CHEESY BEEF & BELL PEPPER PASTA BAKE 

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INGREDIENTS YOU NEED

For the Beef Sauce

  • 500g (1 lb) ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups (450g) tomato sauce or marinara
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Pasta Layer

  • 350g (12 oz) pasta (penne, rotini, bowtie, or any shape you prefer)
  • Salt for boiling
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Creamy Cheese Layer

  • 2 cups (250g) shredded mozzarella
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar
  • ½ cup (120g) ricotta or cream cheese
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or milk
  • 1 egg (optional, for a thicker top layer)
  • Pinch of dried parsley

HOW TO MAKE IT – STEP BY STEP

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook until al dente—firm to the bite, not mushy. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so avoid overcooking it now. Once done, drain it and toss with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

2. Make the Savory Beef & Bell Pepper Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Next, mix in the minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds.

Add the ground beef to the pan. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until the meat is browned evenly. Drain any excess fat if needed—keeping a little adds flavor, so don’t remove all of it.

Now add the diced red and green bell peppers. These provide sweetness and color, and they complement the richness of the beef beautifully. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the peppers begin to soften.

Mix in the tomato paste, stirring well so it coats the beef. Then pour in your tomato sauce or marinara. Add paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10–15 minutes. This step is essential because it deepens the flavor and gives your pasta bake a rich, well-seasoned base.

3. Prepare the Creamy Cheese Layer

In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream (or milk), ricotta or cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and half of the mozzarella. Add the egg if you want a firmer top layer—it helps the cheese set beautifully. Whisk everything until smooth and creamy.

This mixture is what makes the pasta bake rich and luxurious. It melts into the pasta, wraps around the beef, and gives every bite a creamy finish that balances the bold tomato flavor.

4. Assemble the Pasta Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly grease a baking dish with oil or butter. Now begin layering:

Layer 1: Pasta Base

Add half the pasta to the baking dish and spread it evenly.

Layer 2: Beef Sauce

Spoon over a generous amount of the beef and bell pepper sauce. Make sure it reaches the edges so every portion gets meat and veggies.

Layer 3: Cheese Cream

Drizzle a portion of your creamy cheese mixture over the sauce layer. It will sink into the meat and pasta while baking, creating that stretchy, creamy texture you see in the picture.

Repeat the layers: pasta → beef sauce → cheese cream.

5. Add the Final Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella all over the top. The cheese should fully cover the dish. This layer is what creates that golden, bubbly, beautifully browned crust you see in your photo.

Lightly sprinkle dried parsley over the top for color.

6. Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25–35 minutes, or until:

  • The cheese is melted
  • The edges are bubbling
  • The top is golden and slightly browned

If you want it extra crispy on top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end—but watch closely so it doesn’t burn.

7. Rest Before Serving

Let the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting. This allows the layers to set and prevents the cheese from spilling out too quickly.

Use a large spatula to lift out perfect squares. You’ll see:

  • Gooey melted cheese
  • Beef layered beautifully with peppers
  • Pasta holding everything together
  • A creamy interior that stretches and melts perfectly

WHY THIS DISH IS SO DELICIOUS

This pasta bake is everything comfort food should be:

  • Rich and cheesy thanks to the mozzarella, cheddar, and creamy mixture
  • Savory and filling with ground beef and onions
  • Colorful and sweet from the bell peppers
  • Perfectly layered so each bite gives you sauce, pasta, and melted cheese
  • Easy to prepare yet impressive enough for guests

The ingredients are simple, but together they create a mouthwatering casserole that feels like something straight out of a cozy kitchen or family gathering.

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