Easy Oven-Baked Stuffed Pepper Pasta (Just 5 Ingredients!)

This cozy five-ingredient pasta bake is the kind of comfort food someone might bring by when you’re not feeling your best—warm, filling, and made all in one dish. Inspired by classic stuffed peppers with ground beef, green peppers, tomato, rice, and melty cheese, it turns those familiar flavors into an easy oven-baked meal that’s perfect for leftovers too.

Everything comes together in one pan, baked until tender, then topped with cheese and finished until golden and bubbly.

Serve it straight from the oven with a fresh green salad and simple dressing to balance the richness. It’s also great with garlic bread or a crusty loaf for scooping up every bite. Leftovers reheat well and pair nicely with extra veggies like broccoli or green beans.

Oven-Baked 5-Ingredient Stuffed Pepper Pasta

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 2 large green bell peppers, chopped
• 3 cups uncooked short pasta (rotini, penne, or shells)
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice
• 1 jar (24–26 oz) tomato pasta sauce
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Nonstick spray or oil (for greasing)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a deep baking dish.
2. In a skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. In a large bowl, combine uncooked pasta, rice, and chopped peppers. Add cooked beef, pasta sauce, and water. Stir well.
4. Transfer mixture to the baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and bake for 45–55 minutes until pasta and rice are tender.
5. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until melted and lightly golden.
6. Let rest for about 10 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens.

Scoop and serve warm—every bite is packed with cheesy, hearty, comforting flavor.