Spicy Beef & Pepper Pasta Skillet 🥩🌶️🧄🔥 Bold, Saucy, and Loaded With Heat, Sweet Peppers, and Savory Beef in One Pan

This one-pan pasta brings fire and comfort in equal measure — ground beef browned with garlic, tossed with tender peppers, bold spices, and a rich tomato sauce that clings to every noodle.

It’s smoky, spicy, and built for fast weeknight satisfaction with zero sacrifice on flavor.

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

For the beef and aromatics

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (more to taste)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped

For the peppers and sauce

• 2 bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced
• 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ tsp sugar (optional, to balance heat)
• ¼ cup water or beef broth
• Optional: splash of vinegar or hot sauce for edge

For the pasta

• 8 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, shells)
• Salted water for boiling
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water

To finish

• ½ cup grated Parmesan or shredded cheese
• Chopped parsley or basil
• More chili flakes or hot sauce to serve

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Brown and break up until mostly cooked.

Step 3: Add aromatics and peppers
Stir in onion and garlic. Cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Add sliced bell peppers and sauté another 3–5 minutes until just tender.

Step 4: Build the sauce
Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, water, and sugar. Stir to combine and simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened. Splash in vinegar or hot sauce if using. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 5: Combine and finish
Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Toss until saucy and glossy. Stir in cheese and herbs. Simmer 1–2 minutes to meld.

Step 6: Serve hot
Plate with more cheese, herbs, or chili flakes for extra kick.

Flavor Variations

• Use spicy Italian sausage instead of beef
• Add sliced jalapeños or hot cherry peppers for serious heat
• Swap in smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese
• Toss in spinach, kale, or zucchini for extra greens
• Stir in cream or mascarpone at the end for spicy-creamy balance

Pro Tips

• Sear the beef deeply to build flavor
• Don’t overcook the peppers — keep a slight crunch
• Tomato paste adds depth — cook it for a minute before adding liquid
• Use pasta water to keep everything saucy and emulsified
• A hit of vinegar or lemon balances richness and heat

Final Thoughts

Spicy Beef & Pepper Pasta Skillet is bold, fast, and made for flavor-lovers — the kind of meal that clears your sinuses and clears your plate. One pan, big energy, easy cleanup.

Sear it. Simmer it. Bring the heat. 🥩🌶️🧄🔥

🍝 Pasta Recipes Collection

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🥗 Pasta Salads & Light Fare

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