A Hearty, Cheesy, One-Dish Dinner the Whole Family Will Love
Oh, my dear friend, there is something so wonderfully comforting about the savory-sweet flavor of a classic stuffed pepper—tender bell peppers, seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, all baked to perfection. But let’s be honest, traditional stuffed peppers can be a bit of a labor of love. There’s the pre-cooking, the careful stuffing, and the long bake time.
That’s exactly where this Stuffed Pepper Pasta Casserole comes in. It captures all the beloved flavors of classic stuffed peppers—ground beef, peppers, onions, and tomatoes—but transforms them into a simple, one-dish pasta bake that comes together with minimal fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
All the Classic Flavors: Sweet bell peppers, savory beef, and a rich tomato sauce.
One-Dish Wonder: Minimal prep, easy cleanup, and no stuffing required.
Hearty and Satisfying: A complete meal in one dish.
Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for a cozy weeknight dinner or a family gathering.
The Ingredients
Ingredient Amount Notes
Ground beef 1½ lbs (about 700 g) 80/20 recommended
Bell peppers 2-3, diced Any color—green, red, or yellow
Onion 1 large, diced
Garlic 3 cloves, minced
Tomato sauce 2 cans (15 oz each / 425 g each)
Beef broth 2 cups (480 ml)
Pasta 12 oz (about 340 g) Uncooked, small shapes like elbows or shells
Italian seasoning 1 tablespoon
Salt and pepper To taste
Shredded cheese 2 cups (about 200 g) Mozzarella or a blend
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) . Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and bell peppers until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened—about 8-10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Drain any excess fat.
3. Combine Everything
In a large bowl, combine the beef mixture, tomato sauce, beef broth, uncooked pasta, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
5. Add the Cheese
Remove the foil, stir the casserole, and sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Casserole
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: The pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so it doesn’t need to be fully cooked beforehand.
Use a Good-Quality Tomato Sauce: Since tomato sauce is a key flavor, choose one you enjoy.
Add a Little Heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a lovely warmth.
Make It a Meal: Serve with a simple green salad or crusty bread.
Delicious Variations
Variation What to Add/Change
Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Pasta Use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar.
Spicy Stuffed Pepper Pasta Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
Chicken Stuffed Pepper Pasta Use ground chicken instead of beef.
Vegetarian Stuffed Pepper Pasta Use plant-based crumbles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Any small pasta shape works beautifully.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
What should I serve with this?
A simple green salad or crusty bread are wonderful accompaniments.
A Gentle Reminder
This Stuffed Pepper Pasta Casserole is a beautiful reminder that the simplest meals often bring the greatest comfort. It’s warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying.