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.
These Sloppy Joe Stuffed Bell Peppers quickly became a hit at family dinners thanks to their comforting flavors and ease of preparation.
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.
- Cook 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.
- Add sauce & seasonings:
- 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.
- Add 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 and serve:
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Save This recipe is a staple during family dinners and always brings everyone back for seconds.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a simple green salad or roasted potatoes to complete the meal.
Variations
For extra flavor, use smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese) and soy&gluten if using regular Worcestershire sauce. For gluten-free use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce. Always check ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.
Save This simple and hearty recipe is sure to become one of your go-to dinners for busy weeknights.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a lighter alternative and can be cooked using the same method, maintaining moisture and flavor.
- → How do I prevent the peppers from becoming too soft?
Remove seeds and membranes before stuffing, and bake until just tender to keep the peppers firm but cooked through.
- → What can I add to the filling for extra bulk?
Cooked rice or quinoa can be mixed into the meat mixture to add texture and make the dish more filling.
- → Are there suitable cheese alternatives for topping?
Smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese can be used in place of cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- → How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce to avoid gluten and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
- → What side dishes complement stuffed bell peppers?
Simple green salads or roasted potatoes pair nicely, balancing the rich and savory filling.