Experiment and find your perfect heat level!