Save to Pinterest 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 first tried making stuffed peppers for my family on a busy weeknight. They loved how all the flavors came together and asked for it again the very next week.
Ingredients
- Bell peppers: 4 large, any color, tops cut off and seeds removed
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450 g) lean
- 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
- Cheddar cheese: 1/2 cup (60 g) shredded (optional)
- Fresh parsley: chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Peppers:
- Place prepared bell peppers upright in a baking dish.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Cook Beef:
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Make Sauce:
- Stir in tomato sauce tomato paste Worcestershire sauce brown sugar smoked paprika chili powder salt and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes so flavors blend.
- Fill Peppers:
- Spoon Sloppy Joe mixture evenly into each bell pepper.
- Bake Covered:
- Cover baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Add Cheese & Bake:
- Remove foil sprinkle with cheddar cheese if using and bake uncovered 5 minutes until cheese is melted and peppers are tender.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Save to Pinterest Whenever I bring these sloppy joe stuffed peppers to family gatherings, everyone asks for seconds. It's a cozy dish we make on cool evenings.
Serving Ideas
Pair these stuffed peppers with a simple green salad or a side of crusty bread. They’re perfect for meal prep and leftovers taste just as good the next day.
Ingredient Swaps
Feel free to try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can add cooked rice or quinoa for extra bulk, or use plant-based mince and vegan cheese for a vegetarian option.
Allergen Info
This recipe contains dairy and Worcestershire sauce which may have gluten or fish—check all ingredient labels carefully if you have allergies or dietary restrictions.
Save to Pinterest Stuffed peppers always bring smiles to the table so enjoy this easy meal for any busy weeknight or cozy weekend dinner.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a lighter alternative. Cooking times remain similar, but ensure it is fully browned before adding the sauce.
- → What type of bell peppers work best?
Any color bell peppers work well, though red or yellow peppers offer a sweeter taste that complements the savory filling.
- → How do I prevent the peppers from getting soggy?
Roasting the peppers uncovered during the last minutes helps evaporate excess moisture, keeping them tender but not soggy.
- → Can I add grains to the filling?
Yes, cooked rice or quinoa can be mixed into the filling for added texture and nutrition.
- → Is cheddar cheese necessary for topping?
Cheddar cheese is optional. It adds a creamy, melted layer, but the dish is flavorful even without it.
- → What are common seasonings used in the filling?
The filling includes smoked paprika, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper for a balanced, savory flavor.