Save A flavorful twist on classic Sloppy Joes, these bell peppers are filled with a savory ground beef mixture in a tangy sauce—perfect for a hearty, budget-friendly dinner.
When I made these stuffed peppers for my family last weekend, they raved about the delicious Sloppy Joe filling and loved how the bell peppers added sweetness and color to the meal.
Ingredients
- Bell peppers: 4 large, any color, tops cut off and seeds removed
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Lean ground beef: 1 lb (450 g)
- Tomato sauce: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
- Worcestershire sauce: 2 tbsp
- Brown sugar: 1 tbsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Chili powder: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1/2 cup (60 g, optional)
- Fresh parsley: Chopped, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Prep & Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange Peppers:
- Place prepared bell peppers upright in a baking dish.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Cook Beef:
- Add ground beef, break up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Sauce & Seasoning:
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Stuff Peppers:
- Spoon mixture evenly into each bell pepper.
- Bake Covered:
- Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes.
- Melt Cheese:
- Remove foil, sprinkle with cheddar cheese (if using), and bake 5–7 minutes more, until cheese melts and peppers are tender.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley, serve warm.
Save These peppers became an instant hit among my kids and they're now on regular rotation for busy weeknights.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the stuffed peppers with a crisp green salad or gluten-free crusty bread for a complete meal.
Variations
Try swapping ground beef with turkey or chicken, or add cooked rice or quinoa for extra bulk and nutrition.
Nutrition
Each serving contains about 325 calories, 16g fat, 22g carbs, and 23g protein.
Save Enjoy these Sloppy Joe stuffed peppers for a comforting dinner that the whole family will love.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use different types of peppers?
Yes, any large bell pepper color works well. Choose red, green, yellow, or orange for varied flavors and vibrant presentation.
- → Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?
You can assemble the stuffed peppers in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for optimal freshness and taste.
- → How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free to maintain the diet-friendly profile.
- → What are good alternatives to ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken provide lighter options. For plant-based versions, use vegan cheese and meat substitutes.
- → Should I drain excess fat from the meat?
Draining the fat after browning the meat helps reduce grease and balances flavors during simmering.
- → Can I add grains to the filling?
Adding cooked rice or quinoa boosts nutrition and volume, creating a more filling entrée.