Pin this 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 quickly became a staple in my household because it combines classic flavors with a healthy twist that everyone enjoys.
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 beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat cook ground beef until browned breaking it up with a spoon about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
- Add sauce and 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 and bake uncovered:
- Uncover sprinkle each pepper with shredded cheddar cheese and bake uncovered for another 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and serve:
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Pin this My family loves gathering around the table to share these colorful stuffed peppers especially on busy weeknights.
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.
Pin this This recipe is simple to customize and always delivers hearty satisfying flavors perfect for any season.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a lighter alternative, providing a similar texture and absorbing the spices nicely.
- → How should I prepare the bell peppers before filling?
Cut off the tops, remove seeds and membranes, and arrange them upright in a greased baking dish ready for stuffing.
- → Can I add grains to the filling?
Absolutely, cooked rice or quinoa can be mixed in to add bulk and texture to the filling.
- → What cheeses work best for topping?
Cheddar cheese melts well, but smoked gouda or pepper jack add extra flavor if preferred.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, if gluten-free Worcestershire sauce is used and all other ingredients are checked, it fits gluten-free requirements.