A fun twist on a classic—these Sloppy Joe Peppers are stuffed, saucy, and baked to melty perfection.
Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers take everything you love about the classic sandwich—savory ground meat, tangy sauce, and gooey cheese—and pack it into tender roasted bell peppers for a dinner that’s just as fun as it is satisfying. These Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers are hearty, kid-approved, and secretly filled with extra veggies for a balanced twist on a nostalgic favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with flavor from lean ground turkey or chicken
- Uses classic Sloppy Joe sauce with a fun twist
- Stuffed into tender roasted bell peppers for a balanced dinner
- Topped with melty cheddar and crispy panko for texture
- Family-friendly and easy to customize
- A lighter take on traditional Sloppy Joes
- Great for meal prep or a weeknight dinner win
Ingredient Notes
- Lean Ground Turkey or Chicken – Both work well and keep the filling light but satisfying.
- Bell Peppers – Use red, yellow, or green. Red is the sweetest, while green has a more traditional bite.
- Zucchini – Adds moisture and hidden veggies without overpowering the flavor.
- Dijon Mustard – Adds a subtle tang that balances the richness of the sauce.
- Worcestershire Sauce – A classic in Sloppy Joes, it deepens the savory flavor.
- Brown Rice – Adds heartiness and helps stretch the filling. Cook it ahead for faster prep.
- Sharp Cheddar – Melts beautifully and gives that classic Sloppy Joe cheesy top.
- Panko Breadcrumbs – Adds a crispy topping—toast them first for even more crunch.
Before You Make
Do I need to cook the rice ahead of time?
Yes, the brown rice should be fully cooked before adding it to the filling. This helps everything mix evenly and bake properly inside the peppers.
Can I prep these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the filling and prep the peppers in advance. Store them separately or stuff them and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Should I par-bake the peppers first?
Yes—baking the peppers for 10 minutes before stuffing helps them soften slightly and makes the final bake perfectly tender.
Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients
- 4 small bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
- 1/2 lb lean ground turkey or chicken
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup diced zucchini
- 1/2 cup low-sugar tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp salt & black pepper
- 1/2 cup brown rice
- 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar
- 2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds. Trim the bottoms very lightly so that they sit flat. Brush them with olive oil and bake for 10 minutes while making the filling.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté onions and garlic for 2 minutes. Add ground turkey/chicken and cook until browned. Stir in zucchini and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Add tomato sauce, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir in brown rice and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove peppers from the oven and fill them with the sloppy joe mixture.
- Sprinkle with cheese and panko breadcrumbs.
- Return to the oven for 15 minutes until cheese is melted and the tops are golden.
FAQ
Can I freeze Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers?
Yes! Let them cool completely, then wrap individually and freeze. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15–20 minutes or microwave in 1-minute increments until heated through.
Can I use quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of brown rice?
Definitely. Quinoa works well for extra protein, and cauliflower rice keeps it lower carb.
Are these spicy?
No, but you can add heat with crushed red pepper, hot sauce, or spicy tomato sauce if you like.
What sides go with Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers?
Try a green salad, roasted sweet potatoes, or even baked fries for a fun diner-style dinner.
Sprinkle of Fun
Turn your weekend meal prep into a fun little ritual—stuff these Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers while listening to a brand-new audiobook. It’s the perfect combo of productivity and relaxation. Choose a mystery, a memoir, or a feel-good rom-com, and let the story unfold while you chop, sauté, and assemble. You’ll have a fridge full of flavorful meals and a fresh plot twist to look forward to all week long.
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