I absolutely love this Low-Carb, Keto Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers Recipe because it hits all those comfort food notes without derailing your low-carb goals. Trust me, if you’re like me and adore cheeseburgers but want something a little lighter and keto-friendly, these stuffed mini peppers are game changers. The combination of savory seasoned beef inside sweet, tender mini peppers is something my family goes crazy for, and it’s so easy to whip up any night of the week.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how juicy and flavorful the beef gets, especially with that grated onion juice mixed in – it keeps the meat tender and delicious. You’ll find that it’s the perfect recipe for quick weeknight dinners, leftovers, or even party appetizers. Plus, it’s low-carb and keto-friendly, so no guilt involved when you take seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: Perfect to enjoy a cheeseburger fix while sticking to your macros.
- Quick and Simple: No fancy techniques here—just straightforward steps that save you time.
- Flavor-Packed: Seasoned beef blended with grated onion juice keeps the filling juicy and tasty.
- Family Approved: My household can’t get enough, which means it’s a winner in any kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this Low-Carb, Keto Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers Recipe come together to make a well-balanced and juicy filling wrapped in sweet mini peppers. I love that these ingredients are simple, fresh, and often already in my fridge or pantry.
- Mini peppers: Choose bright and firm ones—those will hold their shape best and add a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the beef.
- Ground beef: I prefer 80/20 for juiciness, but leaner works if you want less fat.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors; you can always adjust to taste.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground if you can—it makes a noticeable difference.
- Paprika: Adds a mild smoky depth; smoked paprika works great too.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings complexity without overpowering.
- Garlic powder: A must-have for that subtle garlicky warmth.
- Ground cumin: Gives the beef a slightly earthy, burger-like flavor.
- Small onion (grated with juice): This little trick keeps the filling moist and tender—I recommend freezing the onion for 15 minutes before grating to make this easier.
- Egg white (large): Helps bind the filling without adding extra fat.
- Shredded mozzarella: Melts perfectly on top for that classic cheeseburger finish.
Variations
I like to switch things up with this Low-Carb, Keto Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers Recipe depending on what I have on hand or what flavors my family is craving. Feel free to personalize it to your taste—you can’t really go wrong here.
- Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture when we want a bit of heat.
- Cheese Variety: Instead of mozzarella, try sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a different melty flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and zucchini for a veggie-packed twist.
- Herb Boost: Fresh basil or parsley stirred into the filling can brighten the flavors wonderfully.
How to Make Low-Carb, Keto Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season Your Beef Mixture
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a baking sheet with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with salt, black pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, ground cumin, grated onion with its juice, and the egg white. Mixing in the onion juice is a game changer—it keeps the filling moist and flavorful. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything evenly but gently. Don’t overwork the meat to avoid a dense texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Mini Peppers
Cut each mini pepper in half lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. This step is simple but crucial for the best bite. Arrange the halves on your prepared baking sheet, keeping the cut side up, so they’re ready to be filled.
Step 3: Stuff and Bake
Fill each pepper half with the beef mixture, pressing it gently so the top stays flat but not overly compacted. This helps it cook evenly and stay juicy. Bake the stuffed peppers for about 20 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through and the peppers have softened but still hold their shape.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Once the baking time is up, sprinkle shredded mozzarella over each stuffed pepper half. Pop them back into the oven for another 3-4 minutes to melt the cheese to bubbly perfection. If you like, top with chopped parsley for a fresh burst of color and flavor before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Low-Carb, Keto Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers Recipe
- Grate the Onion Frozen: I learned that freezing the onion for 15 minutes makes it firm and super easy to grate without turning mushy.
- Don’t Overfill the Peppers: Leaving the top flat prevents the filling from spilling over while baking, for a neater presentation.
- Season Thoughtfully: Because cheese adds saltiness, I suggest starting with less salt in the beef and adjusting to your taste.
- Ensure Even Cooking: Make sure your pepper halves are similarly sized so the beef cooks evenly, avoiding dry or undercooked bites.
How to Serve Low-Carb, Keto Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
I like to top these stuffed peppers with fresh chopped parsley or chives to add a hint of color and freshness. Sometimes, I drizzle a little sugar-free ketchup or mustard on top to echo the classic cheeseburger flavors. It’s amazing how small touches elevate the dish.
Side Dishes
To keep things light and keto-friendly, I usually pair these stuffed peppers with a crisp green salad or some roasted asparagus. If you want a bit of extra crunch, crispy pork rinds or cheese crisps are a perfect snack alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I arrange the stuffed pepper halves on a large platter and garnish with colorful microgreens and thinly sliced radishes for an eye-catching centerpiece. Mini flags or themed toothpicks make fun additions for parties or kids’ lunches, too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They reheat well and stay juicy if you avoid drying out the peppers—make sure to cover them during reheating.
Freezing
I’ve frozen leftover stuffed peppers (without cheese on top) wrapped tightly in foil and stored in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding the cheese on top for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes covered with foil to keep moisture locked in. Add cheese near the end if you like it fresh melted. I avoid microwaving because it can make the peppers soggy, but if you’re in a pinch, microwave on low power in short bursts.
FAQs
-
Can I use larger peppers for this Low-Carb, Keto Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers Recipe?
Absolutely! Larger bell peppers work fine, just expect a bigger filling portion per pepper. Adjust the cooking time slightly as larger peppers may take a few extra minutes to soften and cook the beef through.
-
What can I substitute for mozzarella cheese?
You can swap mozzarella for any melty cheese you prefer, like cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda. Just choose a cheese that melts well to achieve that cheeseburger topping vibe.
-
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! These stuffed peppers store well and reheat nicely, making them perfect for keto-friendly meal prep lunches or dinners throughout the week.
-
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
For a vegetarian version, try using plant-based ground “beef” or a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms and walnuts. Replace mozzarella with a vegan cheese alternative to keep it fully vegan.
-
What if I don’t have fresh onion on hand?
No worries! Replace the grated fresh onion and juice with about 2 teaspoons of onion powder in the beef mixture—it’s an easy swap that still brings lots of flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Low-Carb, Keto Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers Recipe really holds a special place in my go-to meal rotation because it combines everything I crave in a cheeseburger without the bun or carbs weighing me down. I recommend giving it a try next time you want something satisfying but quick and easy. Once you make it, I bet you’ll love how versatile and flavorful it is—you might even find yourself making extras just to have leftovers ready to go!
PrintLow-Carb, Keto Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb,Keto
Description
This Low-Carb, Keto Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish combining ground beef seasoned with aromatic spices and grated onion, stuffed into sweet mini peppers, then baked to perfection and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a perfect keto-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare, low in carbohydrates, and packed with protein.
Ingredients
Peppers
- 12 mini peppers
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 small onion, grated with juice
- 1 large egg white
Topping
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a baking sheet with olive oil spray to prevent sticking and prepare for baking the stuffed peppers.
- Mix beef filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with salt, black pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, ground cumin, grated onion with its juice, and the egg white. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Prepare the peppers: Cut each mini pepper in half lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds to create space for stuffing. Keep the tops flat to allow the filling to stay secure.
- Stuff the peppers: Fill each pepper half evenly with the prepared beef mixture, pressing lightly to fill but keeping the surface flat.
- Bake initial: Arrange the stuffed peppers on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the peppers have softened and the beef is cooked completely through.
- Add cheese and finish baking: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and evenly top each stuffed pepper with shredded mozzarella cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 3–4 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally, sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving to add a fresh touch and vibrant color. Serve warm for the best taste.
Notes
- Serving size is 2 peppers (4 halves).
- Adjust salt to taste considering the saltiness added by the cheese topping.
- If you prefer not to use fresh onion, substitute with 2 teaspoons onion powder.
- For easier grating, freeze the onion for 15 minutes before grating to firm it up.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 mini peppers with filling
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 110mg