Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers

Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers are my go-to when I want to bring comfort food to the table with a playful twist. Juicy bell peppers cradle a rich, savory filling that tastes just like your favorite childhood sandwich, all topped with bubbly cheddar cheese. You get that classic Sloppy Joe flavor with the wholesome touch of roasted peppers—every bite is saucy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying.

The first time I made these, my husband went back for seconds before I even sat down. Now, these stuffed peppers are a staple whenever we want hearty, nostalgic fare that hits all the right notes.

Ingredients

• Bell peppers: Choose large, firm peppers with bright, shiny skins Their sweetness balances the savory filling and they hold up beautifully when baked
• Lean ground beef: Opt for beef that is about ninety percent lean for rich flavor without too much grease Freshly ground beef will provide the juiciest texture
• Onion: Finely chopped for a sweet aromatic base Yellow or white onion works well
• Carrot: Grated so it melts into the filling and adds quiet sweetness Select firm, bright orange carrots for best flavor
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves make all the difference here Mince them just before adding to keep the flavor vibrant
• Tomato sauce: Look for plain, no sugar added tomato sauce for pure tangy taste
• Tomato paste: A spoonful deepens the sauce and adds a concentrated tomato punch
• Worcestershire sauce: This is the Sloppy Joe magic ingredient Use a gluten free brand if needed and check labels carefully for allergies
• Brown sugar: Just a touch balances the acidity of the tomatoes and amps up the classic flavor
• Smoked paprika: Use smoked for that extra depth and hint of barbecue Select Spanish smoked paprika for authentic flavor
• Salt and black pepper: Always season to taste Fresh cracked pepper adds a subtle bite
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional for a tiny whisper of heat, leave out for kid friendly peppers
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts perfectly on top Choose block cheese and shred it yourself for the best melt
• Fresh parsley: For a sprinkle of color and freshness on top Flat leaf parsley provides brighter flavor

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit Make sure it is fully preheated before your peppers go in This ensures even cooking from the very start

Prepare the Peppers:

Slice the tops off your bell peppers and remove all seeds and membranes Stand the peppers upright in a baking dish Pour about a quarter inch of water into the bottom to steam and soften the peppers during baking

Brown the Beef:

Heat a large skillet over medium heat Add the ground beef and use a spoon to break it up as it cooks Stir frequently until no longer pink and spots are nicely browned Usually five minutes Drain out any excess fat if needed for a lighter taste

Sauté the Aromatics:

Add finely chopped onion grated carrot and minced garlic directly to the browned beef Keep everything moving in the pan so the onions turn translucent and the carrot softens without burning This layering adds essential flavor to the mixture

Build the Sloppy Joe Sauce:

Pour in tomato sauce tomato paste Worcestershire sauce brown sugar smoked paprika salt black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes Stir everything thoroughly Simmer for about five to seven minutes letting the sauce reduce and thicken so it clings to the meat

Stuff the Peppers:

Spoon the hot Sloppy Joe filling equally into each pepper Use the back of the spoon to press down the mixture for generous, full peppers

Bake Covered:

Cover your baking dish tightly with foil and place in the oven for twenty five minutes The moisture will tenderize the peppers and meld the flavors

Add Cheese and Uncover:

After baking covered remove the foil Sprinkle each pepper generously with shredded cheddar Cheese Place the peppers back in the oven uncovered for ten more minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling

Garnish and Serve:

Let the stuffed peppers cool slightly before garnishing with chopped parsley for a burst of freshness Serve warm for best texture and taste

Save

Cheddar cheese is my favorite no matter what version I make Even the pickiest eaters in my house can not resist the gooey topping And when my youngest made his own at the counter it became a kitchen moment we still laugh about with every batch

Storage Tips

Transfer any leftovers to airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours of cooking They will keep well chilled for up to three days For a make ahead win these peppers can also be stored in the baking dish covered tightly with foil then reheated in the oven until warmed through

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken is a tasty lighter swap if beef is not your thing Plant based ground crumbles work for a vegetarian twist Be sure to season generously to keep the filling bold and satisfying You can also substitute other melty cheeses like Monterey jack or mozzarella if cheddar is not on hand

Serving Suggestions

A big green salad with zesty vinaigrette is perfect on the side My family also loves these with roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries If you want a bread option serve with gluten free rolls to soak up all the delicious sauce

Cultural Context

This recipe is rooted in classic American comfort food The original Sloppy Joe sandwich dates back to early twentieth century diners and lunch counters Stuffing the filling into peppers instead of a bun is a smart way to enjoy the nostalgic taste but with more vegetables and less mess

Seasonal Adaptations

For fall try using orange peppers and adding a pinch of cinnamon for warmth In summer swap cheddar for pepper jack and top with fresh garden herbs Spring batch tastes great with ground chicken and extra diced green veggies like zucchini

Success Stories

I have heard from friends who batch cook these for weeknight meals and freeze extra portions Some even stash assembled unbaked peppers in the fridge and bake off during the week They are a total crowd pleaser at potlucks with kids and adults scraping their plates clean

Freezer Meal Conversion

Stuffed peppers freeze surprisingly well Assemble the peppers right up to the cheese step Skip baking Cool completely then wrap each pepper tightly in plastic wrap and foil Freeze on a tray Once frozen store in a zip top bag or container To serve just thaw overnight and bake as directed adding five extra minutes

Save

Long after you have tried your first stuffed pepper you will remember how easy and satisfying this recipe is The Sloppy Joe filling brings everyone to the table with smiles and seconds are always in demand Enjoy making memories and messes in the kitchen just like my family has with every single batch