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.
I remember trying Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers for a quick weeknight dinner when I wanted something comforting but different from the usual. The filling comes together easily and using the peppers as vessels makes cleanup a breeze.
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
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Prepare peppers:
- Place the prepared bell peppers upright in a baking dish
- Cook vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute
- Brown ground beef:
- Add ground beef. Cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed
- Add sauce and seasonings:
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes
- Stuff peppers:
- Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly into each bell pepper
- Bake covered:
- Cover baking dish with foil. Bake for 25 minutes
- Bake uncovered:
- Remove foil, sprinkle peppers with cheddar cheese if using. Bake uncovered for 5 minutes until cheese is melted and peppers are tender
- Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm
Save Stuffed peppers always remind me of family gatherings. Everyone gets their own colorful pepper, and the table feels so festive every time we serve this dish together.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these stuffed peppers with a simple green salad or serve with crusty bread to round out your meal. They also reheat well for lunches the next day.
Customization Ideas
Add some cooked rice or quinoa to the meat mixture for extra bulk and nutrition. Use plant-based cheese and mince for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Nutrition Info
Each serving provides approximately 325 calories, 16 g total fat, 22 g carbohydrates, and 23 g protein.
Save Enjoy these Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers fresh out of the oven for best flavor. They're a delightful, mess-free way to savor a family classic!
Cooking Guide
- → Can I use other meats for the filling?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as lighter alternatives to ground beef for the filling.
- → How do I prevent the peppers from becoming soggy?
Roasting the peppers uncovered during the last minutes helps them hold their shape while allowing excess moisture to evaporate.
- → Can I add grains or vegetables to the filling?
Yes, mixing in cooked rice or quinoa adds bulk and nutrition, and finely diced vegetables can enhance texture and flavor.
- → What kind of cheese works best as a topping?
Cheddar cheese melts well and adds a sharp richness, but feel free to use any meltable cheese you prefer.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
When using gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, this dish can be enjoyed as part of a gluten-free diet.
- → Can this be made vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, substitute the ground beef with plant-based mince and use vegan cheese or omit the cheese entirely for a plant-based version.