Pin it 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 love making these stuffed peppers for my family as they are easy to prepare and always a hit at the dinner table
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
- Brown beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat cook ground beef until browned breaking it up with a spoon about 5 6 minutes Drain excess fat if needed
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet Sauté for 2 3 minutes until softened
- Combine sauce ingredients:
- 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 7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly
- Cool:
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving
Pin it These stuffed peppers make for a perfect family dinner that brings everyone together around the table
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a simple green salad or roasted potatoes for a complete meal
Variations
Use smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for extra flavor
Allergen Information
Contains dairy cheese and soy glutten if using regular Worcestershire sauce Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce for gluten-free version Always check ingredient labels if allergies are a concern
Pin it This recipe is a delicious way to enjoy classic flavors with a healthy twist perfect for any weeknight meal
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well for a lighter flavor and lower fat content, maintaining the dish's moist texture.
- → How do I prepare the bell peppers for stuffing?
Cut the tops off, remove seeds and membranes carefully to create a cavity for filling without tearing the peppers.
- → What spices enhance the beef filling?
Smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes provide depth and mild heat to the filling.
- → How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and verify all ingredients to ensure no gluten contamination.
- → What are good side dishes to serve with stuffed peppers?
Simple green salads or roasted potatoes complement the rich, savory flavors perfectly.