The Heartiest Stuffed Pepper Spaghetti Bake Recipe Ever Made

Sizzling comfort food meets weeknight dinner magic in this mouthwatering stuffed pepper spaghetti bake that promises to revolutionize your meal routine.

Hearty bell peppers burst with rich, savory flavors, cradling perfectly cooked spaghetti in a cheesy embrace.

Layers of marinara sauce, tender ground beef, and melted cheese create a symphony of textures that dance on your palate.

Each forkful delivers a delightful combination of classic Italian-inspired ingredients with a playful twist.

The dish comes together effortlessly, making it a lifesaver for busy home cooks seeking a satisfying meal.

Packed with protein and bursting with color, this one-pan wonder transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and watch dinner become the highlight of your day.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients for Spaghetti Stuffed Pepper Bake

• Spaghetti, Angel Hair Pasta: Provides hearty foundation for the dish, choose fresh pasta for best texture and flavor.
• Olive Oil: Enhances cooking process and adds rich, smooth undertone to the recipe.

• Yellow Onion, Green Bell Pepper: Adds depth and crunch, select firm vegetables with vibrant colors for maximum freshness.
• Garlic: Delivers robust flavor profile, opt for firm cloves without sprouts or soft spots.

• Lean Ground Beef: Delivers protein-rich protein base, choose meat with minimal fat for healthier option.
• Italian Seasoning, Dried Parsley, Fresh Parsley: Infuses layers of herbal complexity, select high-quality dried herbs for intense flavor.
• Kosher Sea Salt, Ground Black Pepper: Balances and elevates overall taste, use freshly ground pepper for maximum zest.

• Tomato Paste: Concentrates rich tomato essence, select organic brands for deeper flavor.
• Cream of Tomato Soup, Pasta Sauce: Creates creamy, tangy foundation, choose low-sodium options for controlled saltiness.
• Medium Cheddar Cheese: Provides melty, golden topping, select sharp varieties for bolder cheese experience.

Tools for Baking This Stuffed Pasta Dish

• Large Oven-Safe Pot: Essential for sautéing vegetables and meat, and then baking the entire dish.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for breaking up ground beef and stirring ingredients without scratching the pot.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, bell peppers, and garlic safely.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise vegetable and herb chopping.
• Colander: Used to drain pasta after cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately adding seasonings and spices.
• Cheese Grater: Optional for freshly grating cheddar cheese if desired.

Instructions to Assemble Pepper Spaghetti Bake

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen appliance to create the perfect cooking environment for your delightful meal.

• Pasta Foundation

Craft a tender base by gently transforming dry noodles into a soft, inviting canvas for your culinary creation.

• Vegetable Magic

Transform ordinary onions and peppers into a flavor-packed symphony, coaxing out their natural sweetness and depth.

• Protein Power

Introduce ground beef to the pan, breaking it into delicate morsels that will mingle beautifully with the other ingredients.

• Flavor Layer

Weave a tapestry of herbs and seasonings, creating a rich, aromatic backdrop that will make taste buds dance with excitement.

• Pasta Fusion

Marry the perfectly cooked noodles with the savory meat mixture, ensuring every strand is lovingly coated with robust flavors.

• Cheesy Crown

Blanket the dish with a generous layer of melty cheese, transforming it into a golden, bubbling masterpiece that promises comfort and joy.

• Final Touch

Allow the bake to rest briefly, letting the flavors settle and meld into a harmonious culinary experience that will warm hearts and satisfy hunger.

Tips to Customize Fillings

• Pasta Power Boost: Swap spaghetti with whole wheat or gluten-free noodles for a healthier twist that doesn't compromise on taste or texture.
• Spice Symphony: Kick up the heat by adding red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to give your dish a zesty, mouth-warming sensation that transforms the classic recipe.
• Veggie Venture: Experiment with additional vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to boost nutritional value and create more complex flavor layers in your spaghetti bake.
• Cheese Champion: Try different cheese varieties like mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses to create unique flavor profiles that elevate the entire dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Protein Playground: Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter version that still delivers on satisfaction and taste.

Serving Ideas for Baked Stuffed Peppers

• Flavor Boost Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil leaves on top to add a vibrant green color and bring a burst of herbal freshness to every bite.
• Creamy Companion: Serve a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt alongside the dish to provide a cool, tangy contrast to the warm, cheesy bake.
• Crunch Factor: Add a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs or crushed garlic croutons on top just before serving to give the dish an extra crispy texture and delightful crunch.
• Side Kick Salad: Pair the spaghetti bake with a light mixed green salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette to balance the rich and hearty main course.

How to Store Pasta Bake Leftovers

• Smart Storage Solutions: Transfer leftovers into airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Refrigerator Lifespan: Store this delicious pasta bake in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Always use clean utensils when handling to extend its quality.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Wrap the cooled dish tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months, ensuring you label with the date for easy tracking.
• Reheating Magic: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of extra tomato sauce to prevent dryness and restore the dish's original moisture and flavor.

Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Spaghetti Bake

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired stuffed pepper spaghetti bake combines hearty pasta with bold southwestern flavors. Cheesy, spicy layers deliver a complete meal that satisfies hunger with minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (453.6 g) lean ground beef
• 1 pound (453.6 g) spaghetti or angel hair pasta
• 1 ½ cups medium cheddar cheese, grated or sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp dried parsley or 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ tsp kosher sea salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• ½ cup tomato paste
• 2 cups cream of tomato soup or your favorite pasta sauce

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C), establishing an optimal environment for the spaghetti casserole.
2. Culinary Foundation: In an oven-safe skillet, sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic in olive oil until they develop a golden, aromatic profile. Introduce ground beef, meticulously breaking it into uniform crumbles and cooking until achieving a rich, caramelized brown without any pink undertones.
3. Flavor Infusion: Integrate Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture. Incorporate tomato paste and marinara sauce, creating a robust and complex flavor base. Simultaneously, cook spaghetti to perfect tenderness, then drain and set aside.
4. Casserole Assembly: Combine the cooked spaghetti with the seasoned meat mixture, ensuring each pasta strand is thoroughly coated. Distribute a portion of cheddar cheese throughout the dish, then top with the remaining cheese to create a luxurious, molten golden crust.
5. Baking and Finishing: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and bubble. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest briefly, permitting the flavors to meld. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant final touch.

Notes

• Cheese Melting Tip: Let cheese rest for a few minutes after baking to achieve a perfect golden, bubbly crust that enhances overall texture and flavor.
• Meat Browning Technique: Ensure ground beef is thoroughly cooked with no pink spots to guarantee food safety and develop rich, caramelized flavor profiles.
• Pasta Coating Strategy: Mix spaghetti completely with meat sauce to ensure every strand absorbs maximum flavor and maintains ideal moisture throughout the casserole.
• Seasoning Balance: Adjust salt and pepper to taste, remembering that Italian seasoning and marinara sauce already contribute significant flavor complexity to the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg