Dinner Recipes

January 21, 2026

Smoked Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs to Savor

📊

Difficulty Easy

Recipe by

Mia

90 Views • 10 min read

Smoked Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs to Savor

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these incredible Smoked Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs! They’re like a big, delicious hug of flavors all wrapped up in a vibrant pepper. Imagine creamy, cheesy macaroni mixed with savory ground beef, all infused with that irresistible smoky flavor. Seriously, it’s a culinary dream come true! The peppers add a crunchy texture and a touch of sweetness that perfectly balances the richness of the filling. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just craving something fun and satisfying, these pepper bombs are a total showstopper. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked! They’re not just food; they’re an experience you won’t want to miss!

Ingredients

4 large bell peppers (any color you like, just make sure they’re sturdy!)
2 cups macaroni (cooked according to package instructions and drained)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite melty cheese)
1 cup cooked ground beef (seasoned to your liking)
1/2 cup diced onions (for that nice crunch and flavor)
1/2 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, just make sure to drain if using canned)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (adds a lovely depth of flavor)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (this gives it that smoky kick)
Salt to taste (don’t be shy, just remember you can add more later!)
Pepper to taste (freshly cracked is best!)

How to Prepare Smoked Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs

Smoked Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs - detail 1

Prepping the Ingredients

First things first, let’s get that smoker fired up! Preheat it to a cozy 225°F (107°C) because, trust me, the low and slow method is where the magic happens. While that’s warming up, cook your macaroni according to the package instructions. Don’t forget to drain it well! You want it al dente so it holds up when stuffed into those peppers.

Preparing the Peppers

Now, onto the peppers! Choose large, sturdy bell peppers—any color will do, but I love the sweetness of red or yellow. Carefully slice off the tops and scoop out the seeds and membranes. Make sure to get them nice and clean inside, so there’s room for all that cheesy goodness. If you want an extra touch of flavor, you can even give the insides a light sprinkle of salt.

Mixing the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, seasoned ground beef, diced onions, and tomatoes. Sprinkle in that garlic powder and smoked paprika, then season with salt and pepper. Mix it all together until it’s a deliciously gooey consistency. Don’t be afraid to taste it—adjust the seasoning if necessary! You want it to be bursting with flavor.

Stuffing the Peppers

Time to stuff those peppers! Grab a spoon and pack the macaroni mixture into each pepper, pressing down gently to make sure it’s filled to the brim. You might want to overfill them a bit—who doesn’t love a generous serving? Just be careful not to split the peppers while you’re at it!

Smoking the Peppers

Place your stuffed peppers upright in the smoker and let them do their thing for about 1 hour. The goal here is for the cheese to melt perfectly and the peppers to become tender while soaking in that smoky flavor. Keep an eye on them, and when they’re looking beautifully charred and delicious, they’re ready to come out. Let them cool for a few minutes, and then dig in!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to these Smoked Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs, you’ll want to know what you’re putting into your body, right? Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per stuffed pepper. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose:

Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
Calories: 350
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 50mg

So there you have it! These tasty bombs are not only a fun meal but also pack a punch when it comes to flavor without breaking the calorie bank. Enjoy them guilt-free, and feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs!

Tips for Success

Ready to take your Smoked Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs to the next level? Here are some of my favorite pro tips to ensure you nail it every time!

Get Your Smoker Right: Make sure your smoker is fully preheated to 225°F (107°C) before adding the peppers. This step is crucial for that perfect smoky flavor and tender texture!
Experiment with Cheese: Don’t feel limited to just cheddar! Try swapping in some pepper jack for a spicy kick, or mix in some mozzarella for an extra gooey texture. Cheese is your playground here!
Season Generously: Taste your filling before stuffing the peppers. If it needs a bit more oomph, add a dash of hot sauce or some extra spices. Remember, the filling should be bold to shine through the pepper.
Choose the Right Peppers: While bell peppers are fantastic, feel free to experiment with poblano or Anaheim peppers for a smokier flavor profile. Just keep in mind that they might have a bit more heat!
Don’t Rush the Smoking: Give those peppers a full hour in the smoker. Patience is key here! The longer they smoke, the deeper the flavor will be. If they’re not quite charred and tender after an hour, let them go a bit longer.
Cool Before Serving: After you pull those beauties from the smoker, let them cool for a few minutes. This not only helps with the melting cheese situation but also makes them easier to handle when serving.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be whipping up the most delicious Smoked Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs that your friends and family will rave about! Happy cooking!

Variations on Smoked Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs

One of the things I love most about these Smoked Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs is how versatile they are! You can really get creative with the ingredients and make them your own. Here are some fun variations to consider:

Cheesy Fiesta: Swap out the cheddar for a blend of Mexican cheeses like queso blanco, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of cotija on top before smoking. Add some black beans and corn into the filling for a southwestern twist!
Veggie Lover’s Delight: For a lighter version, use cooked quinoa or brown rice instead of macaroni. Toss in some sautéed zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for an extra veggie boost. You could even go meatless with lentils or a meat alternative!
BBQ Bliss: Mix in some BBQ sauce with the ground beef for a tangy flavor explosion. You can top the stuffed peppers with crispy fried onions for that added crunch and flavor—it’s like a BBQ in a pepper!
Spicy Kick: If you love heat, add some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the filling. You could also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for that extra zing!
Italian Inspiration: Swap the ground beef for Italian sausage and mix in some marinara sauce with the macaroni. Top with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for a delightful Italian-inspired twist!
Breakfast Bombs: Change it up by using breakfast sausage, scrambled eggs, and shredded cheese for a breakfast version. You can even add some diced bell peppers and onions into the mix for a hearty breakfast treat!

With these variations, the possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to try them! Feel free to mix and match based on what you have on hand or your personal taste. These stuffed pepper bombs are sure to be a hit no matter how you make them!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve whipped up these amazing Smoked Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs, let’s talk about what to serve alongside them! You’ll want to complement those rich, cheesy flavors with some tasty sides and drinks. Here are a few of my favorite pairings:

Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette is perfect to cut through the richness.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds a crunchy texture and a refreshing contrast to the warm pepper bombs.
Garlic Bread: Because who doesn’t love a good slice of buttery garlic bread? It’s fantastic for mopping up any cheesy goodness that escapes!
Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries add a delightful sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory stuffing.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: A classic summer side that’s fun to eat and adds a sweet, smoky flavor to the meal.
Ice-Cold Beer: A light lager or a refreshing pale ale complements the smoky flavors and keeps things casual.
Homemade Lemonade: If you’re in the mood for something non-alcoholic, a zesty homemade lemonade is the perfect thirst quencher!

These sides and drinks will elevate your meal and make your Smoked Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs truly unforgettable. Enjoy every bite and sip!

FAQ Section

Can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers a day in advance. Just cover them tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before smoking, and then follow the smoking instructions as usual.

How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which I doubt, because they’re that good!), store the stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the fridge. They should be good for about 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or back in the smoker to warm them up. Yum!

Can I use different types of peppers?
Definitely! While I love the classic bell peppers, you can experiment with poblano or Anaheim peppers for a different flavor and a bit of heat. Just make sure they’re large enough to hold all that delicious filling!

What if I don’t have a smoker?
No worries! You can use your oven instead. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake the stuffed peppers in a baking dish covered with foil for about 30-40 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted. You won’t get that smoky flavor, but they’ll still be super tasty!

Can I freeze these stuffed peppers?
Yes! Just make sure to freeze them before cooking. Wrap each stuffed pepper tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and then smoke or bake as directed!

What can I substitute for the macaroni?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free pasta or cooked quinoa. You can even use cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb version—just make sure it’s well-drained!

How spicy are these pepper bombs?
The spice level is pretty mild, but if you like it spicy, feel free to add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling. You can always adjust the seasoning to fit your taste buds!

What do you think?

Share your thoughts, tips, or variations on this recipe!

Smoked Mac Cheeseburger Stuffed Pepper Bombs to Savor

Mia

Ingredients