Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers (Print version)

Bell peppers stuffed with savory beef and tomato sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 4 large bell peppers, any color
02 - 1 small yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Meats

04 - 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for lighter option)

→ Sauce & Seasonings

05 - 1 cup tomato sauce
06 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
07 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
08 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
09 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
10 - 1 tsp dried oregano
11 - 1/2 tsp salt
12 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
13 - 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Toppings

14 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

# How to Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold bell peppers upright.
02 - Cut tops off bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Set aside.
03 - In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
04 - Add diced onion and minced garlic to skillet. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
05 - Incorporate 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.
06 - Place bell peppers upright in prepared dish. Spoon beef mixture evenly into each pepper.
07 - Cover dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
08 - Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar over peppers, and bake uncovered for 5 to 7 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
09 - Allow to cool for a few minutes prior to serving.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • Budget-friendly
  • Family-favorite twist on classic Sloppy Joes
02 -
  • Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat for lighter or vegetarian options
  • Add cooked rice or quinoa to the filling for extra bulk
03 -
  • Drain excess fat from cooked beef for a less greasy filling
  • Let peppers cool slightly before serving to avoid burns
Go back