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 tried stuffing peppers with Sloppy Joe filling on a busy weeknight, and my family loved the way the sweet, tangy flavors soaked into the tender pepper shells. It made our usual dinner feel just a bit more special.
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers: Any color, tops cut off and seeds removed
- 1 small onion: Finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef:
- 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce:
- 2 tbsp tomato paste:
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce:
- 1 tbsp brown sugar:
- 1 tsp smoked paprika:
- 1/2 tsp chili powder:
- 1/2 tsp salt:
- 1/4 tsp black pepper:
- 1 tbsp olive oil:
- 1/2 cup (60 g) shredded cheddar cheese: Optional
- Fresh parsley: Chopped, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Prepare Peppers:
- Place the prepared bell peppers upright in a baking dish
- Cook 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 with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary
- Make Sauce:
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes
- Fill 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 & Finish Baking:
- Remove foil, sprinkle with cheddar cheese if using, and bake uncovered for 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the peppers are tender
- Garnish & Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm
Save This dish quickly became a weeknight favorite around our dinner table, especially when everyone picks their favorite pepper color.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad or some simple steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Variations
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based mince, add cooked rice for more bulk, or switch up cheeses according to your preference.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Save Try these Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers next time you crave comforting flavors—they're customizable and perfect for sharing!
Recipe FAQs
- → What types of peppers work best for stuffing?
Large bell peppers of any color work well, as they hold the filling and bake evenly.
- → Can I use other meats in place of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives for a lighter version.
- → What spices give the filling its flavor?
Smoked paprika, chili powder, and Worcestershire sauce create a rich, tangy, and slightly smoky flavor profile.
- → How can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Substitute plant-based mince for meat and use vegan cheese to keep it plant-friendly.
- → Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, the filling can be cooked and refrigerated before stuffing the peppers and baking.