This 5-Ingredient Stuffed Pepper Pasta is a quick, hearty, and family-friendly dinner that combines all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers with tender pasta in one easy skillet meal!
🕒 Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
- Difficulty: Easy
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or pasta sauce
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional Seasonings & Garnishes
(Not included in the 5 main ingredients)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley
- Parmesan cheese
🔪 Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or pot
- Wooden spoon
- Colander
- Stove
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned.
- Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 3: Add the Peppers
- Stir chopped bell peppers into the skillet.
- Cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly softened.
Step 4: Add Sauce
- Pour marinara sauce into the skillet.
- Stir to combine.
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
Optional: season with garlic powder, pepper, or Italian seasoning.
Step 5: Combine Pasta
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet.
- Toss until fully coated in sauce.
Step 6: Add Cheese
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Cover for 2–3 minutes until cheese melts.
Step 7: Serve
- Garnish with parsley or Parmesan if desired.
- Serve hot.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Garlic bread
- Side salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Caesar salad
- Steamed broccoli
💡 Tips for Best Results
Use Colorful Bell Peppers
Red, yellow, or orange peppers add sweetness and color.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Al dente pasta holds up best in the sauce.
Make It Extra Cheesy
Add cheddar or Parmesan along with mozzarella.
One-Pot Shortcut
Cook pasta directly in the sauce with extra broth or water.
🔄 Variations
Low Carb Version
Use:
- Zucchini noodles
- Cauliflower rice
Spicy Version
Add:
- Red pepper flakes
- Hot Italian sausage
Protein Swap
Use:
- Ground turkey
- Chicken
- Italian sausage
🥶 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Warm in microwave or skillet with a splash of water or sauce.
❓ FAQs
Can I use another pasta shape?
Yes! Rotini, shells, penne, or elbow pasta all work well.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely — it reheats beautifully.
What’s the best cheese?
Mozzarella melts best, but cheddar adds extra flavor.
Can I add rice instead?
Yes, cooked rice can replace pasta for a stuffed pepper bowl version.
⚖️ Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
✅ WW Points (Estimated)
- 7–9 Points per serving
🌟 Optional Add-Ons
Try adding:
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Jalapeños
- Pepperoni
- Spinach
- Ricotta cheese