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
I first served these to my family on a busy weeknight and they loved the flavorful twist on classic Sloppy Joes
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:
- 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 56 minutes Drain excess fat if needed
- Sauté aromatics:
- Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet Sauté for 23 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 & bake uncovered:
- Uncover sprinkle each pepper with shredded cheddar cheese and bake uncovered for another 57 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly
- Cool:
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving
Save This recipe always brings my family together sharing stories around the dinner table as we enjoy these hearty stuffed peppers
Notes
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian version Add cooked rice or quinoa to the filling for extra bulk Serve with a simple green salad or roasted potatoes For extra flavor use smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar
Required Tools
Large skillet Baking dish Knife and cutting board Spoon or spatula Aluminum foil
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 easy recipe makes a delicious weeknight meal that everyone will love
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of ground meat works best for this dish?
Ground beef is traditional, but ground turkey or plant-based alternatives work well for lighter versions while maintaining flavor.
- → How do I prepare the bell peppers for stuffing?
Cut the tops off, remove seeds and membranes to create a hollow space suitable for the filling.
- → Can I add grains to the filling?
Yes, cooked rice or quinoa can be mixed into the meat filling to add bulk and texture.
- → What cheese options can I use?
Cheddar is classic, but smoked gouda or pepper jack provide flavorful alternatives that melt well.
- → How do I ensure the filling stays moist during baking?
The tomato sauce and seasonings create a juicy mixture that remains tender through the covered baking process.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, if you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, the dish can be naturally gluten-free.