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 made these Sloppy Joe stuffed peppers for a busy weeknight meal and was thrilled by how quickly they came together. The family loved the familiar flavors in a fresh, colorful presentation.
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, for garnish): Chopped
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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.
- Sauté aromatics:
- 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 meat:
- 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.
- Prepare filling:
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Fill peppers:
- Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly into each bell pepper.
- Bake covered:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Add cheese and finish baking:
- Remove foil, sprinkle with cheddar cheese if using, and bake uncovered for 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 We love sharing these peppers at family gatherings—they disappear fast and everyone asks for seconds!
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed veggies to keep the meal balanced and colorful.
Dietary Swaps
Swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken, or use plant-based meat alternatives and vegan cheese for a vegetarian version.
Storage Tips
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze individual peppers for longer storage.
Save This simple recipe makes dinner feel special without any fuss. Try it with different cheeses for your own tasty twist!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use different types of peppers?
Yes, any large bell pepper color works well, including green, red, yellow, or orange. Choose peppers with sturdy walls for best results.
- → How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
- → Is it possible to prepare this in advance?
Prepare the filling and stuff the peppers ahead of time, then bake just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
- → What are suitable side dishes to pair with this meal?
Complement with a fresh side salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to round out the meal.
- → Can I substitute ground beef with other proteins?
Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter option, and plant-based mince works well for a vegetarian variation.
