Description
This Easy Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake combines the irresistible flavors of rotini pasta, savory ground beef, and melty cheese, making it a fantastic option for a quick dinner or comforting meal at home. Perfect for busy families and food lovers alike!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz uncooked rotini pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper roughly chopped
- 1 orange bell pepper roughly chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 14.5 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup monterey jack cheese shredded
- optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell peppers, cover, and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Stir in the tomato paste and minced garlic. Cover and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cover and cook for 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is fully cooked. Drain excess grease, retaining a little for flavor.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, stirring well.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and fire-roasted tomatoes, stir again, and simmer the mixture for 3–5 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated with the mixture.
- Transfer everything to the prepared casserole dish and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Broil for 30 seconds to 1 minute to lightly brown the top, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with parsley if desired, then serve.
Notes
Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Add your favorite vegetables or different cheese varieties for a personal touch.
This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 6)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg