I love making these Irresistible Loaded Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers when I want all the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger in a hearty, low-carb form. The tender bell peppers are filled with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and classic burger-inspired ingredients. I find they’re satisfying, comforting, and perfect for a fun twist on dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I appreciate how this dish captures classic cheeseburger flavor without the bun. I enjoy the combination of savory beef, gooey cheese, and slightly sweet roasted peppers. It’s easy to customize with my favorite toppings, and everything bakes together in one dish. I also like that it’s filling while still feeling balanced.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 large bell peppers, halved and seeded
1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon mustard
1/2 cup diced pickles
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
optional toppings: chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, extra pickles
Directions
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I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
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I arrange the halved bell peppers cut-side up in the baking dish.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, I cook the ground beef with olive oil, diced onion, and minced garlic until browned. I drain any excess grease.
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I season the beef with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
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I stir in ketchup, mustard, and diced pickles until evenly combined.
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I spoon the beef mixture into each bell pepper half, filling them generously.
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I sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper.
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I cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the peppers are tender.
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I remove the foil during the last 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and lightly brown.
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I let them cool slightly before adding optional toppings and serving.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
When I want a lighter option, I use ground turkey instead of beef. I also enjoy mixing in a spoonful of barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor. For a spicy version, I add diced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, I warm them in the oven at 325°F until heated through or microwave individual portions for convenience. I add fresh toppings after reheating to keep them crisp.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
I prepare and stuff the peppers in advance, then refrigerate and bake them when ready to serve.
Can I freeze stuffed peppers?
I freeze them after baking and cooling completely. I thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What type of peppers work best?
I prefer large bell peppers because they hold plenty of filling and bake evenly.
How do I keep the peppers from becoming too soft?
I avoid overbaking and check them around the 25-minute mark for tenderness.
Can I add rice to the filling?
I can mix in cooked rice if I want a heartier version.
Conclusion
I find these Loaded Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers to be a fun and flavorful way to enjoy classic burger ingredients in a new form. The savory beef, melted cheese, and tender roasted peppers create a satisfying combination. It’s a recipe I turn to whenever I want something comforting, creative, and easy to prepare.
Irresistible Loaded Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers
- Author: lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Loaded Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers bring all the classic flavors of a juicy cheeseburger into a hearty, low-carb meal. Tender roasted bell peppers are filled with seasoned ground beef, tangy condiments, pickles, and melty cheddar cheese for a comforting and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeded
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1/2 cup diced pickles
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional toppings: chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, extra pickles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Arrange halved bell peppers cut-side up in the baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with olive oil, diced onion, and minced garlic until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Season the beef with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Stir in ketchup, mustard, and diced pickles until evenly combined.
- Spoon the beef mixture generously into each bell pepper half.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over each stuffed pepper.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes until peppers are tender.
- Remove foil during the last 5 minutes to melt and lightly brown the cheese.
- Cool slightly, add optional toppings, and serve.
Notes
- Ground turkey can be substituted for a lighter option.
- Add barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor variation.
- Mix in cooked rice for a heartier version.
- Do not overbake to keep peppers slightly firm.
- Add fresh toppings after reheating for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper (2 halves)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
