Get ready to indulge in a culinary delight that combines the vibrant flavors of Italy with the comforting essence of home-cooked meals! Our Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake is not just a dish; it's a celebration of taste that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Imagine tender bell peppers filled to the brim with savory ground turkey, zesty tomatoes, and gooey mozzarella, all baked to perfection. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a wholesome meal in just 50 minutes. Dive into this mouthwatering adventure, and discover how easy it is to create a dish that looks as good as it tastes!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 3 bell peppers, halved and seeded
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Wash the bell peppers thoroughly. Cut each pepper in half lengthwise, removing the seeds and membranes. Arrange the pepper halves in the prepared baking dish, cut-side up.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground turkey. Break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks, ensuring it's completely cooked through and no pink remains.
- Add the diced tomatoes to the cooked turkey, stirring in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Mix the cooked pasta into the turkey and tomato sauce, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated and well combined.
- Carefully spoon the pasta and turkey mixture into each pepper half, filling them generously.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper, covering the filling completely.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set and makes the peppers easier to plate.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or basil if desired. Each serving consists of two pepper halves.
Tips
- Customize Your Filling: Feel free to mix and match your favorite ingredients! You can swap ground turkey for ground beef, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian twist.
- Add Extra Veggies: Boost the nutritional value by adding chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the turkey mixture. This not only enhances the flavor but also packs in more nutrients.
- Cheese Lovers Unite: For an extra cheesy experience, mix different types of cheese such as cheddar or parmesan into the filling, or sprinkle additional cheese on top before the final bake.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance! Assemble the stuffed peppers and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
- Serve with a Side: Pair your Stuffed Pepper Pasta Bake with a fresh side salad or garlic bread to complete the meal and impress your guests.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the flavor profile of the dish.Enjoy creating this delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 386kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 34g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 83mg
