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 on a busy weeknight when I wanted something comforting but less messy than traditional Sloppy Joes. Everyone loved having their own pepper, and the filling is so flavorful that it's become a regular in our dinner rotation.
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
- Prep oven and peppers:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the prepared bell peppers upright in a baking dish.
- Cook onion and garlic:
- 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 the 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.
- Prepare the filling:
- 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.
- Stuff the 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 bake uncovered:
- Remove foil, sprinkle with cheddar cheese if using, and bake uncovered for an additional 5–7 minutes until cheese is melted and peppers are tender.
- Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Save This recipe is always a hit at our family dinners. My kids love choosing which color pepper they get, and it pairs perfectly with a simple side salad for a full meal.
Serving Suggestions
These Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers are wonderful served alongside a crisp green salad or some crusty bread. For extra bulk and nutrition, add cooked rice or quinoa to the filling before stuffing the peppers.
Recipe Variations
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to lighten things up. Use vegan cheese and plant-based mince for a vegetarian version. You can also customize the spices to suit your taste.
Nutrition Information
Each serving contains approximately 325 calories, 16 g total fat, 22 g carbohydrates, and 23 g protein. Nutrition figures will vary based on ingredients used.
Save The peppers bring a sweet crunch to the savory filling and make a fun, wholesome main dish. Enjoy this crowd-pleaser for any busy weeknight or casual get-together!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use other meats for the filling?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken work well as lighter alternatives, offering similar flavor and texture.
- → What can I add to make the filling more substantial?
Incorporating cooked rice or quinoa increases bulk and nutrition without altering the core flavors.
- → How do I prevent the peppers from becoming too soft during baking?
Keep the baking time as stated and avoid overfilling; baking with foil helps retain moisture while preserving texture.
- → Is it possible to prepare a vegetarian version?
Yes, substitute plant-based mince and vegan cheese to maintain the dish’s hearty and creamy elements.
- → What kind of cheese pairs best as a topping?
Cheddar cheese melts nicely and complements the spicy, tangy flavors, but feel free to use your preferred mellow cheese.