Indulging in a plate of Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers is like giving your taste buds a warm hug. Picture vibrant, colorful peppers embracing a hearty filling of juicy ground beef mingled with tender rice, tantalizing spices, and the comforting aroma of Italian seasoning wafting through your kitchen. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a soul-soothing experience that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty but don’t want to spend hours slaving over the stove.
But here’s the real secret: Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers are a breeze to make. With minimal prep time of just 10 minutes, you’ll have this colorful dish simmering away in your slow cooker while you tackle the million other things on your to-do list. It’s an easy, versatile recipe that’s absolutely bursting with flavors and memories of home-cooked goodness, making it perfect for everything from cozy family dinners to impressing dinner guests.
Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers
- This incredible Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers:
14 oz tomato puree – A rich, flavorful base that helps bind everything together and adds depth to the dish.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – The perfect mix of herbs that infuses the filling and the sauce with classic Italian flavors.
½ teaspoon dried garlic powder – Adds a nice kick of flavor without the hassle of chopping fresh garlic.
½ teaspoon dried onion powder – A must-have for sweet and savory notes in your filling.
½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients; adjust to taste.
1 ½ pounds lean ground beef – The hearty protein that gives this dish its satisfying bite; feel free to swap with turkey for a lighter option.
1 medium onion, finely chopped – Adds sweetness and texture to the filling, making every bite delightful.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic adds an aromatic essence that complements the beef wonderfully.
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning – We can’t get enough of that Italian flair; it also seasons the beef filling beautifully.
1 teaspoon salt – Trust me, you’ll want to season your beef filling well!
1 ¼ cups parboiled rice, uncooked – This rice soaks up all the delicious juices while cooking; it’s a real game-changer.
6-8 medium-large peppers – Choose a colorful mix for a stunning presentation; red, yellow, and green add visual appeal.
shredded mozzarella (optional) – A melty topping that can elevate the dish to indulgence levels; the choice is yours!
How to Make Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers:
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium measuring cup, mix together the tomato puree, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. This rich sauce will give your stuffed peppers a flavorful base.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and uncooked rice. This mixture should be well-blended but be gentle so you don’t over-work the beef.
Step 3: Prep the Peppers
Slice the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Don’t forget to admire how vibrant they look! Now, ladle a small amount of sauce into the bottom of your 6-7 quart crockpot to keep everything nice and moist.
Step 4: Stuff the Peppers
Fill each pepper tightly with the beef and rice mixture until they just reach the rim. Remember, the filling will expand during cooking, so don’t overstuff it too much!
Step 5: Add the Sauce
Place the stuffed peppers upright in the crockpot. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the peppers, ensuring they’re well-coated. This will keep them juicy and flavorful as they cook.
Step 6: Slow Cook
Close the lid, and set your slow cooker on LOW for 5-6 hours, or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. One delicious smell wafting through the kitchen will have your family wondering if they’ve wandered into a five-star restaurant.
Once cooked, you can top with shredded mozzarella if desired, let it melt with the lid closed for about 5 minutes, then serve your stuffed peppers with the wonderful sauce that collected at the bottom of the crockpot. Transfer to plates and enjoy!
These Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers are not only a feast for the eyes but also comfort on a plate. Each bite is bursting with flavor, making them ideal for everything from casual dinner nights to more elaborate gatherings. Plus, they’re excellent for leftovers or meal prep, ensuring you get that home-cooked goodness throughout the week. So grab those peppers and let the slow cooker work its magic!
You Must Know About Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers
- This showstopping Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers Cooking Process
To achieve perfect Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers, start by preparing your filling first. Sauté onions and garlic to enhance flavors, followed by mixing in the ground beef and seasonings. Once the filling is ready, stuff the peppers and layer them with sauce in the crockpot for a dish destined for greatness.
Add Your Touch to Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers
Feel free to get creative with your Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers. Swap the ground beef for turkey or a vegetarian substitute, like lentils. Try adding your favorite spices, or toss in vegetables like zucchini or corn for added nutrition and flavor.
Storing & Reheating Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers
To store your Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through, maintaining that deliciousness you love.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers
- This professional-quality Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
Sharing my first experience with these Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers brings a smile to my face. My friends devoured them at a potluck, and I couldn’t believe how quickly they disappeared. It felt amazing to see everyone enjoying something I made with such love.
FAQs About Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers
What is Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers?
Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers are a delicious and nutritious dish made by filling bell peppers with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and spices, then slow-cooking them to perfection. This hearty meal not only offers vibrant colors but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully over a few hours of cooking, resulting in tender peppers and a satisfying filling. It’s a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep, filled with comfort and warmth.
How long do Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers take to cook?
The cooking time for Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers typically ranges from 5 to 6 hours on the low setting or 2 to 3 hours on high. The longer cooking time allows flavors to deepen and ensures the peppers become tender while the filling heats throughout. It’s a great way to get a wholesome meal ready without the hassle of constant monitoring.
Can I customize the filling for Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers?
Absolutely! One of the greatest joys of making Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers is the flexibility to customize the filling according to your preferences. You can swap ground beef for turkey or even use a plant-based meat substitute. Adding beans, lentils, or a variety of vegetables like zucchini or corn can enhance both nutrition and flavor, making it truly your own.
What are the best peppers to use for stuffing?
When making Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers, medium to large bell peppers work best. Traditional green peppers have a slightly bitter taste which balances well with the savory filling. However, you can also opt for colorful red, yellow, or orange peppers, which add sweetness and vibrant visual appeal. It all depends on your flavor preferences, so feel free to experiment with different varieties!
Conclusion for Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers
In summary, Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile and satisfying. With a simple mix of ingredients and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can create a delightful meal that everyone will enjoy. Whether you stick to a classic recipe or customize it to your liking, these peppers are sure to become a family favorite for any occasion. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Easy Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe for Busy Weeknights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mix all ingredients for the sauce in a medium measuring cup.
- Mix all ingredients for the stuffed peppers (except for the peppers themselves) in a large bowl.
- Ladle a little of the sauce in the bottom of a 6-7 quart crockpot.
- Tightly stuff peppers, until filling reaches just under rim. Place stuffed peppers in crock, making sure they are upright.
- Spread remaining sauce evenly over peppers.
- Close lid and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours, or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. Check peppers to make sure filling has cooked all the way through.
- Top with shredded cheese if desired and close lid for another 5 minutes until cheese has melted. Serve with sauce from the bottom of the crock.
