Oven Baked Stuffed Pepper Pasta

If you’re looking for the ultimate stuffed pepper pasta casserole, this easy oven-baked recipe is pure comfort food in one dish. Made with juicy ground beef, tender bell peppers, pasta, rice, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese, this easy stuffed pepper pasta bake is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners.

This hearty cheesy stuffed pepper pasta casserole combines all the classic flavors of traditional stuffed peppers with the simplicity of a baked pasta dish. It’s filling, budget-friendly, and perfect for leftovers since it reheats beautifully all week long.

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake

This oven baked stuffed pepper pasta is one of those cozy recipes everyone asks for again and again.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Easy one-dish family dinner
• Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
• Budget-friendly pantry ingredients
• High in protein from ground beef
• Loaded with comforting stuffed pepper flavors
• Great freezer-friendly casserole option
• Customizable with turkey, chicken, or extra vegetables

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making dinner ahead of time, this ground beef stuffed pepper pasta casserole is always a winning choice.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 large green bell peppers, seeded and chopped
• 3 cups uncooked short pasta (rotini, penne, or shells)
• 1½ cups uncooked white rice
• 1 jar (24–26 oz) tomato pasta sauce or marinara
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Nonstick cooking spray for greasing

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a deep 3-quart baking dish with nonstick spray or a little oil.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 6–8 minutes until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Chop the Bell Peppers

Cut the green bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. This helps keep the classic stuffed pepper texture in every bite.

Step 4: Mix the Main Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine:

• uncooked pasta
• uncooked rice
• chopped bell peppers

Add the cooked ground beef, tomato sauce, and water. Stir everything well until fully combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly and make sure the pasta and rice are fully submerged in liquid.

Cover tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam for proper cooking.

Step 6: Bake Until Tender

Bake covered for 45–55 minutes until the pasta and rice are tender. Check around 40 minutes and continue baking if needed.

Step 7: Add the Cheese

Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Return to the oven uncovered and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken and makes serving easier.

Serve warm with garlic bread, salad, or steamed vegetables.

Recipe Tips

• Use ground turkey for a lighter version
• Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
• Swap green peppers for red, yellow, or orange peppers
• Use mozzarella-cheddar blend for extra cheesy flavor
• Great for freezer meals and weekly meal prep

This easy stuffed pepper pasta casserole recipe is the perfect comfort meal that feels homemade, hearty, and satisfying every single time.