If you love bold flavors and crave that perfect blend of smoky, cheesy, and savory goodness, you are in for a serious treat with this Smoked Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs Recipe. Imagine tender bell peppers bursting with creamy mac and cheese, smoky bacon, juicy ground beef seasoned to perfection, all infused with that subtle magic of smoking. It’s comfort food elevated to a whole new level, guaranteed to be the star of any meal or gathering. This recipe hits all the right notes for anyone who appreciates a hearty, flavor-packed dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is easier than you think, and each one plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and texture that explode in every bite. From the freshness of bell peppers to the smoky crunch of bacon, every element is a must-have to recreate this masterpiece.
- 4 large bell peppers: These act as the perfect edible vessel with a slight sweetness that balances the savory filling.
- 2 cups cooked macaroni: The classic mac and cheese base brings creamy comfort and satisfying chewiness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, adding rich, cheesy goodness.
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon: Smoky and salty, bacon elevates the dish with crunchy texture and umami flavor.
- 1/2 pound ground beef: Adds hearty substance and that unmistakable cheeseburger appeal.
- 1/4 cup diced onions: Brings a touch of sweetness and depth when cooked with the beef.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: A secret boost for that tangy, savory punch in the filling.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses warmth and aroma, perfectly complementing the other ingredients.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning that ties all flavors together.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Adds a lovely golden crust and slight crunch when smoked on top of the peppers.
How to Make Smoked Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Smoker
Start by heating your smoker to a steady 225°F (107°C). This low and slow temperature is key to infusing that unmistakable smoky flavor into the peppers and filling, creating a taste experience you’ll remember.
Step 2: Prepare the Bell Peppers
Carefully cut the tops off each bell pepper, then scoop out the seeds and membranes to create the perfect little bowls to hold all the delicious filling. Keeping the peppers intact and sturdy is crucial for that bomb-like effect.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef and Onions
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onions until the meat is fully browned and the onions are tender. Drain any excess fat to keep the filling rich but not greasy.
Step 4: Combine the Filling Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, browned ground beef and onions, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This combination is where the magic happens—each ingredient harmonizes to create the mouthwatering filling.
Step 5: Stuff the Peppers and Add Breadcrumbs
Fill each prepared bell pepper generously with the mac and cheeseburger mixture, packing it in so every bite overflows with flavor. Top each pepper with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs to add that irresistible crust after smoking.
Step 6: Smoke the Stuffed Peppers
Place the stuffed peppers upright in your smoker and let them smoke for about 1 hour. This slow cook allows the peppers to soften just enough while the smoky aroma penetrates the filling, enhancing every flavor note beautifully.
Step 7: Remove and Rest
Once smoked to perfection, take the peppers out and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This pause helps the flavors settle and makes them easier to handle—and trust me, it’s hard to wait!
How to Serve Smoked Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped green onions or a sprinkle of fresh parsley add a burst of color and a subtle brightness to cut through the richness. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of tangy BBQ sauce can also complement the smoky and savory layers.
Side Dishes
Pair these stuffed pepper bombs with a crisp garden salad or some grilled corn on the cob for a balanced meal. If you want to go all out, crispy potato wedges or a creamy coleslaw provide fantastic texture contrasts and satisfy hungry appetites.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve each pepper on a rustic wooden board for a casual vibe or arrange them neatly on a colorful platter for entertaining guests. You can even offer mini forks for easier sharing at parties. Adding small dipping bowls of mustard or ketchup lets everyone customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap any leftover stuffed peppers tightly in foil or plastic wrap and keep them in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making them ideal for easy next-day meals.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these Smoked Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs Recipe can be frozen. Place the stuffed peppers in a freezer-safe container or bag after they have completely cooled. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months without losing their delicious essence.
Reheating
For best results, thaw frozen peppers in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, which helps maintain their smoky flavor and prevents sogginess. You could also use a microwave for convenience but be mindful of texture changes.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar adds a traditional mac and cheese flavor, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a mix. Just pick cheeses that melt well to keep the filling creamy and delicious.
What if I don’t have a smoker?
No worries—this recipe can be adapted by baking the stuffed peppers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 30-40 minutes. While you’ll miss some of that smoky depth, the flavors will still shine brilliantly.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the beef and bacon and substitute with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives. Adding extra seasoning like smoked paprika can help introduce that satisfying smoky flavor.
How spicy are these stuffed peppers?
They are naturally mild since bell peppers are sweet and the filling doesn’t include hot spices. However, you can easily add a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños if you prefer a little heat.
What kind of bell peppers work best?
Large bell peppers with thick walls are ideal because they hold the filling well and stand upright during smoking. Red, yellow, or orange peppers add beautiful color and sweetness, but green peppers work fine too.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Smoked Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs Recipe, it’s going to become your go-to comfort food for game days, family dinners, or any time you want to wow your friends with something extraordinary. It’s playful, packed with flavor, and downright addictive. So grab those peppers and get cooking—you’re about to create something truly special that everyone will rave about!
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Quick Lasagna Soup for a Crowd Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Smoked Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs combine the smoky flavor of bacon and ground beef with creamy macaroni and cheese, all perfectly cooked inside sweet bell peppers and smoked to perfection for a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1/4 cup diced onions
Main Filling
- 2 cups cooked macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/2 pound ground beef
Seasoning & Toppings
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the smoker: Set your smoker to 225°F (107°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for slow-smoking the stuffed peppers.
- Prepare the bell peppers: Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and carefully remove all seeds and membranes to create hollow vessels for the filling.
- Cook the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the diced onions until the beef is browned and onions are softened. Drain any excess fat.
- Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, cooked crumbled bacon, browned ground beef and onion mixture, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Stuff the peppers: Fill each hollowed bell pepper generously with the prepared macaroni mixture. Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly on top to add a crispy finish.
- Smoke the stuffed peppers: Place the stuffed peppers on the smoker rack and smoke for 1 hour at 225°F, allowing the flavors to meld and the peppers to soften.
- Rest and serve: Remove the stuffed peppers from the smoker and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the filling set slightly and to avoid burns.
Notes
- Use a variety of bell pepper colors for an attractive presentation.
- You can prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate until ready to stuff and smoke.
- Adjust seasoning and spice level by adding chili flakes or hot sauce if desired.
- If you do not have a smoker, you can bake the stuffed peppers at 350°F for 30-40 minutes, though the smoky flavor will be reduced.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
