If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty meal that combines the comfort of meatloaf with the freshness of bell peppers, this recipe is for you. Bell Pepper Meat Loaves offer a unique twist on traditional meatloaf by incorporating vibrant bell pepper rings as both an ingredient and a tasty vessel for the meat mixture. This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household, thanks to its flavorful ingredients and eye-catching presentation.
In our home, this Bell Pepper Meat Loaves recipe is a beloved dinner staple. My husband absolutely adores the savory, juicy meatloaf mixture paired with the sweet and slightly crunchy bell pepper rings. It all started when we were looking for a way to jazz up our classic meatloaf recipe, and the addition of bell peppers turned out to be a game-changer. Now, it’s a dish that not only pleases our palates but also brings us together around the dinner table for a meal that’s both delicious and memorable.
Why This Bell Pepper Meat Loaf Recipe is a Must-Try
- Unique Presentation: The bell pepper rings not only add flavor but also make the dish visually appealing.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of ground beef, fresh thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic creates a savory and aromatic meatloaf.
- Cheesy Goodness: Topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese, each bite is a perfect blend of meat, vegetables, and cheese.
- Sweet and Tangy Glaze: The ketchup and brown sugar glaze adds a delightful sweet and tangy finish.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible even on busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 3 bell peppers (approximately 600g / 1.32 lbs)
- 450g (1 lb) ground beef
- 30g (1/4 cup) bread crumbs
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped (about 60g / 2.12 oz)
- 1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 60g (1/4 cup) ketchup
- 15g (1 tbsp) brown sugar
- 200g (2 cups) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the Peppers: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a medium baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the ends off the bell peppers and finely chop them (discard the stems). Remove the seeds and slice each pepper into 2-inch thick rings. You should get approximately 2 rings from each pepper. Place the pepper rings on the prepared baking sheet.
- Mix the Meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped pepper ends, bread crumbs, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, finely chopped onion, fresh thyme, minced garlic, and tomato paste. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Fill the Pepper Rings: Carefully fill each bell pepper ring with the meatloaf mixture, pressing gently to ensure the filling is compact.
- Add the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup and brown sugar. Brush this sweet and tangy glaze over the tops of the filled bell pepper rings.
- Bake: Bake the meat loaves in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. After 35 minutes, sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top of each meatloaf and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures!
Notes
- Substitutions: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat with a mixture of cooked lentils and finely chopped mushrooms.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Nutritional Information: This recipe provides a good source of protein and essential vitamins from the bell peppers. Adjust portion sizes according to your dietary needs.
