Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers
If you’re looking for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and packed with flavor, you’ve landed in the right place. Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers are not just your average weeknight dinner; they’re a delightful blend of hearty ingredients wrapped in tender bell peppers. What makes this dish particularly special is its ability to deliver vibrant flavors with minimal effort, letting you enjoy the warmth of home-cooked goodness without spending all day in the kitchen.
Why you’ll love this dish
These Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers are a fantastic option for various occasions, whether you’re hosting a family dinner, prepping for a hectic week, or simply craving a comforting meal. The combination of ground meat, rice, and tantalizing spices creates a hearty filling that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, they are incredibly adaptable, making them a budget-friendly choice, and they can easily be tailored to accommodate different diets.
"These stuffed peppers are a game changer! They are nutritious, filling, and my kids can’t get enough of them. I love how I can just set them in the slow cooker and forget about them until dinner." — Jamie, satisfied Cook
How this recipe comes together
Making Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers couldn’t be simpler. With just a few straightforward steps, you’ll prepare a delicious meal that cooks itself while you go about your day. Here’s a quick overview to set your expectations: you’ll start by sautéing the aromatics, brown your meat, combine the filling ingredients, stuff the peppers, and finally let everything meld together in the slow cooker for hours of flavor development.
What you’ll need
Gather these items for the perfect stuffed peppers:
- 4 bell peppers
- 1 pound ground meat (you can use beef, turkey, or chicken)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Shredded cheese (optional for topping)
Feel free to mix and match your ingredients! You can substitute quinoa for rice or use a mix of vegetables for a vegetarian twist.
Step-by-step instructions
- Begin by cutting the tops off the bell peppers and removing the seeds.
- In a skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they’re softened and fragrant.
- Add the ground meat to the skillet, cooking until it’s browned throughout.
- Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
- Carefully stuff each bell pepper with the delicious meat mixture.
- Place the stuffed peppers upright in the slow cooker and add a little water to the bottom of the pot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, until the peppers are tender.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Best ways to enjoy it
Stuffed peppers are versatile and pair wonderfully with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, consider serving them with a simple quinoa salad or some sautéed zucchini. Personalize your plate for a delightful dining experience!
How to store
To keep your leftovers fresh, allow the stuffed peppers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. For reheating, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Helpful cooking tips
- Make the filling in advance! You can prepare the meat mixture the night before, and stuff the peppers in the morning for an effortless dinner.
- Choose firm bell peppers that will hold their shape during cooking; avoid any that are soft or bruised.
- If you like a bit of heat, add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.
Creative twists
Don’t hesitate to explore variations with these stuffed peppers! You might consider using different proteins like lean ground pork or a plant-based substitute for a vegetarian option. Experiment with spices such as cumin or paprika for an exciting flavor profile, or top them with avocado slices and fresh cilantro for a fresh twist.
Your questions answered
What’s the prep time for stuffed bell peppers?
Preparation for this dish takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on how quickly you work. Most of the time goes into chopping and cooking the filling.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice is a nutritious alternative but will require a bit more cooking time, so make sure it’s cooked before adding it to the stuffing.
How can I ensure my peppers are tender?
Cooking on low for the full 6-8 hours will yield beautifully tender stuffed peppers. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook them on high for 3-4 hours, but the low setting allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
With its comforting flavors and hearty ingredients, Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers are a go-to dish that everyone will love. Enjoy the simplicity and satisfaction of a meal that warms both the heart and the home!
Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients
Method
- Begin by cutting the tops off the bell peppers and removing the seeds.
- In a skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they’re softened and fragrant.
- Add the ground meat to the skillet, cooking until it’s browned throughout.
- Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
- Carefully stuff each bell pepper with the delicious meat mixture.
- Place the stuffed peppers upright in the slow cooker and add a little water to the bottom of the pot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, until the peppers are tender.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
