Irresistible Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers Recipe You’ll Love

There’s a certain magic in the air when you walk into a kitchen that smells like Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers cooking. Picture this: bright, colorful bell peppers cradling a savory mix of beef, rice, and spices, all simmering away to perfection. The aroma wafts through the house like a warm hug, enticing everyone to gather around the dinner table.

Now, as I reminisce about my childhood, I can’t help but recall those rainy days when my mom would whip up her famous stuffed peppers. The anticipation would build as we waited for dinner, our stomachs growling louder than the thunder outside. Nothing could beat that comforting bowl of goodness—perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in with friends.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Bell Peppers: Choose colorful bell peppers—red, yellow, or green—for visual appeal and sweetness; they’ll be the containers for your stuffing.

• Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a hearty filling; feel free to substitute with turkey or plant-based alternatives if desired.

• Cooked Rice: Any type of cooked rice works well; it adds bulk and helps absorb flavors from the meat and spices.

• Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes create a juicy base for your filling; opt for fire-roasted varieties for an extra flavor boost.

• Onion: A chopped onion adds sweetness and depth; sauté it beforehand for enhanced flavor if you have time.

• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic makes everything better; use at least two cloves for that aromatic punch.

• Cheese: Shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) provides that gooey topping we all love; sprinkle some on top before serving.

For seasoning:

• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil adds warmth; feel free to adjust according to your taste.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in your filling; don’t skimp on these!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

Start by washing your bell peppers thoroughly. Cut off their tops and gently remove the seeds inside—this is where all the magic will happen!

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, brown your ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic until cooked through. Drain any excess fat before adding diced tomatoes, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Stuff the Peppers

Carefully spoon the filling into each prepared bell pepper until they’re generously packed. Place them upright in your slow cooker like little soldiers ready for battle.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Pour any remaining diced tomatoes over the stuffed peppers in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for about six hours or high for three hours—until the peppers are tender and flavorful.

Step 5: Add Cheese

In the last half hour of cooking, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each pepper. Cover again and let it melt into creamy glory.

Step 6: Serve

Once cooked through, transfer your stuffed peppers onto plates. Drizzle with some sauce from the slow cooker if desired for an added touch of deliciousness.

Now gather everyone around because these Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers are not just food—they’re an experience! Enjoy each savory bite while reminiscing about life’s little moments together at the dinner table.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by prepping your ingredients: chop onions, garlic, and your favorite veggies. Brown the meat if you’re using it, then mix everything in a bowl before filling each pepper. Place them in the slow cooker and let the magic happen.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or even quinoa for a vegetarian option. You can also add spices like cumin or smoked paprika to elevate the flavor. Top with cheese before serving for an extra melty goodness.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, pop them in the microwave or back in the slow cooker until warmed through to maintain their delicious flavor.

Sometimes I whip up these slow cooker stuffed peppers when friends drop by unexpectedly, and they always rave about how they’re “fancy but cozy.” It’s like I’m serving up a warm hug in a pepper!

FAQs:

What are Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers?

Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers are a delicious and convenient dish made by filling bell peppers with a mixture of ground meat, rice, vegetables, and spices. Cooking them in a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully while making the peppers tender. This method not only enhances taste but also saves time, as you can set it and forget it while it cooks.

How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers?

Typically, Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers take about 4 to 6 hours on low heat or 2 to 3 hours on high heat. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your specific slow cooker model and the size of the peppers. It’s best to check for doneness periodically to ensure they are cooked thoroughly and infused with flavor.

Can I make Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can easily make vegetarian Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers by substituting the meat with ingredients like quinoa, black beans, or lentils. Additionally, you can include various vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, and corn for added texture and flavor. Adjust the spices accordingly to enhance the taste of your vegetarian filling.

What should I serve with Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers?

Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers pair wonderfully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread. You can also serve them over a bed of rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. For an extra touch, consider topping them with shredded cheese or fresh herbs right before serving to elevate the flavors further.

Conclusion for Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers:

In summary, Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers are an easy and nutritious meal option that everyone will love. They offer versatility in terms of fillings and cooking methods, making them perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With minimal effort required and maximum flavor achieved, this dish truly stands out as a satisfying choice for any occasion. Enjoy experimenting with different variations to find your favorite version!

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Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

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Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers are a comforting and colorful dish that brings family together around the dinner table. Each vibrant bell pepper is filled with a savory blend of lean ground beef, cooked rice, and spices, then slow-cooked to perfection. This easy recipe not only fills your home with delightful aromas but also allows for customization to suit various dietary preferences. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, these stuffed peppers are sure to be a hit!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Peppers: Wash the bell peppers, cut off the tops, and remove seeds.
2. Make the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef with onion and garlic until fully cooked. Drain fat and mix in diced tomatoes, rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff the Peppers: Fill each pepper generously with the meat mixture and place them upright in the slow cooker.
4. Slow Cook: Pour remaining diced tomatoes over the peppers. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until peppers are tender.
5. Add Cheese: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle cheese on top of each pepper.
6. Serve: Plate stuffed peppers and drizzle with sauce from the slow cooker if desired.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper (200g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Substitute ground beef with turkey or quinoa for a different flavor profile. Enhance flavor by adding cumin or smoked paprika to the filling. For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.