Cheeseburger-Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
If you’re a fan of classic cheeseburgers and want to try a creative twist, this cheeseburger-stuffed bell peppers recipe is perfect for you! It combines the juicy flavors of a cheeseburger with the healthy goodness of bell peppers for a satisfying meal. Plus, it’s super easy to make and customizable to your taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy yet indulgent: Skip the bun and enjoy all the cheeseburger flavors with fewer carbs.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or adjust the seasoning to make it your own.
- Perfect for meal prep: These stuffed peppers reheat beautifully for a quick and tasty lunch.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
Optional Toppings:
- Pickles
- Crumbled bacon
- Extra cheese
- Lettuce or shredded cabbage (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bell Peppers
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
- Lightly brush the peppers with olive oil and place them in a baking dish.
Pro Tip: Choose peppers with flat bottoms so they sit upright in the baking dish. If they don’t, you can trim the bottom slightly to balance them.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Sauté the chopped onion and garlic until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Pro Tip: Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning to your preference before stuffing the peppers.
Step 3: Stuff the Peppers
- Generously fill each bell pepper with the beef mixture.
- Top with shredded cheese.
Step 4: Bake
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Let the peppers cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Add your favorite toppings, such as pickles or crumbled bacon, for extra flavor.
Variations to Try
- Keto-Friendly: Skip the ketchup and add more cheese for a low-carb option.
- Vegetarian: Use plant-based ground meat or a mix of mushrooms and lentils as the filling.
- Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for a quick meal.
Final Thoughts
Cheeseburger-stuffed bell peppers are a crowd-pleasing dish that’s simple to prepare and packed with flavor. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Let us know how you customize your peppers in the comments!
Enjoy your cheeseburger-inspired creation!
