Save A budget-friendly family-favorite twist on classic Sloppy Joes these bell peppers are filled with savory beef and tomato sauce then baked until perfectly tender
I first served these Sloppy Joe Stuffed Bell Peppers to my family and they loved the combination of tender peppers and flavorful beef filling
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 4 large bell peppers (any color), 1 small yellow onion diced, 2 cloves garlic minced
- Meats: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- Sauce & Seasonings: 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Toppings: 1/2 cup (60 g) shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the bell peppers upright
- Prepare Peppers:
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes Set aside
- Cook Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat cook ground beef until browned breaking it up with a spoon about 5 to 6 minutes Drain excess fat if needed
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened
- Add Sauce & Seasonings:
- Stir in tomato sauce tomato paste Worcestershire sauce brown sugar smoked paprika oregano salt black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes if using Simmer for 5 minutes to thicken
- Fill Peppers:
- Arrange bell peppers in the prepared baking dish Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly into each pepper
- Bake Covered:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes
- Bake with Cheese:
- Uncover sprinkle each pepper with shredded cheddar cheese and bake uncovered for another 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly
- Cool:
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving
Pin it This recipe always brings my family together for a comforting and tasty meal
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a simple green salad or roasted potatoes to complete the meal
Variations
Add cooked rice or quinoa to the filling for extra bulk or swap cheeses like smoked gouda or pepper jack for different flavors
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage
Pin it Enjoy these flavorful stuffed peppers fresh from the oven for the best taste and texture
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great lighter alternative that works well with the seasoning and holds moisture during baking.
- → How do I prepare the bell peppers for stuffing?
Cut off the tops, remove seeds and membranes carefully to create a hollow space for the filling to bake evenly.
- → What cheese options work best for topping?
Cheddar melts nicely, but smoked gouda or pepper jack add extra flavor and creaminess when baked on top.
- → Is there a gluten-free version possible?
Yes, by using gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, this dish can easily fit into a gluten-free diet.
- → Can I add grains like rice or quinoa to the filling?
Absolutely, adding cooked rice or quinoa boosts the texture and bulk of the filling for a heartier meal.