Stuffed Pepper Pasta Casserole

If you love the comforting flavors of stuffed peppers but crave a quicker, more hands-off meal, this Stuffed Pepper Pasta Casserole is your new go-to. Combining the best of both worlds, this recipe transforms traditional stuffed bell peppers into a hearty, cheesy pasta bake that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. It’s loaded with ground turkey, tender pasta, sweet corn, and plenty of melty mozzarella cheese — all simmered with Italian seasoning and diced tomatoes for that signature stuffed pepper taste you adore. Plus, it comes together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze!

What Makes This Recipe Special

This Stuffed Pepper Pasta Casserole brings a clever twist to classic stuffed peppers by swapping out the painstaking hollowing and stuffing process with a simple, baked pasta casserole. It captures all those familiar flavors — the sweetness of bell peppers, the savory ground turkey, the kick of garlic and Italian herbs — but in a dish that’s faster to prepare and easier to serve. The addition of corn kernels adds a subtle sweetness and texture contrast that elevates the dish. Plus, it’s a flexible, well-balanced meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome.

Unlike traditional stuffed peppers that can sometimes come out soggy or unevenly cooked, this casserole bakes everything evenly, ensuring perfectly cooked pasta and tender peppers infused with all those delicious flavors. It’s a fantastic recipe for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead.

What Goes In

• 4 large bell peppers, diced – Provides vibrant color and fresh, sweet flavor.
• 1 pound ground turkey – Lean protein that keeps the dish light and healthy.
• 1 cup cooked pasta (penne or rotini recommended) – The hearty base that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained – Adds juiciness and acidity to balance the richness.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts to create a golden, gooey topping.
• 1 cup diced onion – Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – For aromatic punch.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Classic herb blend that ties all ingredients together.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing and flavor enhancement.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth – Keeps the casserole moist and flavorful during baking.
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) – Adds a touch of sweetness and crunch.

Appliances & Accessories

• Large skillet – For sautéing the ground turkey, onions, and garlic.
• Medium pot – To cook the pasta.
• 9×13-inch baking dish – Perfect size for assembling and baking the casserole.
• Mixing spoon or spatula – For stirring ingredients together.
• Knife and cutting board – To dice the bell peppers and onions.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For precise ingredient amounts.

Stepwise Method: Stuffed Pepper Pasta Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Vegetables

Begin by cooking 1 cup of pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Meanwhile, dice 4 large bell peppers and 1 cup of onion, and mince the garlic cloves.

Step 2: Sauté the Ground Turkey and Veggies

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 pound of ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Skillet

To the cooked turkey mixture, add the diced bell peppers, 1/2 cup corn kernels, 1 can (15 ounces) of diced tomatoes with juices, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth to keep everything moist. Stir well and let simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 4: Mix in the Cooked Pasta

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cooked pasta until everything is evenly combined.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Seasonal Ingredient Swaps

• Swap bell peppers for sweet mini peppers in summer for bite-sized color and flavor.
• Use frozen mixed vegetables instead of corn and peppers in winter for convenience.
• Replace ground turkey with ground chicken or beef depending on preference or availability.
• Add diced zucchini or mushrooms in spring for extra veggies and texture.

Pitfalls & How to Prevent Them

One common pitfall is overcooking the pasta before baking, which can lead to a mushy casserole. To avoid this, cook the pasta just until al dente and slightly undercook it if possible, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Another issue is a watery casserole; make sure not to add too much chicken broth and drain excess liquid from the diced tomatoes if needed. Finally, ensure the ground turkey is fully cooked and well-seasoned to avoid blandness. Use freshly minced garlic and quality Italian seasoning for the best flavor.

Prep Ahead & Store

This Stuffed Pepper Pasta Casserole is fantastic for meal prep — you can fully assemble it a day ahead, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready, simply bake it for an extra 5–10 minutes to heat through and melt the cheese. Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven. You can also freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

Troubleshooting Q&A

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne and rotini work best since they hold the sauce well, but you can also use shells, fusilli, or even macaroni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time so the pasta is al dente before baking.

What if I don’t have chicken broth?

You can substitute vegetable broth or even water with a pinch of extra seasoning. The broth adds flavor, but the dish will still be tasty without it.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions and garlic or mix in some diced jalapeños with the bell peppers for a bit of heat.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the ground turkey with cooked lentils, crumbled tofu, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. You might want to add extra seasoning to keep the flavors vibrant.

Cook This Next

• Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta Casserole – Another comforting, cheesy pasta bake featuring ground turkey.
• Cheesy Meatball Marinara Pasta Casserole – Perfect if you want a meatball twist on your pasta casserole.
• Baked Ziti With Ricotta – A classic baked pasta dish with creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella.

Let’s Eat

This Stuffed Pepper Pasta Casserole is a winning meal that blends comfort and convenience effortlessly. Each bite bursts with the familiar flavors of stuffed peppers, wrapped in a cheesy, saucy pasta embrace that’s absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a satisfying dish to meal prep, this casserole delivers on every front. Serve it up with a simple side salad or some warm garlic bread to round out your meal. Grab a fork, dig in, and savor the cozy goodness of this delicious recipe.

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