Stuffed Pepper Pasta: A Comfort Food Favorite with a Twist

If you love the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers, but crave the ease of a one-pan pasta dish, then this Stuffed Pepper Pasta recipe is for you. This hearty and satisfying meal combines all the best parts of stuffed peppers—ground beef, bell peppers, onions, and savory tomato sauce—with the comforting texture of bowtie pasta. It’s a family-friendly, weeknight-ready dinner that packs a flavorful punch and comes together in under 30 minutes.

What makes this recipe so special is that it delivers all the flavors of a classic dish with none of the hassle of stuffing individual peppers. Instead, everything is cooked in a skillet and tossed together for maximum flavor and convenience.

Beyond its convenience, this dish also offers versatility. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or experimenting with new flavor combos, this recipe adapts easily. It’s also a perfect candidate for meal prep, freezer-friendly storage, or serving to a crowd.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:

Main Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
3 bell peppers, diced (any color works, but red and yellow add extra sweetness)
1/2 yellow onion, diced
1 pound ground beef (85% lean recommended)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
24 ounces pasta sauce (use your favorite jarred or homemade variety)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
4 cups bowtie pasta (also called farfalle)

How to Make Stuffed Pepper Pasta

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add bowtie pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté Peppers and Onions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add diced bell peppers and onions.
Stir occasionally and cook until softened and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Brown the Ground Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables.
Cook until no pink remains, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
Drain excess grease if necessary.

4. Add Garlic and Seasoning

Stir in the minced garlic.
Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

5. Pour in the Sauce

Add the pasta sauce and stir to combine.
Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.

6. Mix in the Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet.
Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with chopped parsley or shredded cheese if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy a cozy bowl of Stuffed Pepper Pasta.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish hits all the marks for a perfect family dinner:

Quick to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes.
Flavorful: Packed with spices, garlic, and savory sauce.
Flexible: Swap out ingredients or adjust seasoning to taste.
Filling: Protein, veggies, and carbs in one dish.
Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the mild, sweet flavor of bell peppers.

Ingredient Variations

This recipe is great as-is, but feel free to customize based on your preferences or pantry:

Protein Alternatives

Ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option
Italian sausage for extra spice and flavor
Plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version

Pasta Options

Penne
Rotini
Shells
Gluten-free pasta for dietary needs

Sauce Enhancements

Add crushed red pepper for heat
Stir in a splash of cream for a richer sauce
Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky depth

Extra Add-Ins

Sautéed mushrooms or zucchini
Fresh spinach or kale
Shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 420
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g

Note: Nutritional values will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

This recipe is excellent for leftovers and meal prep:

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of water or sauce.

Meal prep tip: Divide into containers with a side of green salad or steamed veggies for balanced lunches all week.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the easiest recipes have some pitfalls. Avoid these:

1. Overcooking the Pasta

Pasta continues to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce. Cook until just al dente to prevent mushiness.

2. Skipping the Seasoning

Don’t rely solely on jarred pasta sauce—seasoning the meat makes all the difference in flavor.

3. Using Watery Veggies

If using vegetables with high water content (like zucchini), sauté separately and drain excess liquid before mixing into the sauce.

Perfect Pairings

Complete your dinner with these simple sides:

Garlic bread or crusty rolls
Caesar salad or simple green salad
Roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts
A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon

Why Stuffed Pepper Pasta Deserves a Spot in Your Weekly Menu

This dish brings all the nostalgia of classic stuffed peppers, but reimagined as a creamy, dreamy pasta dinner. It’s:

Fast and fuss-free
Balanced with protein, vegetables, and carbs
Deliciously family-approved

Whether you’re cooking for your kids, roommates, or meal prepping for yourself, this recipe is a smart and flavorful choice. It’s also great for potlucks, leftovers, or doubling up and freezing for a rainy day.

Final Thoughts

Stuffed Pepper Pasta is the ultimate comfort food remix. It combines everything you love about traditional stuffed peppers and wraps it all into a quick, one-pan pasta dish. It’s rich, hearty, and endlessly customizable.

For more details, visit the full recipe

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