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 first tried making these stuffed peppers when I wanted a comforting meal without the carbs from buns. The Sloppy Joe filling and tender peppers were a huge hit with my family.
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: 1/2 cup (60 g), optional
- Fresh parsley: Chopped, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare peppers:
- Place the prepared bell peppers upright in a baking dish.
- Sauté vegetables:
- 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 beef:
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Make Sloppy Joe filling:
- 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 the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly into each bell pepper.
- Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Add cheese:
- Remove foil, sprinkle with cheddar cheese (if using), and bake uncovered for 5 minutes until cheese is melted and peppers are tender.
- Garnish and serve:
- Top with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm.
Pin My kids love helping stuff the peppers and sprinkle cheese on top before baking. It is always a fun weeknight dinner we enjoy together.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these stuffed peppers with a fresh side salad or enjoy with crusty bread if you wish.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy from cheddar cheese. Worcestershire sauce may contain fish, gluten, or soy—check labels carefully.
Nutrition Facts
Each serving provides approximately 325 calories, 16 g fat, 22 g carbohydrates, and 23 g protein.
Pin Try these Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers when you want all the flavor, fewer carbs, and a comforting baked main dish.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well as a lighter alternative and adapts nicely to the rich tomato and spice flavors.
- → What type of bell peppers work best?
Any color of large bell peppers is suitable; choose firm peppers that can stand upright for easy stuffing and baking.
- → How can I make it vegetarian?
Substitute plant-based mince and use vegan cheese to create a vegetarian version while keeping the savory profile intact.
- → Is it possible to add grains to the filling?
Yes, mixing in cooked rice or quinoa adds bulk and nutrition, enhancing the texture of the filling.
- → What are some good side dishes to serve with this meal?
A fresh side salad or crusty bread complements the hearty stuffed peppers nicely and balances the overall meal.
- → How do I know if this dish is gluten-free?
The dish is gluten-free if you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and double-check all ingredient labels for hidden gluten sources.