Pin It 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.
The first time I made these stuffed peppers, my family couldn't get enough of the tangy, savory filling. It's become a favorite for busy nights when I want something comforting yet simple.
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
- Prep Oven and Peppers:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the prepared bell peppers upright in a baking dish.
- Cook Filling:
- 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 with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Season and Simmer:
- 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 Covered:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking:
- Remove foil, sprinkle with cheddar cheese if using, and bake uncovered for 5 minutes until cheese is melted and peppers are tender.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Pin It My kids love helping to fill the peppers before they go into the oven, and sharing a hearty meal together always makes the evening feel special.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these stuffed peppers with a fresh green salad or a slice of crusty bread for a complete dinner.
Nutrition Information
Each serving provides about 325 calories with 16 g fat, 22 g carbs, and 23 g protein.
Allergen Notes
This dish contains dairy and may contain gluten or fish from Worcestershire sauce—always check ingredient labels to fit dietary needs.
Pin It This crowd-pleasing recipe makes dinner easy and delicious. Try with different cheeses or spice blends for a fun twist.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken work well as lighter alternatives while maintaining flavor.
- → How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace the meat with plant-based mince and use vegan cheese to suit vegetarian preferences.
- → What type of bell peppers are best?
Large bell peppers of any color work great; they should be sturdy enough to hold the filling during baking.
- → Is it possible to add grains to the filling?
Yes, cooked rice or quinoa can be stirred into the filling for extra bulk and nutrition.
- → How do I know when the peppers are done baking?
Bake until peppers are tender but still hold their shape, usually about 25 minutes covered, then 5–7 minutes uncovered if adding cheese.