Stuffed Peppers Pasta Recipe (Your New Family Favorite)

This post is all about creating the most delicious stuffed peppers pasta recipe.

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, hearty pasta dish, especially when it’s packed with robust flavors and easy-to-make ingredients.

Whether you’re looking to impress your family with a homemade dinner or whip up something special for yourself, this tomato beef macaroni recipe checks all the boxes. With its rich tomato-based sauce, tender pasta, and savory ground beef, this dish will quickly become a household favorite.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this delightful meal that yields 4-6 servings, perfect for sharing or saving for leftovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To get started, gather the following ingredients from your pantry and refrigerator:

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon crushed fennel seeds
• 1 teaspoon crushed dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 can Italian-style stewed tomatoes
• 1 can condensed tomato soup
• 1 Parmesan rind
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can chicken stock
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 pound dried macaroni (such as large shells, elbows, or any short pasta)

Instructions: How to Make Tomato Beef Macaroni

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook it until it’s browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. This step is essential to ensure that the beef develops a flavorful crust, which adds depth to your dish. Once browned, remove any excess grease, leaving just enough to coat the bottom of the pot lightly.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the pot with the ground beef. Sauté the vegetables until they’re softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. The onion will become translucent, and the peppers will start to release their sweet aroma. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.

Step 3: Add the Garlic and Spices

Next, stir in the chopped garlic, crushed fennel seeds, dried rosemary, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture sauté for another minute. This step blooms the spices and garlic, infusing the dish with a wonderful depth of flavor.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the Italian-style stewed tomatoes, condensed tomato soup, chicken stock, and add the Parmesan rind. Stir everything together, ensuring all the ingredients are well combined. The Parmesan rind is a secret weapon for adding a rich, umami flavor to the sauce as it simmers. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your chosen macaroni—we recommend large shells for their ability to hold the sauce—according to the package instructions, until just al dente. Reserve 1-2 cups of the pasta cooking water before draining.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

After 30 minutes of simmering, remove the Parmesan rind from the sauce and discard it. Add the cooked pasta to the pot of sauce, along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together gently, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired consistency. The pasta water, rich in starch, helps to create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the pot from heat and serve your tomato beef macaroni immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Pair it with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete, satisfying meal.

Tips for Success

1. Choose the Right Pasta: While any short pasta will work, large shells are ideal for scooping up the flavorful sauce. Penne, rigatoni, or cavatappi are also excellent options.
2. Make It Your Own: Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste. Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for a touch of elegance, or include extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots for added nutrition.
3. Don’t Skip the Parmesan Rind: If you’ve never cooked with a Parmesan rind before, now’s the time to start. It’s a game-changer for adding depth and complexity to soups and sauces. If you don’t have one, a small wedge of Parmesan can work as a substitute.
4. Season As You Go: Layering flavors is key to a delicious dish. Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the seasoning if needed.
5. Save the Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Why This Recipe Works

This tomato beef macaroni recipe combines the simplicity of pantry staples with the comfort of a homemade meal. The browned beef adds a savory base, while the stewed tomatoes and tomato soup create a rich, tangy sauce.

Aromatic spices like fennel and rosemary elevate the dish, making it feel special without requiring fancy ingredients. The Parmesan rind is the secret ingredient that brings it all together, lending a creamy, umami depth that transforms the sauce into something truly unforgettable.

Pairing Suggestions

To round out your meal, consider these pairing options:

• Salad: A crisp Caesar or mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
• Bread: Serve with a warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce.
• Wine: A medium-bodied red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, pairs beautifully with the tomato and beef flavors.
• Dessert: End your meal on a sweet note with a classic tiramisu or a simple scoop of vanilla gelato.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great leaner alternatives to beef. Just note that the flavor will be slightly lighter, so you may want to increase the seasoning.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes, you can skip the ground beef and add extra vegetables or plant-based meat alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for the sauce.

3. Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, this dish freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed.

4. What can I use instead of the Parmesan rind? If you don’t have a Parmesan rind, you can use a small wedge of Parmesan or even a sprinkle of grated cheese to achieve a similar effect.

Final Thoughts

This hearty tomato beef macaroni recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves comfort food with a twist. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet flavorful and satisfying enough to serve at a family gathering. With its rich sauce, tender pasta, and customizable options, this dish is bound to be a favorite in your recipe collection.

Try it tonight and let us know how it turns out! Did you add your own spin? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!

This post was all about creating the most delicious stuffed peppers pasta recipe.