Sloppy Joe stuffed peppers served on a plate with garnishes

Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers

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Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers: A Comforting Twist on a Classic

As I stood in my kitchen, the aroma of sautéing onions and garlic wafted through the air, triggering memories of childhood dinners spent at my grandmother’s table. The sizzle of ground beef brought back the warmth of family gatherings, laughter, and the delightful chaos of sharing a meal together. This recipe for Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers encapsulates all that joy—comforting, hearty, and so undeniably delicious. Each bite is a nostalgic hug, a reminder of simpler times spent with loved ones.

Why Make This Recipe

  • Quick Prep: With only about 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a comforting dinner on the table in no time.
  • Cozy Flavors: The rich, savory taste of sloppy joes packed into tender peppers is a true delight.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it’s a dish everyone will love.
  • Versatile Ingredients: Adapt it to your pantry staples! Whether you have ground turkey, beef, or a vegetarian option, it’s all good.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Bell Peppers: Choose vibrant colors like red, yellow, or green. These will form the vessel for our sloppy joe filling, adding a sweet crunch.
  • Ground Beef or Turkey: The base of our dish, offering heartiness. Feel free to swap it with lentils or mushrooms for a meatless version.
  • Onion: A classic flavor companion to the beef, bringing sweetness and depth. Yellow onions work beautifully here.
  • Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a wonderful aroma. You can use garlic powder in a pinch.
  • Sloppy Joe Sauce: Use store-bought or whip up a homemade version with ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and a touch of brown sugar.
  • Cheese: Cheddar or pepper jack works great for melting on top, creating that ooey-gooey goodness we all crave.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing the flavors.

Prep and Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

This recipe is perfect for an easy meal, combining simplicity with delightful flavors that make it worth every second.

How to Make Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure a perfectly cooked pepper.

  2. Prepare the Peppers: Slice the tops off your bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place them upright in a baking dish.

  3. Cook the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, letting the aroma fill your kitchen.

  4. Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.

  5. Mix in the Sauce: Stir in your sloppy joe sauce, mixing well to coat the meat. Allow this mixture to simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.

  6. Stuff the Peppers: Carefully spoon the sloppy joe filling into each pepper, packing it generously. Don’t be shy; they love to be filled!

  7. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle cheese on top of each stuffed pepper, creating that inviting melt.

  8. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to let the cheese get bubbly and golden.

  9. Serve: Once the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Tips and Creative Variations

  • Spice It Up: Add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne for a kick.
  • Veggie Twist: Substitute ground meat with a mix of quinoa and black beans for a healthy, vegetarian option.
  • Herb Infusion: Top with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving for a burst of flavor.
  • Mexican Flair: Use taco seasoning instead of traditional sloppy joe sauce and top with avocado and sour cream.

Serving Ideas

Pair your Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers with a simple side salad or crispy golden fries for a winning dinner duo. A glass of chilled lemonade or sparkling iced tea completes the meal, making it perfect for summer evenings on the patio or cozy family dinners during the week.

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers? No problem! Store any uneaten stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes.

Pro Tips for Success

  • Don’t Overcook the Peppers: We want them tender but still holding their shape—aim for a vibrant color.
  • Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning to your preference for a truly personalized dish.
  • Extra Cheesy Delight: Mix some cheese into the filling for that creamy element everyone loves.

FAQs

  • Can I freeze this recipe? Yes! Just wrap the stuffed peppers well in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

  • What’s the best substitute for ground beef? Ground turkey or even a plant-based meat substitute can work beautifully.

  • How can I make it gluten-free? Use gluten-free sauces and ensure your condiments are gluten-free.

Conclusion

These Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers are more than just a meal; they evoke comfort, warmth, and the joy of gathering around the table with those you love. Each bite whispers stories of cherished moments, reminding us that food is a bridge connecting hearts and homes. So, gather your ingredients and bring this comforting recipe into your kitchen—you might just find it becomes a cherished family favorite, too! Share the love, invite your loved ones, and watch as these delightful stuffed peppers spark joy at your dinner table.

Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers

A comforting and hearty twist on a classic sloppy joe, these stuffed peppers are filled with savory meat, sweet bell peppers, and melted cheese—a delightful dish for family dinners or gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Peppers
  • 4 pieces Bell Peppers (red, yellow, or green) Choose vibrant colors for sweetness and crunch.
For the Filling
  • 1 lb Ground Beef or Turkey Feel free to substitute with lentils or mushrooms for a meatless version.
  • 1 medium Onion Yellow onions work beautifully for flavor.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Freshly minced garlic. Garlic powder can be used if needed.
  • 1 cup Sloppy Joe Sauce Store-bought or homemade with ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and brown sugar.
  • 1 cup Cheddar or Pepper Jack Cheese For melting on top.
  • to taste Salt Essential for flavor enhancement.
  • to taste Pepper Essential for flavor enhancement.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place them upright in a baking dish.
Cooking the Filling
  1. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  3. Add the ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
  4. Stir in the sloppy joe sauce and allow to simmer for a few minutes.
Assembling and Baking
  1. Spoon the sloppy joe filling generously into each pepper.
  2. Sprinkle cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.
  3. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes.
  4. Once the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Don’t overcook the peppers; they should be tender but still holding their shape. For added flavor, consider mixing some cheese into the filling or topping with fresh herbs before serving. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

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