Looking for a low-carb, flavor-packed meal that satisfies your cheeseburger cravings? These Mushroom BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers are the perfect combination of smoky bacon, juicy beef, savory mushrooms, melty cheese, and tangy BBQ sauceāall stuffed into a sweet bell pepper for a healthier twist on a classic burger!
This dish is easy to make, keto-friendly, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re meal-prepping or making dinner for the family, these stuffed peppers are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Peppers:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color, halved and seeds removed)
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- ½ cup chopped mushrooms (button or cremini)
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (sugar-free for keto)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Extra BBQ sauce for drizzling
- Sliced pickles for a true cheeseburger vibe
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Peppers
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice bell peppers in half and remove seeds. Lightly brush with oil and pre-bake for 10 minutes to soften them slightly.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving some bacon grease in the pan.
- Add chopped onion and garlic to the pan. SautƩ for 2 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef and mushrooms, cooking until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and mix in crumbled bacon.
Step 3: Stuff the Peppers
- Fill each pre-baked pepper half with the beef mixture, pressing down slightly to pack it in.
- Top each pepper with shredded cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
- Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optional: Broil for the last 2-3 minutes to get a golden, crispy cheese topping.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve with a side of coleslaw, roasted veggies, or a simple salad!
Cooking Notes & Tips
- Pre-baking the peppers helps them soften up before adding the filling.
- Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for extra gooey cheesiness!
- For a smokier flavor, add ½ teaspoon liquid smoke to the beef mixture.
- Like it spicy? Add diced jalapeƱos or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Variations
1. Classic Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers
- Skip the mushrooms and BBQ sauce, and instead mix in ketchup, mustard, and pickles for a true cheeseburger flavor!
2. Keto & Low-Carb Version
- Use sugar-free BBQ sauce or make your own by mixing tomato paste, vinegar, and low-carb sweetener.
- Swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella for fewer carbs.
- Serve with a side of cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly meal!
3. Mushroom Swiss Stuffed Peppers
- Swap out cheddar cheese for Swiss cheese and add extra sautƩed mushrooms.
4. Tex-Mex BBQ Stuffed Peppers
- Add 1 teaspoon taco seasoning and top with pepper jack cheese for a southwestern twist!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the stuffed peppers, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
3. Can I freeze stuffed peppers?
Absolutely! Wrap individually in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
4. What should I serve with these stuffed peppers?
They go great with garlic butter asparagus, a fresh garden salad, or roasted Brussels sprouts!
5. Can I use different meats?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage all work well in this recipe.
These Mushroom BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers are an easy, low-carb alternative to your favorite cheeseburger! Packed with smoky bacon, melty cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce, theyāre a flavor explosion in every bite.