Buckle up, folks! This Crispy Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs recipe is about to blow your mind. It’s the ultimate comfort food mash-up – a cheesy, bacon-y, burger-y delight, all packed into a sweet bell pepper. And the best part? You can whip it up in just a few minutes, using your trusty microwave. No oven, no fuss, no mess. Get ready for a seriously satisfying, stress-free dinner that’ll have you wondering how you ever lived without it.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs
These Crispy Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs are the ultimate weeknight win. They’re packed with all your favorite flavors, from the cheesy, bacon-y mac and cheese to the juicy, seasoned burger filling. And the sweet bell pepper acts as the perfect vessel, adding a fresh, crunchy contrast. Plus, with the microwave-friendly prep, you can have a cozy, comforting dinner on the table in just a matter of minutes. It’s the perfect busy-day pick-me-up that’s sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients (Single-Serve)
You only need a handful of simple, real-life ingredients to make these Crispy Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs. Think ground beef, bacon, cheese, mac and cheese, and bell peppers. Grab everything in one quick grocery run, and you’ll be well on your way to a delicious, no-mess dinner.
- 1 slice – crispy bacon, crumbled
- 2 oz – ground beef, browned and seasoned
- 1/2 cup – prepared mac and cheese
- 1 – bell pepper, halved lengthwise and seeded
- 1 tbsp – shredded cheddar cheese
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Beef: ground turkey or chicken (leaner protein)
- Meat: vegetarian crumbles or lentils (meatless)
How to Make Crispy Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs
These Crispy Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs come together in a flash, thanks to the magic of the microwave. Just follow these simple steps for a deliciously stress-free dinner.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by cooking the bacon until crispy, then crumble it. Next, brown the ground beef in a skillet, seasoning it with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Once the beef is cooked through, stir in the prepared mac and cheese.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Slice the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Arrange the pepper halves in a microwave-safe dish. Scoop the cheesy, beefy mac and cheese mixture into the pepper halves, packing it in tightly.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top of the stuffed peppers. Microwave the peppers on high for 2-3 minutes, or until they’re tender and the filling is hot and melty.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For an extra crispy, golden-brown topping, you can quickly broil the stuffed peppers for 1-2 minutes before serving.
Variations & Time-Saver Tips
- Cheese Boost: Try different cheese blends, like cheddar and pepper jack, for an extra flavor boost.
- Veggie Add-Ins: Stir in sautéed onions, mushrooms, or spinach to the mac and cheese filling for added nutrition and texture.
- Crispy Topping: Top the stuffed peppers with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a crunchy finish.
- Mini Stuffed Peppers: For a super-quick, single-serve option, stuff the filling into mini bell peppers or cherry tomatoes.
Serving, Storage & Reheat
Serve with: a simple side salad for a complete, balanced meal.
Storage: Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Microwave Reheat: Reheat in the microwave when ready to enjoy.
Make-Ahead: The filling can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply stuff the peppers and microwave as directed.
Nutrition Info
These Crispy Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs are a real-life comfort food classic, packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Each serving provides a satisfying balance of carbs, healthy fats, and lean protein to keep you feeling full and energized. Enjoy this cozy, calming dinner guilt-free, knowing you’re nourishing your body with wholesome, delicious ingredients.
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper half
- Calories: 325 kcal
- Protein: 19 g
- Carbs: 30 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Sodium: 610 mg
FAQs
Can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Absolutely! The filling can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply stuff the peppers and microwave as directed.
Can I use a different type of pepper?
Yes, feel free to use any color of bell pepper you like. You can even swap in mini bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for a fun, single-serve presentation.
How long do these stuffed peppers keep?
Leftover stuffed peppers will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave before serving.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Definitely! Replace the ground beef with vegetarian crumbles or cooked lentils, and use a vegan cheese or dairy-free mac and cheese to make this dish meat-free.
Do I have to use the microwave?
Nope! If you prefer, you can bake the stuffed peppers in the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is hot and melty.
Try These Next
- Loaded Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Onion Bombs
- Garlic Butter Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Onion Bombs
- Savory Stuffed Pepper Mug Meal
Crispy Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner Mug Meals
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs are a delicious fusion of flavors, combining the classic tastes of a cheeseburger with the comfort of mac and cheese, all stuffed into a sweet bell pepper and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
4 large bell peppers
2 cups cooked macaroni
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 cup diced onions
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
3. In a skillet, cook the ground beef with onions until browned; drain excess fat.
4. In a large bowl, mix cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese, bacon, ground beef, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Stuff the mixture into each bell pepper and place them in a baking dish.
6. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of each stuffed pepper.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender and the tops are golden.
Notes
For extra flavor, add your favorite burger toppings like pickles or mustard to the filling.
These can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg