Smoky BBQ Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers (Printable Version)
Tender bell peppers baked with smoky beef, cheddar, and BBQ glaze for a comforting dinner everyone loves.
# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Peppers
01 - 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), tops removed and seeds discarded
→ Meatloaf Filling
02 - 1.1 pounds ground beef (80% lean)
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1/4 cup whole milk
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
09 - 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
10 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
12 - 1 teaspoon salt
13 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
14 - 1/2 cup smoky barbecue sauce, divided
→ Topping
15 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
16 - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a baking dish with oil or nonstick spray to fit peppers upright.
02 - Slice off the tops of each bell pepper. Remove seeds and inner membranes, then set peppers aside.
03 - Combine ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, whole milk, parsley, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and 1/4 cup barbecue sauce in a large mixing bowl. Mix until just incorporated; avoid overmixing.
04 - Evenly fill each prepared pepper with the meat mixture, gently mounding at the top. Arrange peppers upright in the prepared baking dish.
05 - Brush the tops of each stuffed pepper with 2 tablespoons of the remaining barbecue sauce. Loosely cover the dish with foil.
06 - Bake on the middle rack for 35 minutes. Remove foil when finished.
07 - Brush peppers with the remaining barbecue sauce and top each with shredded cheddar cheese.
08 - Return dish to oven, uncovered, for 10 to 15 minutes until cheese has melted and peppers are tender.
09 - Allow peppers to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Uses simple everyday ingredients found at most grocery stores
- Brings together two comfort food family favorites
- Great for meal prep and reheating the next day
- You get a full meal in every portion with protein and vegetables
02 -
- Packed with protein and plenty of vegetables for a balanced meal
- This dish stores beautifully and tastes just as good reheated
- An easy way to get kids excited about peppers thanks to the saucy meatloaf center
03 -
- Do not skip the final glaze of BBQ sauce on top It adds key flavor and keeps the meatloaf moist
- Mix the filling gently overworking will make it tough
- Choose peppers of similar size so they cook evenly and look beautiful together on the plate