All the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed peppers—savory ground beef, tender bell peppers, rich marinara, and gooey melted cheese—come together with shell pasta in this ultra-fast, 30-minute skillet meal. It’s a hearty, deconstructed family favorite for busy weeknights!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
30-Minute Dinner: Fast stove-to-table prep using simple pantry staples.
Minimal Ingredients: Just 5 core ingredients create a flavorful, comfort-filled dish.
Cheesy & Hearty: Shell pasta catches the savory beef and tangy marinara sauce under a bubbling layer of melted cheese.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
Large Deep Skillet or Dutch Oven: Provides enough room to brown the meat and toss the pasta together smoothly.
Large Pot: For boiling the pasta shells.
Ingredients
1 lb Ground beef (or ground turkey)
2 medium Bell peppers (1 green, 1 red), diced
8 oz Medium pasta shells (or macaroni)
1 jar (24 oz) Marinara or tomato sauce
1 1/2 cups Shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste (optional pantry staples)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the shell pasta according to package directions until al dente (about 8 to 9 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. Brown Beef & Peppers: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced bell peppers. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, cooking for 6 to 8 minutes until the beef is fully browned and the peppers are tender-crisp. Drain any excess grease.
3. Combine Sauce & Pasta: Pour the jar of marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef and peppers. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 3 minutes. Stir in the cooked pasta shells until evenly coated and warm.
4. Melt Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid for 3 to 4 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat and serve warm straight from the skillet!
Chef’s Tips
Golden Crust Finish: If using an oven-safe skillet, pop it under the oven broiler for 2 to 3 minutes to get a golden, crispy cheese crust on top!
Extra Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or garlic powder while browning the beef for extra depth.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving / 4 Servings Yield)
Servings: 4
Calories: ~440 kcal
Protein: 30g
Net Carbs: 42g
Fat: 16g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this pasta dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dish completely in a baking dish, cover with foil, and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until heated through and the cheese is bubbly.