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’ve been getting a lot of questions about the pot I use for cozy one-pot meals and small-batch recipes, so I wanted to quickly share it here.
This is the Martha Stewart heart-shaped enameled cast iron Dutch oven (2-quart). It’s one of those pieces I reach for constantly when testing soups, stews, baked casseroles, and smaller comfort-food recipes.
- Heats evenly with no hot spots (huge for slow cooking)
- Non-reactive enamel interior — no seasoning required
- Perfect size for small households or side dishes
- Sturdy handles, easy to move from oven to table
It’s also a favorite with home cooks — 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 1,900 reviews — and Amazon often has a coupon available, depending on color and size.
👉 Check current price, colors, and coupon on Amazon
(Affiliate link — if you choose to buy, it helps support this recipe blog at no extra cost to you ❤️)
This recipe quickly became a favorite in our household as it's easy to prepare and satisfies both kids and adults.
What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔
Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.
Free. No spam. Just easy meals.
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
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
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 Meat:
- 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 & 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.
- Add Cheese & Bake:
- Uncover, sprinkle each pepper with shredded cheddar cheese, and bake uncovered for another 5–7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool & Serve:
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Save Making this dish always brings the family together around the table and fills the house with a delicious aroma.
Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇
Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.
Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.
Notes
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 perfect for weeknight dinners and reheats beautifully for next-day meals.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well for a lighter version and offers a lean protein alternative without sacrificing flavor.
- → How do I prepare the bell peppers for stuffing?
Cut off the tops, remove seeds and membranes to create a cavity for the filling, then place upright in a baking dish.
- → What cheese variations can I use for topping?
Cheddar is classic, but smoked gouda or pepper jack add extra depth and a smoky or spicy twist.
- → Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and checking all ingredients for gluten content, it can be made gluten-free.
- → Can I add grains to the filling?
Adding cooked rice or quinoa to the filling provides extra bulk and texture for a more substantial meal.
