Introduction to Smoky BBQ Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers
Hey friends, fellow home cooks. Life can get pretty busy, right? Especially when we’re juggling family, work, and everything in between. This is why, in particular, I adore this particular recipe for Smoky BBQ Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers. Super simple to make and it stuffs all the comforting flavors of BBQ meatloaf into a vibrant, nutritious package. Well, let’s have these stuffed peppers be what impresses our loved ones and eases the dinnertime prep struggle on those busy evenings when you really dread dinner-so let’s make a meal that is both delicious and appealing to the eyes!
Why You’ll Love This Smoky BBQ Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers
You’ll adore these Smoky BBQ Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers for so many reasons! First off, they’re quick to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze. The flavors are beautifully smoky and savory, so even picky eaters are bound to enjoy them. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to sneak in those veggies that our families often overlook. They’re not just a meal; they’re a vibrant centerpiece that brings joy to the table!
Ingredients for Smoky BBQ Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers
Let’s gather everything we need for these delicious Smoky BBQ Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in bringing this dish to life, while also making it a breeze to prepare!
- Bell Peppers: Choose vibrant colors like red, yellow, or green. They’re not just pretty; they provide a sweet crunch and a pop of nutrition!
- Ground Beef: I prefer 80% lean for the perfect balance of juicy flavor without being overly greasy. Feel free to substitute with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a different twist.
- Onion: A finely chopped onion adds wonderful depth and sweetness to the meat mixture. Don’t skip it; your taste buds will thank you!
- Garlic: Minced garlic brings a fragrant, savory aroma that makes everything better. Because who doesn’t love garlic?
- Breadcrumbs: They help bind the mixture and add texture. You can use seasoned or plain, depending on your flavor preference. For gluten-free options, try crushed rice crackers!
- Egg: An essential binder that ensures everything stays together. If you’re vegan, a flax egg works perfectly!
- Whole Milk: Adds richness and moisture. Could substitute with a non-dairy milk if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley brings brightness and color. Dried parsley can work in a pinch, but fresh is always best!
- Spices: Smoked paprika, ground cumin, and chili powder create that smoky, zesty flavor profile. Adjust these to fit your family’s taste preferences!
- Salt and Black Pepper: The basics for seasoning! They enhance all the flavors beautifully.
- Barbecue Sauce: An essential element that marries the meatloaf and Smoky BBQ flavors. You can use store-bought or whip up your homemade version!
- Cheddar Cheese: Adds gooey, melty goodness. Feel free to swap for mozzarella or even vegan cheese if desired.
- Fresh Parsley (Optional for Garnish): A little garnish can brighten the entire dish. It’s like a smile on a plate!
Exact measurements are waiting for you at the bottom of the article, along with a handy printable version of this delicious recipe!
How to Make Smoky BBQ Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers
Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial because you want everything cooking evenly and beautifully.
While the oven warms up, grab a baking dish and lightly coat it with oil or nonstick spray. This makes it easier to remove your stuffed peppers later!
Prepare Peppers
Next, take your fresh bell peppers and slice off the tops, making sure to keep the bottoms intact. Remove the seeds and any white membranes inside. These can be bitter!
Set the prepared peppers upright in your baking dish, creating a vibrant rainbow of colors that’ll brighten your meal!
Mix Meatloaf Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, whole milk, and chopped parsley.
Add the smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Carefully mix everything together until just incorporated. Remember, overmixing can lead to a dense filling—aim for a tender, flavorful meatloaf!
Stuff Peppers
Now, it’s time to fill those peppers! Gently scoop the meatloaf mixture into each pepper, making sure to mound it slightly at the top.
Presentation is key! Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in your baking dish so they look as fantastic as they taste!
First Bake and Glaze
Brush the tops of each stuffed pepper with 2 tablespoons of the smoky barbecue sauce. This adds a delightful glaze that enhances the flavor.
Loosely cover your baking dish with foil to help retain moisture during the baking process.
Bake Covered
Place the dish on the middle rack of your oven and bake for about 35 minutes. Covering the peppers initially helps cook the meatloaf thoroughly while keeping the peppers tender.
Final Glaze and Cheese Topping
Once the 35 minutes are up, remove the foil and brush on the remaining barbecue sauce. This second glaze adds an irresistible BBQ taste.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of each pepper. Cheese lovers, rejoice!
Bake Uncovered
Pop the dish back in the oven for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. You want the cheese to melt all gooey and the peppers to be perfectly tender.
Rest and Serve
After baking, allow the peppers to rest for about 5 minutes. This step lets the filling settle. A little patience goes a long way!
Before serving, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color. Your Smoky BBQ Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers are ready to steal the show!
Tips for Success
- Prep ingredients in advance. This makes assembly a breeze!
- Use an ice cream scoop to fill your peppers evenly and neatly.
- Taste the meatloaf mixture before stuffing. Adjust seasonings to your preference.
- If your peppers tip over, place them snugly in muffin tins for stability.
- Don’t skip the resting time! It helps maintain the flavors and prevents spills.
Equipment Needed
- Baking dish: A standard 9×13 inch works well, but you can use any oven-safe dish.
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl for combining ingredients. A deep plate can suffice in a pinch.
- Spoon or spatula: For mixing and stuffing, a sturdy tool makes it easier.
- Foil: Useful for covering the dish during the first baking phase.
- Knife: To carefully slice the tops off the peppers.
Variations
- For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative, like lentils or chickpeas.
- Add diced vegetables such as mushrooms or zucchini to the meatloaf filling for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Try using different types of cheese, like pepper jack for a little kick, or feta for a Mediterranean twist.
- Season with fresh herbs like basil or oregano instead of parsley for an aromatic change.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure your breadcrumbs are gluten-free or use cooked quinoa as a binder.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Smoky BBQ Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers with a fresh side salad for a light, balanced meal.
- Serve with cornbread or garlic bread for some added carbs and comfort.
- A chilled glass of lemonade or iced tea complements the smoky flavors perfectly.
- For an elegant touch, arrange peppers on a colorful platter, garnished with extra parsley.
FAQs about Smoky BBQ Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers
I’ve gathered some of the most common questions about these Smoky BBQ Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers. Let’s make sure you’re equipped with all the information you need!
Can I make Smoky BBQ Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed peppers and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if you’re baking them straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
If ground beef isn’t your thing, try ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative like lentils or quinoa. They all work well and add their own unique flavors!
How long do leftovers last?
Your Smoky BBQ Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months!
Can I adjust the spice level in the meatloaf?
Definitely! If you want a bit more heat, add extra chili powder or even some diced jalapeños to the mixture. Adjust to fit your family’s palate!
What should I serve with these stuffed peppers?
These lovely Smoky BBQ Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers pair beautifully with a fresh salad, cornbread, or even a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal!
Final Thoughts
Creating these Smoky BBQ Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers is truly a joyful experience that transforms a simple weeknight dinner into a delightful feast. They not only bring warmth to the table but also spark cheerful conversations among family and friends. As you bite into the smoky goodness, it’s hard not to smile. This recipe reminds us that cooking can be both easy and fun, making it perfect for our busy lives. Each pepper stuffed with flavor is like a hug on a plate, providing comfort and happiness, one bite at a time. Happy cooking, friends!
Print
Smoky BBQ Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and unique recipe combining smoky BBQ flavors with stuffed bell peppers, filled with a savory meatloaf mixture.
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), tops removed and seeds discarded
- 1.1 pounds ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup smoky barbecue sauce, divided
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a baking dish with oil or nonstick spray to fit peppers upright.
- Prepare Peppers: Slice off the tops of each bell pepper. Remove seeds and inner membranes, then set peppers aside.
- Mix Meatloaf Filling: 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.
- Stuff Peppers: Evenly fill each prepared pepper with the meat mixture, gently mounding at the top. Arrange peppers upright in the prepared baking dish.
- First Bake and Glaze: Brush the tops of each stuffed pepper with 2 tablespoons of the remaining barbecue sauce. Loosely cover the dish with foil.
- Bake Covered: Bake on the middle rack for 35 minutes. Remove foil when finished.
- Final Glaze and Cheese Topping: Brush peppers with the remaining barbecue sauce and top each with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake Uncovered: Return dish to oven, uncovered, for 10 to 15 minutes until cheese has melted and peppers are tender.
- Rest and Serve: Allow peppers to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative.
- Feel free to add more spices to adjust the heat level to your liking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
