One-Pot Unstuffed Pepper Pasta
If you love stuffed peppers, try this deconstructed version! Unstuffed Pepper Pasta is so easy to make and you’ll have dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
Unstuffed Pepper Pasta is a unique twist on classic stuffed peppers. Ground beef, peppers, onions, marinara, herbs, spices, and beef broth come together in an easy meal that everyone will love. Don’t forget to add grated cheese at the end!
I love taking a familiar recipe and adding my own unique twist to it like this One-Pot Unstuffed Pepper Pasta I’m sharing today. I find when I’m stuck in a dinner rut, it helps me to come up with new and interesting meals to serve to my family.
However, I don’t “do” complicated. I like recipes with simple ingredients that are easy to find and don’t require special skills or equipment. I guess that’s why I make one-pot pasta as often as I do! My pantry always has an ample supply of the base ingredients.
The best part about this recipe is that it incorporates all the amazing flavors of the traditional stuffed peppers recipe. The big difference is, of course, that it doesn’t require hardly any effort to prepare it. And there is no stuffing involved whatsoever. Unless you count stuffing your face because it’s that good! I love stuffed peppers, but they are a pain to make. I never make them when I’m in a rush. This Unstuffed Pepper Pasta recipe? Perfect for busy nights.
Why You’ll Love One-Pot Unstuffed Pepper Pasta
- It is all made in one pot, so you’ll have fewer dishes to wash
- Easy to feed a crowd or large family
- Dinner is ready in under 30 minutes
- Kid-friendly
- All the great flavors of stuffed peppers
Ingredients
- Green peppers – Essential to any stuffed pepper recipe.
- Sweet onion
- Prepared pasta sauce – Use your favorite prepared marinara or homemade.
- Garlic powder – 2 cloves of fresh minced garlic can also be used.
- Italian seasoning – Try this homemade Italian seasoning.
- Worcestershire sauce – Adds tangy, savory flavor.
- Beef broth
- Small pasta
- Cheddar cheese – Shredded and added to individual servings.
- Green onions – optional garnish.
How to Make One-Pot Unstuffed Pepper Pasta
- Step One: Add ground beef, onions, and green pepper to a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Stir to break up the beef.
- Step Two: Cook for about 3 minutes and then add in the spices and Worcestershire sauce. Continue cooking until beef is browned, about 5 minutes.
- Step Three: Stir in pasta sauce and beef broth. Bring to a boil.
- Step Four: Mix in uncooked pasta and reduce heat to medium. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender.
- Step Five: Remove from heat and add shredded cheese. Serve immediately. Garnish with green onions, if desired.
Equipment Needed
This post contains affiliate links.
What to Serve with One-Pot Unstuffed Pepper Pasta
A hearty one-pot pasta dish easily stands on its own, but I do recommend serving with a simple salad and some bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Don’t worry if it seems like there is a lot of liquid as you are preparing the recipe. You will need it to cook the pasta, once it is added, then it will thicken up nicely.
- Use a small pasta for this recipe. I used Ditalini but small shells, elbows or even orzo would work too.
- Be sure to wait until the last 15 minutes of cooking time to add the pasta.
- Also, be sure to remove the pot from the heat before stirring in the cheese just before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
- Use a combination of green, red, or yellow peppers for a more colorful pasta dish.
- Use chicken or vegetable broth for the beef broth.
- Add extra herbs.
- Add red pepper flakes or a dash or two of hot sauce for some kick.
- Add some tomato paste for a richer flavor.
- Use a different ground meat such as turkey or chicken.
Storage Instructions
When storing cooked pasta in liquids, it is possible the noodles will absorb the broth and get mushy. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Can I freeze?
Yes, you can freeze Unstuffed Pepper Pasta. To freeze, transfer leftovers into an airtight container or freezer bag leaving about ½ headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator and then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave in 30-minute intervals until warmed through.
How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?
If you plan on having leftovers, this method may be better for you. Prepare the pasta separately from the recipe. Drain and rinse the pasta in cold water. Place in a large bowl and toss with a small amount of olive oil, before adding the pasta to the pot. Stir and cook just into pasta is warmed through.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, you can prepare steps 1-3 of this unstuffed pepper pasta recipe ahead of time. When ready to serve, do steps 4-5 adding the pasta and cheese to the recipe.
Can I use rice?
Yes, you can use rice. Since this is a pasta recipe, I used Ditalini. You can also use any other small pasta such as orzo, elbows, or small shells.
More One-Pot Recipes
Here are some of my other easy one-pot recipes:
- One-Pot Chicken Cacciatore
- One-Pot Chicken & Broccoli Rice
- One-Pot Chili Rigatoni
- One-Pot Sausage & Cheese Cappelletti
- One-Pot Chicken & Stuffing
You’ll also like Stuffed Pepper Casserole and Classic Meatloaf.
Follow me on Instagram @simplystacieblog, Facebook at Simply Stacie, TikTok @simplystacierecipes or Pinterest at @simplystacie and let me know how you liked this recipe and my other recipes.
If you make the recipe, rate it on the recipe card below and tag me on Instagram and use #simplystacie. I like sharing the photos on my Instagram stories!
One-Pot Unstuffed Pepper Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 cups Ditali pasta uncooked (or other small pasta like orzo)
- 2 green peppers chopped
- 1 sweet onion chopped
- 1 jar pasta sauce 24oz/650ml jar
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 green onions chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Add ground beef, onions and green pepper to a Dutch oven over medium high heat. Stir to break up the beef.
- Cook for about 3 minutes and then add in the spices and Worcestershire sauce. Continue cooking until beef is browned, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in pasta sauce and beef broth. Bring to a boil.
- Mix in uncooked pasta and reduce heat to medium. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Remove from heat and add in shredded cheese. Serve immediately. Garnish with green onions, if desired.
Equipment
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Did you make this recipe?
I’d love to see it! Make sure to share it on your favorite social platform.
Want Even More Recipes?
Join Moms Best Recipes to find more delicious family recipes.free ebook!
The Best of Simply Stacie
When you subscribe to the newsletter for the latest updates!
Sounds yummy! Love one pot easy meals!
I love stuffed peppers but I dislike the bell peppers available here in America when stuffed. I have to try this alternative. Thank you for the recipe!
Love the one-pot meals, tried the earlier one you posted last night- the chili one and it went over great!
I love one-pot-meals,going to try this thanks
i saw this recipe on your site before, and i tried it. my family loved it. we love stuffed peppers ,so i knew this had to be good. the only thing i did different was add japhalopenoes( i know i misspeelled t his). it was spicy and delicious.
Oh my this looks delish , we tried your chili/pasta recipe and it was so good so this is next, thanks!
This looks so delicious – and it can be done in under 30 minutes? Impressive!
This looks really good and so much easier than stuffing all those darn peppers! Lol!
Love one-pot meals like this!
oh this looks and sounds yummy. One of my friends was just mentioning about making this for her family and I did not know what was all in it . Now I know