Stuffed Pepper Spaghetti Bake

Stuffed Pepper Spaghetti Bake: A Comforting Dinner Delight

Craving something warm, cheesy, and loaded with flavor? Look no further than this Stuffed Pepper Spaghetti Bake, a unique twist on classic stuffed peppers and spaghetti dinners. Combining the heartiness of ground beef, the freshness of peppers and onions, and the rich flavor of a tomato-based sauce, this baked dish is sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some veggies into a meal that the whole family will love!

Ingredients

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

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (177°C). This allows it to reach the perfect temperature by the time you’re ready to bake.
2. Cook the Pasta: Boil the spaghetti or angel hair pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables: In a large oven-safe pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing until they are tender and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.
4. Add Flavor Enhancers: Introduce minced garlic to the pot and continue sautéing until fragrant, which usually takes about a minute.
5. Cook the Meat: Add the lean ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly. Once the beef is fully cooked, there should be no pink remaining.
6. Season: Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper over the meat. Stir in the tomato paste and your choice of tomato soup or pasta sauce, mixing well to combine all the flavors.
7. Combine: Add the previously cooked pasta to the beef and vegetable mixture, tossing everything together to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Stir in 1/4 cup of the cheddar cheese to meld the flavors.
8. Bake: Top the pasta mixture with the remaining cheddar cheese and place the pot into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top becomes bubbly and slightly golden.
9. Rest and Serve: Let the dish cool for about 6-8 minutes after removing it from the oven. This rest period helps everything set nicely and makes serving easier. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 650 per serving
• Servings: 6

Total Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

This Stuffed Pepper Spaghetti Bake is not just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace in the form of food. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or when you need a dish that warms the heart as well as the belly. Enjoy the melty cheese, the tender pasta, and the rich, meaty sauce of this delightful bake. Don’t forget to share your experiences and any personal twists you add to this recipe in the comments below or on your favorite social media platforms! Happy cooking!

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