Pin Recipe 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 have served this recipe many times and it always brings smiles to the table especially with picky eaters enjoying bell peppers in a new way
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 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic:
- Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add Sauce Ingredients:
- 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 with Cheese:
- 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.
Pin Recipe This recipe always brings my family together especially on busy weeknights when everyone wants something tasty and satisfying
Notes
Serve with a simple green salad or roasted potatoes for a complete meal. 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 Recipe This recipe is perfect for meal prepping and tastes even better the next day.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute ground beef with turkey?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a lighter alternative and absorbs the spices nicely for a similar flavor profile.
- → How do I prevent bell peppers from becoming mushy?
Leaving the peppers slightly firm before baking and avoiding overcooking helps maintain a tender yet firm texture.
- → What can I add to the filling for extra bulk?
Cooked rice, quinoa, or even beans can be stirred into the filling to add texture and volume.
- → Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and checking all ingredient labels carefully, the dish remains gluten-free.
- → What cheese alternatives can I use instead of cheddar?
Smoked gouda or pepper jack offer delicious flavor variations and melt well as toppings.