Prepare to take your taste buds on a flavor journey like no other with these Smoked Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs. Combining the ultimate comfort food elements – rich, creamy mac and cheese, smoky bacon, and juicy cheeseburger – all wrapped in a sweet, roasted bell pepper, this dish is a true work of edible art. Get ready to elevate your appetizer game and impress your guests with this decadent, yet approachable, culinary creation.
Why You’ll Love This Smoked Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs
These Smoked Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs are the ultimate fusion of comfort and elegance. The juxtaposition of the soft, velvety mac and cheese, the savory smokiness of the bacon, and the satisfying bite of the cheeseburger filling creates a truly irresistible flavor profile. Nestled inside a sweet, roasted bell pepper, this dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but also delights the eyes with its visually stunning presentation. Prepare to be transported to a world of cozy, gourmet indulgence with every bite.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a carefully curated blend of ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors. You’ll need bell peppers, ground beef, smoked bacon, macaroni, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, milk, breadcrumbs, and a few seasonings to bring out the best in each component.
- 6 medium bell peppers, halved lengthwise and seeds/membranes removed – sweet and colorful.
- 1 lb ground beef – the foundation of the cheeseburger filling.
- 8 slices smoked bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled – a smoky, savory accent.
- 8 oz elbow macaroni, cooked according to package instructions – the creamy mac and cheese base.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – rich, melty, and comforting.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened – for a velvety, indulgent texture.
- 1/2 cup milk – to bring the cheese sauce together.
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs – for a crunchy topping.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – simple seasonings to enhance the flavors.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Crumbled plant-based meat or sautéed mushrooms – a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Cheddar Cheese: Gruyère and Parmesan or smoky Gouda – perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Smoked Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs
Prepare to be captivated by the step-by-step process that transforms these ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary masterpiece.
Step 1 — Pepper Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the bell peppers in half lengthwise, removing the seeds and membranes. Arrange the pepper halves on a baking sheet, ready to be filled with the delectable mac and cheese cheeseburger mixture.
Step 2 — Cheeseburger Mac Filling
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and crumbly, then drain any excess fat. Add the cooked, crumbled bacon to the beef and mix well. In a separate saucepan, prepare the mac and cheese by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions, then stirring in the cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and milk until smooth and creamy. Combine the beef-bacon mixture with the mac and cheese, and mix thoroughly to create the stuffing for the peppers.
Step 3 — Stuffing and Topping
Carefully spoon the Smoked Bacon Mac Cheeseburger filling into the prepared bell pepper halves, ensuring they are evenly filled. Top each stuffed pepper with a generous sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs, which will add a delightful crunch to the dish.
Step 4 — Baking
Place the stuffed peppers in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is hot and bubbly. Keep a close eye to ensure the breadcrumb topping doesn’t burn.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Barbecue Sauce Drizzle: For an extra indulgent twist, consider topping the Smoked Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs with a drizzle of tangy barbecue sauce.
- Crispy Fried Onions: Add a sprinkle of crispy fried onions for a crunchy, flavorful contrast.
- Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations, such as a blend of cheddar and Parmesan or the addition of crumbled blue cheese.
- Herb Garnish: Garnish the stuffed peppers with fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley or chives, just before serving for a visually stunning presentation.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A crisp, fresh salad, roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries, or a simple side of steamed vegetables.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the stuffed peppers in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.
Make-Ahead: These Smoked Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs can be assembled in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.
Nutrition Information
These Smoked Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs are a decadent, yet balanced, treat. Each serving provides a satisfying dose of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, making them a well-rounded addition to your appetizer or snack repertoire. The bell peppers offer a boost of vitamins and antioxidants, while the creamy mac and cheese and savory bacon add a touch of indulgence. Enjoy these bombs in moderation as part of a balanced diet, and savor the cozy, comforting flavors that will leave you feeling satisfied and inspired.
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper half
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Carbs: 28 g
- Fat: 19 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Smoked Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bombs can be assembled in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. Simply prepare the filling, stuff the peppers, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. This makes them a great option for entertaining, as you can have the dish prepped and ready to go, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your event.
Can I use a different type of pepper?
While bell peppers are the traditional choice for this dish, you can certainly experiment with other varieties of peppers. Sweet Italian peppers, Anaheim peppers, or even jalapeños (for a spicy twist) can all work well. Just be mindful of the size and adjust the amount of filling accordingly.
How can I make these Smoked Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, simply substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or sautéed mushrooms. You can also omit the bacon or use a vegetarian bacon substitute. The rest of the ingredients, including the creamy mac and cheese filling, can remain the same, allowing you to enjoy the comfort and elegance of this dish in a meat-free form.
Can I freeze these Smoked Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs?
Yes, you can! Assemble the stuffed peppers, then place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer the stuffed peppers to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When ready to serve, bake the frozen peppers directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are heated through.
What should I serve with these Smoked Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs?
These bombs are truly the star of the show, but they can be accompanied by a variety of delightful side dishes. Consider serving them with a crisp, fresh salad, roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries, or a simple side of steamed vegetables to balance out the rich, comforting flavors.
Try These Next
- Loaded Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Onion Bombs
- Garlic Butter Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Onion Bombs
- Garlic Butter Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Biscuit Bombs
Smoked Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Smoked Bacon Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs are a delicious fusion of flavors, combining the classic taste of a cheeseburger with creamy mac and cheese, all stuffed into sweet bell peppers and smoked to perfection.
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
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°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, then drain.
4. In a large bowl, mix cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese, bacon, ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Stuff the mixture into the prepared bell peppers and top with breadcrumbs.
6. Place the stuffed peppers in the smoker and smoke for 1 hour.
7. Remove from the smoker and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding your favorite spices to the meat mixture.
These can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Satisfying Snacks & Appetizers
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg