Meat Loaf-Stuffed Peppers are a delicious twist on two classic comfort foods—meatloaf and stuffed peppers. This dish takes the hearty, flavorful essence of meatloaf and packs it into sweet, tender bell peppers, creating a meal that’s as visually appealing as it is satisfying. Each pepper is filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and spices, then baked to perfection. The result is a comforting, all-in-one meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family. Serve these stuffed peppers with a side salad or mashed potatoes for a complete and wholesome dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup ketchup, plus more for topping
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If the peppers are not standing upright, you can trim a small slice off the bottom to level them.
- Make the Meat Loaf Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, beaten egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
- Stuff the Peppers: Fill each bell pepper with the meatloaf mixture, pressing it down slightly to ensure it’s packed in well. If desired, top each stuffed pepper with a small amount of ketchup and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Bake the Peppers: Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish. Add about 1/4 inch of water to the bottom of the dish to help steam the peppers as they cook. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F/71°C) and the peppers are tender.
- Serve: Allow the stuffed peppers to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them on their own or with your favorite sides.
These Meat Loaf-Stuffed Peppers are a comforting, flavorful dish that combines the best of meatloaf and stuffed peppers into one satisfying meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend lunch!
