Description
BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers
Skip the bun, keep the flavor! These BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers are the perfect low-carb dinner idea—packed with all the cheesy, smoky goodness of a burger!
Ingredients:
4 large bell peppers
1 lb ground beef
½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
¼ cup diced mushrooms
¼ cup diced onions
¼ cup diced pickles
½ cup BBQ sauce
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt & pepper
Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°F & prep peppers.
Cook beef, mushrooms & onions in a skillet for 2-3 minutes.
Mix in BBQ sauce, bacon, and pickles.
Stuff peppers, top with cheese & bake (covered) for 25-30 mins.
Garnish with parsley & serve!
Serving Idea: Pair with a side salad for a complete meal!
#LowCarb #DeliciouslySavory
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect stuffed peppers every time. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully slice the tops off your four large bell peppers and remove all seeds and membranes. Lightly season the insides with salt and pepper, then place them upright in a baking dish. For the filling, brown one pound of ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and mushrooms, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables soften and the beef is fully cooked. Drain any excess grease. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the half cup of BBQ sauce, half cup of crumbled cooked bacon, and the quarter cup of diced pickles. Simmer for 2 minutes to let the flavors meld. Evenly spoon the hearty mixture into the prepared pepper shells. Top each pepper generously with the shredded cheddar cheese. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the peppers are tender-crisp.
Serving Suggestions
While delicious on their own, these stuffed peppers can be elevated with simple sides. For a classic low-carb plate, serve alongside a fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette. They also pair wonderfully with a cool, creamy coleslaw or a simple cauliflower mash. For a heartier meal, consider adding roasted asparagus or zucchini noodles. Don’t forget a small bowl of extra BBQ sauce or a dollop of sour cream for dipping!
How-to Summary
In short: Hollow peppers, brown beef with veggies, mix in BBQ sauce, bacon, and pickles, stuff peppers, top with cheese, bake covered for 25-30 minutes at 375°F, and garnish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based ground meat substitute work well. Adjust cooking times as needed and ensure the meat is fully cooked before stuffing.
How can I prevent the peppers from becoming too soggy?
Choose firm, thick-walled peppers and avoid over-baking. The 25-minute covered bake followed by a short uncovered bake helps achieve a tender but not mushy texture.
Can I prepare these stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the peppers up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since you’ll be starting from cold.
What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Can I freeze BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers?
For best results, freeze after baking and cooling. Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls: Do not skip draining the beef grease, or the filling will be overly greasy. Do not overfill the peppers, as the filling can spill and make a mess. Do not forget to cover the dish with foil for the initial bake; this steams the peppers perfectly. Finally, do not use bell peppers that are too small or thin-walled, as they will not hold up during baking.
Conclusion
These BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers are a brilliant, satisfying twist on two classic comfort foods. They deliver the iconic flavors of a cheeseburger in a fun, low-carb vessel that is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that proves you don’t need a bun to enjoy a truly delicious burger experience.