Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers (Printable)

Bell peppers loaded with savory beef filling and cheddar, then oven-baked until bubbling and tender.

# What You'll Need:

→ Peppers

01 - 4 large bell peppers, any color, tops removed and seeds discarded

→ Sloppy Joe Filling

02 - 1 pound lean ground beef
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 1 small carrot, grated
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 cup tomato sauce
07 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
08 - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional

→ Topping

14 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional for garnish

# How to Make It:

01 - Set oven to 375°F. Ensure oven rack is centered.
02 - Arrange hollowed bell peppers upright in a baking dish. Pour 1/4 inch of water into the bottom to support even cooking.
03 - In a large skillet over medium heat, break up ground beef and cook until no longer pink, around 5 minutes. Remove and discard excess fat if present.
04 - Add chopped onion, grated carrot, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until vegetables begin to soften, about 3 minutes.
05 - Incorporate tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer on medium-low for 5 to 7 minutes until thickened and fragrant.
06 - Divide the Sloppy Joe mixture among the bell peppers, filling each cavity evenly.
07 - Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
08 - Uncover dish, sprinkle the top of each stuffed pepper with shredded cheddar. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and peppers are fork-tender.
09 - Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Hacks:

01 -
  • Easy to make and family friendly
  • Can be made ahead for busy nights
  • Loads of vegetables packed into each serving
  • Gluten free adaptation is straightforward
  • Melty cheese topping puts it over the top
02 -
  • High in protein and filled with veggies
  • Naturally gluten free if you use the right Worcestershire sauce
  • Easy to double for meal prepping or family gatherings
03 -
  • Always shred your own cheese for a smoother melt Pre shredded cheese often contains anti caking agents that can make it gritty
  • Roast your peppers slightly before filling for extra tender results Simply pop them in the oven for ten minutes while you make the filling
  • If you like your filling extra saucy add an extra spoonful of tomato sauce at the end and simmer well

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