Save 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.
This recipe has become a staple in our household, bringing everyone to the table with its comforting flavors and easy preparation.
Ingredients
- Bell peppers: 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- Yellow onion: 1 small, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- Tomato sauce: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tbsp
- Brown sugar: 1 tbsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/4 tsp (optional)
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1/2 cup (60 g)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the bell peppers upright.
- Step 2:
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Set aside.
- Step 3:
- 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.
- Step 4:
- Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2 3 minutes until softened.
- Step 5:
- 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.
- Step 6:
- Arrange bell peppers in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly into each pepper.
- Step 7:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Step 8:
- Uncover, sprinkle each pepper with shredded cheddar cheese, and bake uncovered for another 5 7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 9:
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Save My family loves gathering around the table to enjoy these peppers, sharing stories and laughter with every bite.
Optional Serving Suggestions
Serve with a simple green salad or roasted potatoes to round out the meal perfectly.
Variation Ideas
Use smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for extra flavor.
Nutrition Information
Per serving: Calories 335, Total Fat 17 g, Carbohydrates 18 g, Protein 26 g
Save This simple yet delicious recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of bell peppers work best?
Any color bell pepper works well, but larger ones hold the filling better and bake evenly.
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, substituting ground turkey makes for a lighter filling without sacrificing flavor.
- → How do I prevent peppers from getting soggy?
Remove seeds and membranes and bake uncovered towards the end to help maintain firmness.
- → What cheese varieties complement this dish?
Cheddar is classic, but smoked gouda or pepper jack add smoky or spicy notes to enhance flavors.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can fill the peppers and refrigerate them before baking. Bake shortly before serving for best texture.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be, if you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and check all ingredient labels carefully.