Pin 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 made these Sloppy Joe stuffed peppers for my family and they were a huge hit. The combination of tender bell peppers and the classic tangy meat filling made dinner both fun and comforting.
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 (optional): 1/2 cup (60 g)
- Fresh parsley (optional): Chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare your oven:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prep peppers:
- Place prepared bell peppers upright in baking dish.
- Cook veggies:
- Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Brown meat:
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add sauce & 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 meat mixture evenly into bell peppers.
- Bake covered:
- Cover baking dish with foil and bake 25 minutes.
- Add cheese:
- Remove foil, sprinkle with cheddar cheese if using, bake uncovered 5 minutes until cheese melts and peppers are tender.
- Garnish & serve:
- Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.
Pin My kids love helping fill the peppers and sprinkling the cheese. It's always a fun dinner that brings everyone to the table.
Serving Ideas
Pair these stuffed peppers with a simple cucumber salad or serve alongside crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Variations
Add cooked rice or quinoa to the filling for extra bulk, or use vegan cheese and plant-based meat for a vegetarian spin.
Nutrition Info
Each serving provides about 325 calories, 16 g fat, 22 g carbs, and 23 g protein.
Pin These Sloppy Joe stuffed peppers make dinner simple and special. Enjoy them hot and fresh from the oven for best flavor.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use different types of peppers for this dish?
Yes, any color of large bell peppers works well. Choose firm peppers for better structure during baking.
- → How can I make a lighter version of this meal?
Substitute lean ground beef with ground turkey or chicken to reduce fat content without sacrificing flavor.
- → Is it necessary to add cheese on top?
Cheddar cheese is optional. Adding it melts over the peppers for a creamy finish but can be omitted for dairy-free preferences.
- → Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, the ground beef mixture can be cooked ahead and refrigerated, then stuffed into peppers right before baking.
- → What sides pair well with stuffed peppers?
Serve with a fresh salad, crusty bread, or cooked grains like rice or quinoa for a balanced meal.
- → How to make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Replace ground beef with plant-based mince and use vegan cheese to create a vegetarian or vegan alternative.