Mushroom BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers

#### **Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Peppers**: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Set them aside. To make sure they cook evenly, you can trim a small slice off the bottom of the peppers so they stand upright in the baking dish.

2. **Cook the Filling**: In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until softened. Then, add the chopped mushrooms and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and soften.

3. **Brown the Ground Beef**: Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Cook the beef until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned, stir everything together.

4. **Add BBQ Sauce and Seasonings**: Pour in the BBQ sauce, and season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, and let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

5. **Crisp the Bacon**: While the beef mixture simmers, cook the bacon in a separate skillet until crispy. Once cooked, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside.

6. **Stuff the Peppers**: Place the prepared bell peppers in a baking dish. Spoon the beef, mushroom, and BBQ mixture into each pepper, packing it down slightly as you go to make sure it’s well-filled.

7. **Top with Cheese and Bacon**: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over each stuffed pepper. Then, sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top of the cheese.

8. **Bake**: Place the stuffed peppers in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you prefer your cheese a bit golden and crispy, you can broil them for the last 2 minutes.

9. **Garnish and Serve**: Remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor, then serve immediately.

### **Serving Suggestions**

– **Side Dishes**: These Mushroom BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers are a complete meal on their own, but you can serve them with a simple side salad, roasted potatoes, or sweet potato fries for an extra treat.

– **Add Some Heat**: If you enjoy a little spice, consider adding sliced jalapeños to the stuffing mixture or drizzling a bit of hot sauce on top of the peppers before serving.

– **Pair with a Cold Drink**: For a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the stuffed peppers, pair them with a cold beverage like iced tea, lemonade, or even a chilled beer.

### **Why You Should Try Mushroom BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers**

1. **Deliciously Filling**: The combination of ground beef, bacon, mushrooms, and cheese is both satisfying and flavorful, making it a filling meal that’s sure to please the entire family.

2. **Lower-Carb Alternative**: If you’re watching your carb intake or just prefer a lighter option, stuffed peppers are a great substitute for the traditional burger bun. You still get all the comforting cheeseburger flavors, but in a healthy, low-carb form.

3. **Packed with Flavor**: The smoky BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, savory beef, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering experience. Adding mushrooms brings in a subtle earthiness that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.

4. **Impress Your Guests**: If you’re looking for a unique and impressive dish to serve at a dinner party, this recipe is a showstopper. Not only do the stuffed peppers look beautiful when plated, but they also offer a fun and tasty twist on classic flavors.

### **Tips for the Best Mushroom BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers**

– **Make it Ahead**: You can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers in advance. Simply cover the stuffed peppers with plastic wrap and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven and cook as directed.

– **Use a Variety of Cheese**: Experiment with different types of cheese to change up the flavor. Pepper jack cheese adds a little heat, while Swiss cheese offers a smooth, nutty taste.

– **Add Veggies**: If you want to pack even more vegetables into your meal, try adding chopped spinach, zucchini, or diced tomatoes to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.

– **For a Vegetarian Option**: Swap out the ground beef for a meat alternative, like black beans, lentils, or crumbled tempeh, and leave the bacon out. The BBQ sauce and cheese will still provide a rich, flavorful base.

### **Conclusion**

Mushroom BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers are a fun, flavorful, and satisfying way to enjoy the classic cheeseburger in a healthier, low-carb form. With smoky BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, and gooey melted cheese, these stuffed peppers are a guaranteed hit for dinner or special occasions. They’re easy to make, customizable, and sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking to spice up your usual weeknight meals or impress guests with something unique, this recipe is a must-try. Enjoy the flavors of a cheeseburger in a whole new way!