Save A flavorful twist on classic Sloppy Joes, these bell peppers are filled with a savory ground beef mixture in a tangy sauce—perfect for a hearty, budget-friendly dinner.
I first made these Sloppy Joe stuffed peppers on a busy weeknight when I craved something both satisfying and easy to prepare. They quickly became a family favorite because everyone loved how the peppers soaked up the tangy sauce and hearty filling.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 4 large bell peppers (any color), tops cut off and seeds removed; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Meat: 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
- Sauce & Seasonings: 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Other: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 cup (60 g) shredded cheddar cheese (optional); Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep Oven and Peppers:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the prepared bell peppers upright in a baking dish.
- Cook Veggies:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Brown Beef:
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Make Sauce:
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Fill & Bake Peppers:
- Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly into each bell pepper. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Finish and Garnish:
- Remove foil, sprinkle with cheddar cheese if using, and bake uncovered for an additional 5–7 minutes until the cheese is melted and the peppers are tender. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Save Whenever my kids spot these peppers coming out of the oven, they rush to the table. It's a dinner that brings everyone together for conversation and second helpings.
Notes & Variations
For a lighter version, swap in ground turkey or chicken. You can add cooked rice or quinoa to the filling for extra bulk and nutrition, or try vegan cheese and plant-based mince for a vegetarian alternative. Serve with a side salad or gluten-free bread for a complete meal.
Required Tools
You'll need a large skillet, baking dish, knife and cutting board, and a spoon to bring this recipe together.
Nutrition & Allergens
Each serving has around 325 calories, 16 g total fat, 22 g carbohydrates, and 23 g protein. Contains dairy and possibly fish or gluten in Worcestershire sauce—always double-check ingredient labels if you have allergies.
Save This dish is as easy to make as it is delicious. Give Sloppy Joe stuffed peppers a try for your next family dinner, and enjoy every bite.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter version while maintaining the dish's flavor profile.
- → How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free to keep the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- → What can I add to increase the filling's bulk?
Cooked rice, quinoa, or other grains can be mixed into the filling for added texture and nutrition.
- → Is there a vegetarian alternative for this dish?
Yes, substituting plant-based mince and vegan cheese creates a vegetarian-friendly version without sacrificing flavor.
- → How is the dish best served?
Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley, alongside a crisp salad or crusty bread for a balanced meal.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
The filling can be prepared in advance and stored refrigerated; just stuff the peppers and bake when ready to serve.