Meatloaf Sauce or Stuffed Peppers

Transform your dinners with this versatile "Meatloaf Sauce or Stuffed Peppers" recipe—a rich, aromatic tomato-based sauce that's perfect for drizzling over classic meatloaf or as the flavorful filling base for stuffed peppers. Made with sautéed onions and garlic, crushed tomatoes, a touch of sweetness from brown sugar, and a savory blend of Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, and paprika, this sauce strikes the perfect balance of tangy and hearty. For stuffed pepper enthusiasts, the sauce pairs beautifully with a savory mix of ground beef and rice, all baked to perfection under a cheesy, golden topping. Whether you're elevating your meatloaf or creating comforting stuffed peppers, this recipe is an easy yet impressive way to satisfy your comfort food cravings. Ideal keywords: meatloaf sauce, stuffed peppers, tomato sauce recipe, dinner ideas, comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 large red bell peppers (optional, for stuffing)
• 1 pound ground beef (optional, for stuffed peppers)
• 1 cup cooked rice (optional, for stuffed peppers)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, for stuffed peppers)

Directions

Step 1

Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat and add the olive oil.

Step 2

Sauté the diced onion in the olive oil for 3-4 minutes, or until translucent.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

Step 4

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and brown sugar until well combined.

Step 5

Add the Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7

For stuffed peppers (optional), preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) while the sauce is simmering.

Step 8

Cut the tops off the red bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set them aside.

Step 9

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, and 1 cup of the prepared sauce. Mix until fully incorporated.

Step 10

Stuff each bell pepper with the beef mixture and place them upright in a baking dish.

Step 11

Spoon some of the remaining sauce over the tops of the stuffed peppers and cover the dish with aluminum foil.

Step 12

Bake the stuffed peppers for 35 minutes, then remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the tops, and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 13

If using the sauce for meatloaf, spoon it over the top of your prepared meatloaf before baking or serve it on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2371.5 grams (2371.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2449

Total Fat 149.00g	191%
Saturated Fat 61.00g	305%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 421mg	140%
Sodium 2531mg	110%
Total Carbohydrate 166.50g	61%
Dietary Fiber 28.10g	100%
Total Sugars 67.90g
Protein 126.00g	252%

Vitamin D 24IU	120%
Calcium 1140mg	88%
Iron 19mg	107%
Potassium 4898mg	104%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.4%

Protein: 20.1%

Carbs: 26.5%