Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil a baking dish large enough to hold the peppers upright.
- Trim the tops of the peppers and remove seeds. Rub the insides with a little olive oil.
Cooking the Beef Filling
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and no longer pink, stirring occasionally.
- Push beef to the side and add chopped onion. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Mix in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, then add chopped pickles or pickle juice if using. The mixture should be thick and glossy. Remove from heat.
Stuffing the Peppers
- Spoon the beef mixture into each pepper, filling almost to the top. Press gently to compact the filling slightly.
- Sprinkle about 1/4 cup shredded cheddar on top of each stuffed pepper.
Baking
- Arrange peppers in the prepared baking dish. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil, switch oven to broil if you want extra browning, and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Alternatively, bake uncovered an additional 5 minutes at 375°F for melted cheese without broiling.
- Peppers should be tender with a slight give when pierced with a fork but not mushy.
Finishing and Serving
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and an extra drizzle of mustard or a pickle slice, if desired.
- Serve warm. Each pepper is a satisfying single-serving meal.
Notes
Choose firm, even-sized peppers so they bake evenly. Monterey Jack or a melty blend works too. For dairy-free options, use a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative. Make ahead by refrigerating assembled peppers up to 24 hours before baking.
