Ingredients with Measurements:
- 6 large bell peppers
- 1 pound bacon
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
Special equipment needed:
- Large baking dish
- Meat thermometer
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
3. In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, bread crumbs, cheddar cheese, onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
4. Lay out a sheet of plastic wrap and weave the bacon into a lattice pattern on top of it.
5. Spread the ground beef mixture evenly over the bacon lattice, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
6. Roll the bacon and ground beef mixture into a tight log, using the plastic wrap to help you.
7. Place the bacon log into the baking dish and brush with barbecue sauce.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
9. While the bacon explosion is cooking, blanch the bell peppers in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then remove and set aside.
10. Once the bacon explosion is cooked, remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes.
11. Slice the bacon explosion into rounds and stuff each bell pepper with a few slices.
12. Serve hot and enjoy!
- Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 45-50 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
- Internal temperature of bacon explosion: 160°F
Serving size:
- 6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 534
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Protein: 37g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground pork or turkey can be substituted for ground beef.
- Any type of cheese can be used instead of cheddar.
- Barbecue sauce can be substituted with any other sauce of your choice.
Variations:
- Add diced jalapeños or other peppers to the ground beef mixture for extra spice.
- Use different types of peppers, such as poblano or Anaheim, instead of bell peppers.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the bacon explosion is cooked to the proper temperature.
- If the bacon is not staying in place while you weave the lattice, you can use toothpicks to hold it in place.
- Make sure to let the bacon explosion rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover bacon explosion in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the stuffed peppers on a bed of rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Garlic mashed potatoes
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the bacon explosion is not holding together, you may need to add more bread crumbs to the ground beef mixture.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the bacon explosion to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
- The bacon explosion was first created in 2008 by a group of barbecue enthusiasts in Kansas City, Missouri.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, smoky, and slightly spicy.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot as a main dish.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A