Pin It A hearty, budget-friendly twist on classic Sloppy Joes—savory ground beef filling baked inside sweet bell peppers for a comforting, all-in-one dinner.
This recipe quickly became a family favorite for busy weeknights because it's simple and delicious.
Ingredients
- Bell peppers: 4 large (any color), tops cut off, seeds removed
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450 g) lean
- Tomato sauce: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Ketchup: 3 tbsp
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tbsp
- Brown sugar: 1 tbsp
- Yellow mustard: 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1/2 cup (60 g) optional
- Fresh parsley: chopped, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare peppers:
- Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Arrange the peppers upright in a baking dish.
- Cook beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned breaking it up with a spoon (about 5 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Cook vegetables:
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add sauces and seasonings:
- Stir in the tomato sauce ketchup Worcestershire sauce brown sugar mustard smoked paprika salt and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes stirring occasionally until thickened.
- Fill peppers:
- Spoon the sloppy joe mixture evenly into the prepared bell peppers.
- Bake covered:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Add cheese and finish baking:
- Uncover top with shredded cheddar cheese if using and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is melted and peppers are tender.
- Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Pin It My family always gathers around this dish as soon as it's out of the oven enjoying the mix of flavors and colors.
Notes
Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
Required Tools
Large skillet Baking dish Knife and cutting board Spoon or spatula Aluminum foil
Nutritional Information
Calories 315 Total Fat 13 g Carbohydrates 22 g Protein 26 g per serving without cheese
Pin It This easy recipe adds variety to your weeknight dinners and pleases all ages.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of peppers work best?
Large bell peppers of any color are ideal as they can hold the filling well and become tender when baked.
- → Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, the ground beef mixture can be cooked ahead and refrigerated, then stuffed into peppers before baking.
- → What can I substitute for ground beef?
For a lighter option, ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives work well in this dish.
- → How do I ensure the peppers cook evenly?
Arrange peppers upright in a baking dish and cover with foil during baking to retain moisture.
- → Are there suggestions to enhance the filling?
Adding cooked rice or quinoa to the filling can boost texture and heartiness.