Save 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.
I first made these for a weeknight family dinner, and they were an instant hit. The Sloppy Joe filling turns bell peppers into a comforting meal that everyone in my house asks for again and again.
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 (optional): 1/2 cup (60 g)
- Fresh parsley (optional): chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare oven and peppers:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the prepared bell peppers upright in a baking dish.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Brown beef:
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Make sloppy joe mixture:
- 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 mixture evenly into each bell pepper.
- Bake covered:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Add cheese and finish baking:
- Remove foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top if using, and bake uncovered for 5–7 minutes, until cheese melts and peppers are tender.
- Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Save This recipe quickly became a family favorite, with everyone gathering around the table and digging in right as the peppers come out of the oven. Even picky eaters love the savory, saucy filling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side salad or gluten-free bread for a complete meal. Roasted potatoes or steamed rice also pair well with these stuffed peppers.
Recipe Variations
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Use vegan cheese and plant-based mince if you want to make it vegetarian.
Nutrition Info
Each serving is about 325 calories, with 16 g fat, 22 g carbohydrates, and 23 g protein.
Save Enjoy these Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers hot and fresh for a fuss-free weeknight dinner everyone will crave. They reheat beautifully for lunch the next day too.
Recipe Help & FAQs
- → What type of bell peppers work best for stuffing?
Large bell peppers in any color work well, as their size allows ample room for the filling and they bake evenly.
- → Can I make this using other ground meats?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken are excellent lighter alternatives to ground beef and retain great flavor.
- → Is it necessary to drain the fat after cooking the beef?
Draining excess fat keeps the filling less greasy and ensures a balanced texture when baked inside the peppers.
- → Can I prepare these pepper cups ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake, making it convenient for meal prep.
- → What sides complement these stuffed peppers best?
They pair nicely with a fresh salad, crusty bread, or cooked grains like rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- → How can I make a vegetarian version?
Use plant-based mince and vegan cheese substitutes to recreate the flavors while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.