Cozy Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake
Hearty, simple, and deeply comforting, this oven-baked stuffed pepper pasta brings all the nostalgic flavors of classic stuffed peppers into an easy one-dish meal. With tender pasta, savory ground beef, sweet bell peppers, and a rich tomato base, everything bakes together under a blanket of melted cheese for a cozy dinner that feels like home. It’s the kind of recipe a neighbor drops off when you need a little comfort—and quickly becomes a repeat favorite.
Ingredients
1/2 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow)
1 pound ground beef
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
1 cup cooked rice
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
Preheat the oven Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the pasta Cook the pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Brown the beef In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain excess fat.
Add the peppers Stir in the diced green bell pepper and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
Combine everything In a large bowl (or directly in the baking dish), mix the cooked pasta, beef mixture, tomato sauce, cooked rice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
Assemble the bake Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden at the edges.
Rest and serve Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to help it set.
Serving Suggestions
Crisp green salad with vinaigrette
Warm garlic bread or crusty baguette
Steamed broccoli or green beans
Light red wine or sparkling water with lemon
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
A simple, comforting bake that turns everyday ingredients into a warm, satisfying meal—perfect for sharing or enjoying as leftovers all week long.
