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.
This recipe has become a staple in our house especially on busy weeknights because it combines classic flavors with a wholesome vegetable base.
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 Oven:
- 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 Meat:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2–3 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:
- Uncover, sprinkle each pepper with shredded cheddar cheese, and bake uncovered for another 5–7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool & Serve:
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Save My family always gathers around the table eager to dig into these flavorful peppers, making dinner time a joyous occasion.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately 335 calories with balanced macros including 17 g fat, 18 g carbohydrates, and 26 g protein.
Tips for Serving
Serve these stuffed peppers with a simple green salad or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
Variations
Try smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for added flavor, or mix in cooked rice or quinoa to stretch the filling.
Save This recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy classic Sloppy Joe flavors inside healthy vegetables and makes meal prep a breeze.
Recipe Help & Answers
- → What are the best bell peppers to use?
Any color large bell pepper works well, offering both flavor and structural support for the filling.
- → Can I substitute ground beef with other proteins?
Yes, ground turkey or plant-based meat can be used to create a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version.
- → How can I enhance the flavor of the filling?
Adding smoked paprika, oregano, and a touch of brown sugar balance the tomato sauce’s acidity and deepen the savory notes.
- → Is there a way to add extra bulk to the filling?
Mixing in cooked rice or quinoa provides additional texture and makes the meal more filling.
- → How do I ensure the peppers bake evenly?
Cut the tops off, remove seeds, and arrange peppers upright in a greased baking dish before baking covered, then uncovered with cheese added at the end.
- → What cheese works best as a topping?
Cheddar is classic, but smoked gouda or pepper jack offer tasty, rich alternatives.