Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers (Printable)

Bell peppers stuffed with seasoned beef and tomato sauce, baked until tender and topped with melted cheese.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

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

→ Meats

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

→ Sauce & Seasonings

05 - 1 cup tomato sauce
06 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
07 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
08 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
09 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
10 - 1 tsp dried oregano
11 - ½ tsp salt
12 - ½ tsp black pepper
13 - ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Toppings

14 - ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

# How to Make It:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Budget-friendly family meal
  • Gluten-Free option available
02 -
  • Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian version
  • For gluten-free, use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and check labels to avoid allergens
03 -
  • Make sure to remove seeds and membranes completely so peppers cook evenly
  • Baking covered then uncovered helps melt cheese without drying out filling
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