Smoked Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs combine the comfort of cheesy mac and cheese with the savory flavors of bacon and beef, all tucked inside a colorful bell pepper. This delightful dish is perfect for cookouts, game day, or any gathering where you want to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. Each bite bursts with flavor, offering a smoky experience that tantalizes the taste buds.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Medium
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 480
- Protein: 28 grams
- Carbohydrates: 32 grams
- Fat: 28 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Sodium: 760 mg
Why Make This Smoked Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs
These Smoked Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs are a unique twist on classic comfort food. Combining mac and cheese, burgers, and the irresistible crunch of bell peppers, this recipe is a dish that everyone will adore. The smoky flavor from the smoker adds depth and richness, setting this dish apart from ordinary stuffed peppers. They’re visually stunning as well, making them a fantastic centerpiece for any table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your family, these stuffed pepper bombs are sure to be a hit.
How to Make Smoked Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers
- 2 cups cooked macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup diced onions
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes so that you have hollow shells ready to be filled.
Step 2: Cooking the Meat
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onions until the meat is browned and the onions are translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess grease for a healthier dish.
Step 3: Mixing
In a large bowl, mix together the cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, the cooked beef and onion mixture, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well combined for an even distribution of flavors.
Step 4: Stuffing and Topping
Stuff the prepared bell peppers generously with the macaroni and meat mixture. Don’t be shy! Top each filled pepper with breadcrumbs to create a crunchy topping. This will give each bite an extra layer of texture.
Step 5: Cooking in the Smoker
Place the stuffed peppers in the smoker, ensuring they are stable and not tipping over. Smoke them for 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while the peppers soften and develop a smoky richness.
Step 6: Cooling and Serving
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the stuffed peppers from the smoker. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving, as both the filling and the peppers will be extremely hot.
How to Serve Smoked Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs
Serve these stuffed pepper bombs warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color. They can stand alone as a meal or be paired with a fresh green salad, coleslaw, or some crispy potato wedges. They are perfect for casual dinners or as a fun appetizer at parties.
How to Store Smoked Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs
To store leftovers, let the stuffed peppers cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will last for up to 3-4 days. When ready to eat, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Expert Tips for Perfect Smoked Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs
- Choose bell peppers that are firm and free from blemishes for the best results.
- Feel free to mix and match different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for added flavor.
- If you like a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to your meat mixture.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils for a fulfilling and delicious alternative.
Delicious Variations
- BBQ Chicken Stuffed Peppers: Substitute the ground beef with shredded cooked chicken and add your favorite BBQ sauce.
- Mexican Twist: Use taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and pepper jack cheese to give a zesty flavor.
- Cheesy Spinach: Mix in some sautéed spinach with your macaroni and cheese for extra nutrients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a regular oven instead of a smoker?
Yes, you can bake these in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender and the filling is hot.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just stuff the peppers and cook them when you’re ready to eat.
How do I know when the stuffed peppers are done?
The peppers should be soft and tender when pierced with a fork, and the filling should be bubbling hot.
Can I freeze these stuffed peppers?
Yes, you can freeze them before smoking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
What side dishes go well with stuffed peppers?
These stuffed peppers pair well with a variety of side dishes, including salads, roasted vegetables, or even a light soup to complement the meal.
Conclusion
The Smoked Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional comfort food that brings the best of both worlds together. With their smoky flavor, cheesy filling, and vibrant presentation, these stuffed peppers are bound to be a favorite at your next gathering. Try making them and delight in the smiles they bring to your table!
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Smoked Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs
- Total Time: 80
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Meat
Description
A delicious combination of cheesy mac and cheese, savory bacon, and ground beef, all stuffed in colorful bell peppers. Perfect for cookouts and gatherings!
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers
- 2 cups cooked macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup diced onions
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onions until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, cooked beef and onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the prepared bell peppers with the macaroni and meat mixture, then top each with breadcrumbs.
- Place the stuffed peppers in the smoker and smoke for 1 hour.
- Remove from smoker and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, mix and match cheeses or add diced jalapeños for heat. Can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 60
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
