This Stuffed Pepper Pasta Casserole combines tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, colorful bell peppers, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese in one comforting baked dish. A family-friendly dinner that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
Stuffed Pepper Pasta Casserole Recipe
If you love classic stuffed peppers but want something easier and more comforting, this Stuffed Pepper Pasta Casserole is the perfect solution. It delivers all the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers—savory beef, sweet bell peppers, tomato sauce, herbs, and melted cheese—combined with hearty pasta in a satisfying baked casserole. This recipe is ideal for meal prep, family dinners, or potluck gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easier than traditional stuffed peppers
- Ready in about an hour
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Great for feeding a crowd
- Freezer-friendly and meal-prep approved
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 12 ounces (340 g) penne pasta or rotini
- 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 bell peppers (red, green, and yellow), diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing spoon
- Colander
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the pasta and cook until just al dente according to package instructions. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so avoid overcooking.
Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened.
Add the bell peppers and continue cooking for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables.
Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until fully browned.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
Stir in:
- Tomato sauce
- Diced tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Beef broth
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Oregano
- Salt
- Black pepper
Mix thoroughly.
Allow the sauce to simmer for 5–7 minutes so the flavors can blend together.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet.
Stir until every piece of pasta is evenly coated with the sauce mixture.
Remove from heat.
Step 7: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top.
Add the remaining pasta mixture.
Finish with the remaining cheese, spreading it evenly across the surface.
Step 8: Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Step 9: Rest and Garnish
Remove the casserole from the oven.
Allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.
Step 10: Serve
Serve warm with:
- Garlic bread
- Green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed broccoli
Tips for Success
- Use a mix of colored bell peppers for the best flavor and presentation.
- Cook the pasta slightly under al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Add red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat.
- For extra richness, stir 4 ounces of cream cheese into the sauce before baking.
Variations
Turkey Stuffed Pepper Pasta Casserole
Replace the ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option.
Vegetarian Version
Substitute the meat with:
- Black beans
- Lentils
- Plant-based ground meat
- Mushrooms
Spicy Version
Add:
- 1 diced jalapeño
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Hot sauce to taste
Extra Cheesy Version
Mix an additional cup of mozzarella directly into the pasta mixture before baking.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
What pasta works best?
Penne, rotini, rigatoni, and ziti all work well because they hold the sauce effectively.
Can I use rice instead of pasta?
Yes. Cooked rice can be substituted for pasta to create a casserole closer to traditional stuffed peppers.
Final Thoughts
Stuffed Pepper Pasta Casserole is a delicious fusion of two comfort-food favorites. It captures the savory flavors of stuffed peppers while offering the convenience and heartiness of a baked pasta dish. With tender pasta, colorful peppers, seasoned beef, rich tomato sauce, and a golden layer of melted cheese, this casserole is a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.