Save to Pinterest A flavorful twist on classic Sloppy Joes, these bell peppers are filled with a savory ground beef mixture in a tangy sauce and are perfect for a hearty, budget-friendly dinner.
The first time I made these Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers, my family couldn&t believe how delicious the beef filling tasted inside the sweet baked peppers. It quickly became a favorite for busy weeknights when we wanted something satisfying but not too heavy.
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, chopped (optional): 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.
- Sauté 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.
- Cook Meat:
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Make Sloppy Joe Mixture:
- 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.
- Cheese and Final Bake:
- Remove foil, sprinkle with cheddar cheese if using, and bake uncovered for 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and peppers are tender.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Save to Pinterest I love serving these stuffed peppers for family dinners because everyone gets their own colorful pepper and the filling is always a hit with kids and adults alike.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers with a simple side salad or a piece of crusty bread for a complete meal.
Variations
Swap in ground turkey for a lighter version, or try adding cooked rice or quinoa to the filling for extra bulk and nutrition.
Storage & Reheating
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy these Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers hot out of the oven for a comforting and delicious twist on classic flavors.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use other meats besides ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
- → How do I ensure the peppers cook evenly?
Choose bell peppers of similar size and bake them upright in a covered dish to promote even cooking and moisture retention.
- → What can I add to the filling for extra nutrition?
Cooked rice or quinoa can be mixed into the filling to add bulk and nutrients.
- → Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, using plant-based mince and vegan cheese provides a tasty vegetarian version.
- → How do I prevent the peppers from becoming too soft?
Baking them covered at first and then uncovered with cheese allows the peppers to cook through without becoming mushy.