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BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers - A Crowd-Pleasing Weeknight Favorite

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large bell peppers (any color; red or yellow are sweeter)
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 for best flavor)
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional, for classic burger flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
  • 1/4 cup dill pickles, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup water or beef broth (for baking)

Method
 

  1. Prep the peppers: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. If they wobble, shave a thin slice off the bottom to help them stand.
  2. Pre-bake for tenderness: Place peppers cut-side up in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Add 1/4 cup water or broth to the dish. Cover with foil and bake for 12–15 minutes to soften slightly.
  3. Crisp the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a plate. Leave 1–2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
  4. Sauté aromatics: Add the onion to the skillet. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Brown the beef: Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder if using. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  6. Build the burger flavor: Stir in BBQ sauce, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire. Simmer 2–3 minutes until glossy and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  7. Add the mix-ins: Remove from heat. Fold in half the cheddar, the crisp bacon, and chopped pickles. This gives you gooey pockets of cheese and that signature burger tang.
  8. Stuff the peppers: Remove peppers from the oven. Spoon the beef mixture into each pepper, packing it in. Top with the remaining cheddar.
  9. Bake to finish: Return peppers to the oven (uncovered) for 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and peppers are tender.
  10. Garnish and serve: Drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce on top, sprinkle with green onions and extra pickles, and serve hot.