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
I first served this recipe to my family on a busy weeknight and it quickly became a regular meal that everyone looks forward to
Ingredients
- Bell peppers: 4 large (any color)
- Onion: 1 small yellow diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced
- Ground beef: 1 lb 450 g (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- Tomato sauce: 1 cup 240 ml
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tbsp
- Brown sugar: 1 tbsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): 1/4 tsp
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1/2 cup 60 g
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 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 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
- Bake uncovered:
- Uncover sprinkle each pepper with shredded cheddar cheese and bake uncovered for another 5 7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly
- Cool and serve:
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving
Save This meal has brought many family dinners together as it pleases kids and adults alike with its bold flavors and wholesome ingredients
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
Save This recipe is simple yet delivers a comforting meal perfect for any weeknight or casual get-together
Common Questions
- → Can ground turkey be used instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a lighter alternative and maintains the dish's moist texture and flavor.
- → What type of cheese pairs best with this dish?
Cheddar cheese is classic, but smoked gouda or pepper jack offer complementary smoky and spicy notes.
- → How can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce to ensure the dish remains gluten-free without altering the taste.
- → Can this filling be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, the beef mixture can be cooked in advance and refrigerated, then stuffed and baked when ready to serve.
- → Are there suitable vegetarian substitutions?
Plant-based ground meats or cooked lentils can replace the beef to create a vegetarian-friendly filling.