BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers

Oven-Baked BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers

Serves: 4 (2 pepper halves per person)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

For the Peppers:

  • 4 large bell peppers (any color), halved lengthwise, seeds and membranes removed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing peppers)
  • Salt and pepper (to lightly season pepper halves)

For the Filling:

  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • ½ cup (75g) yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ cup (120ml) BBQ sauce, plus extra for drizzling (divided)
  • 1 cup (113g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • Optional garnish: Fresh parsley or chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Prep the Peppers:
    • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • Place pepper halves in a baking dish, cut-side up. Brush insides with olive oil and lightly season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  2. Cook the Bacon:
    • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy (5-7 minutes). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 1 tbsp bacon fat in the skillet.
  3. Sauté Aromatics:
    • Add diced onion to the skillet with bacon fat. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Brown the Beef:
    • Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until no pink remains (5-6 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
    • Stir in Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
  5. Mix the Filling:
    • Remove skillet from heat. Stir in ½ cup BBQ sauce, ½ cup shredded cheddar, and ¾ of the cooked bacon. Mix until combined.
  6. Stuff the Peppers:
    • Divide the beef mixture evenly among the pepper halves (about ⅓ cup per half). Press gently to pack.
    • Top each pepper with remaining cheese and bacon.
  7. Bake:
    • Cover the baking dish with foil. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove foil and bake uncovered for 5-10 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is bubbly.
  8. Serve:
    • Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce and garnish with parsley or green onions.

Tips:

  • For crisp-tender peppers, bake uncovered the entire time (25-30 minutes).
  • Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter option.
  • Pair with coleslaw or a side of potato salad!

Enjoy your low-carb twist on a cheeseburger classic! 🍔🌶️