Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled 🥓
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
- ¼ cup diced mushrooms 🍄
- ¼ cup diced onions 🧅
- ¼ cup diced pickles 🥒
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Construction (Step-by-Step Instructions)
- Prepare the Peppers: Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds/membranes.
- Cook the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add diced mushrooms and onions, cooking until softened (2-3 minutes).
- Flavor the Filling: Stir in BBQ sauce, crumbled bacon, and diced pickles. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the Peppers: Generously fill each bell pepper with the beef mixture. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Arrange the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 25-30 minutes until tender and the cheese is melted.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy hot.
Variations
- Protein Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a spicy BBQ sauce for extra heat.
- Different Cheese: Swap cheddar for pepper jack, mozzarella, or smoked gouda.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the BBQ sauce or use a sugar-free version.
- Veggie-Packed: Mix in diced zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition.
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Peppers: Red, yellow, or orange peppers are sweeter, while green peppers are more bitter.
- Pre-Cook Peppers: If you like softer peppers, pre-bake them for 5-10 minutes before stuffing.
- Prevent Sogginess: Avoid overfilling with BBQ sauce to keep the filling from becoming watery.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the filling ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to assemble and bake.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: ~350
- Protein: ~25g
- Fat: ~22g
- Carbohydrates: ~15g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sugar: ~8g (depends on BBQ sauce)
Serving Suggestions
- Side Dish: Serve with a fresh side salad, roasted vegetables, or coleslaw.
- Toppings: Add a dollop of sour cream or drizzle with extra BBQ sauce.
- Bread Option: Serve alongside garlic bread or a toasted bun for a burger-inspired meal.
Would you like any modifications to fit your taste or dietary preferences?