Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers (Printable view)

Bell peppers loaded with flavorful ground beef and tomato sauce, baked to juicy perfection with melted cheddar topping.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 4 large bell peppers (any color)
02 - 1 small yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Meat

04 - 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for lighter option)

→ Sauce & Seasonings

05 - 1 cup tomato sauce
06 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
07 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
08 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
09 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Toppings

14 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

# How To Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the bell peppers upright.
02 - Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Set aside.
03 - Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
04 - Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
05 - 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.
06 - Arrange bell peppers upright in the prepared baking dish and spoon the beef mixture evenly into each.
07 - Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
08 - Remove foil, sprinkle each bell pepper with shredded cheddar cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
09 - Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Budget-friendly and family-favorite
  • Filled with savory beef and tomato sauce
02 -
  • Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian version
  • Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce for gluten-free diet
03 -
  • Drain excess fat from the beef to keep the filling from being greasy
  • Let the stuffed peppers cool slightly before serving to enhance flavors
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