Stuffed Peppers Pasta Casserole takes the best flavors of classic stuffed peppers and turns them into a comforting, one-dish pasta meal. This easy casserole combines savory ground beef, hearty pasta, vibrant bell peppers, and rich tomato sauce, all baked together to perfection for a delicious dinner that’s perfect for busy nights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is a great twist on the classic stuffed peppers, making it more accessible and easier to serve to a crowd. The pasta helps to absorb all the savory flavors of the ground beef and bell peppers, while the gooey cheese adds extra richness. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for cozy family dinners, offering all the flavors of stuffed peppers without the hassle of stuffing individual peppers.
Ingredients
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 1 large green bell pepper
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, sauté the onion and bell pepper in a little oil over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir until everything is combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or more crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Use Ground Turkey: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Cheese Variations: Try using a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this casserole?
Yes, any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini works well in this casserole. You can even use gluten-free pasta if needed.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly golden brown.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen. Assemble it in a baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Can I add meat alternatives to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives if you prefer.
What can I serve this casserole with?
This casserole is hearty on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or garlic bread.
Can I add more cheese?
Yes, if you love cheese, feel free to add more cheese on top or use a different cheese like cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack.
How can I make the casserole spicier?
You can add more crushed red pepper flakes or include chopped jalapeños or other spicy peppers to the sauce for a kick.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute fresh diced tomatoes for the canned tomatoes if preferred. Use about 2-3 medium tomatoes.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Use a meat substitute like lentils, quinoa, or plant-based crumbles to replace the ground beef.
Conclusion
Stuffed Peppers Pasta Casserole is a delicious and convenient twist on the classic stuffed peppers dish. With a rich combination of ground beef, pasta, and melted cheese, this casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that’s full of flavor and comfort, making it the perfect meal to serve for any occasion.
Print
Stuffed Peppers Pasta Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Casserole, Comfort Food, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Stuffed Peppers Pasta Casserole takes the best flavors of classic stuffed peppers and transforms them into a comforting one-dish pasta meal. Ground beef, colorful bell peppers, hearty pasta, and savory tomato sauce combine to create a filling and flavorful casserole that’s topped with gooey melted cheese. This easy-to-make dish offers all the deliciousness of stuffed peppers without the hassle of stuffing individual peppers. Perfect for busy nights, it’s a family-friendly, crowd-pleasing meal!
Ingredients
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 1 large green bell pepper
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, sauté the onion and bell pepper in a little oil over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix until everything is combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Variations: Add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or more crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Use Ground Turkey: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Cheese Variations: Try using a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Storage/Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
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