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 first tried serving these stuffed peppers on a busy weeknight and was amazed at how quickly they came together. The peppers not only looked vibrant but also made the classic Sloppy Joe mix feel fresh and new.
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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
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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 sauté for 1 minute.
- Brown beef:
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Make sauce:
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Stuff peppers:
- Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly into each bell pepper.
- Bake covered:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Bake with cheese:
- Remove foil, sprinkle with cheddar cheese if using, and bake uncovered for an additional 5–7 minutes until the cheese is melted and the peppers are tender.
- Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Save This recipe quickly became a favorite for our family dinners, especially when we want something comforting that's also packed with veggies. Everyone gets their own pepper, and leftovers make a delicious lunch too!
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Nutrition Information
Each serving contains approximately 325 calories, 16 g total fat, 22 g carbohydrates, and 23 g protein.
Allergy & Dietary Notes
Contains dairy (cheddar cheese) and possible allergens in Worcestershire sauce. Always double-check all ingredient labels, especially if cooking for those with allergies or dietary restrictions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these stuffed peppers with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. Garnish with extra parsley for a fresh touch.
Save 
These Sloppy Joe stuffed peppers are sure to become a weeknight staple. Enjoy the blend of sweet and savory flavors with every bite!
Cooking Questions
- → Can I use a different meat for the filling?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as lighter alternatives while maintaining flavor.
- → Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Substitute plant-based mince and vegan cheese to create a vegetarian-friendly version without compromising taste.
- → What type of cheese works best as a topping?
Cheddar cheese melts well and adds a rich flavor, but feel free to use any preferred melting cheese.
- → How do I prevent the peppers from becoming too soft?
Bake covered initially to tenderize peppers, then uncover for the last few minutes to melt cheese and avoid sogginess.
- → Can I add grains to the filling for extra bulk?
Cooked rice or quinoa can be mixed into the filling to enhance texture and nutrition.
