Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers
My easy slow cooker stuffed peppers recipe is the ultimate comfort food! Filled with savory ground beef & rice, it's a set-it-and-forget-it dinner. Get the recipe! ... Slow Cooker Favorites
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a proper tasty dinner without slaving over a hot stove? honestly, who doesn’t! this slow cooker stuffed peppers recipe is about to become your new best mate in the kitchen.
Think savory, comforting goodness all wrapped up in a sweet bell pepper.
Brief Overview
Stuffed bell pepper soup crockpot , or the peppers themselves, are classic american comfort food. it's perfect to use your slow cooker.
This recipe is dead easy, takes about 4 to 6 hours on low. the recipe yields four generous servings – perfect for a family dinner or a meal prep for the week.
Main Benefits
These slow cooker stuffed peppers healthy are packed with protein and loads of veggies. it's a win-win, right? the best part ? you can prep everything in the morning and come home to a fully cooked meal.
Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
More About the Recipe
Origin Story and Significance
I reckon the concept of stuffing veggies goes way back. but this particular version of crockpot stuffed peppers feels like proper home cooking.
It makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. perfect for a sunday roast, sort of, but without all the fuss!
Difficulty and Time Commitment
Trust me, you don't need to be a culinary whiz to nail this easy slow cooker stuffed peppers recipe. the prep is minimal, and the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.
It's a weeknight hero, for sure.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
For me, it's the sheer convenience and the ability to customize. you can chuck in whatever veg you fancy. ground beef, sausage, or even make it veggie with lentils.
It is the bomb!.
Perfect Occasions for Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers
Cozy Family Dinners
Think rainy days and chilly evenings. This recipe is just the ticket for bringing everyone together around the table. The smells alone will have your family queuing up!
Effortless Entertaining
Having mates over? Impress them with minimal effort. Crockpot stuffed pepper soup slow cooker is a total winner, easy peasy.
Meal Prep Champion
I often make a big batch on Sunday and have Stuffed peppers recipe slow cooker all week. Saves me a fortune on takeaways, and it's way healthier too!
Get Ready to Cook
So, are you ready to give this ground beef stuffed peppers slow cooker recipe a go? Let’s get started!
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers
Right, let's talk ingredients! you know, the good stuff that makes these slow cooker stuffed peppers sing. don't stress, it's all pretty basic.
Honestly, even i can manage it, and that's saying something.
Main Ingredients: Let's Get Stuffing!
Okay, for stuffing these beauties, you'll need:
- 1 pound ( 450g ) ground beef. Aim for lean – nobody wants a greasy pepper. Quality ground beef has a good red color, minimal fat pockets and should smell fresh, not sour.
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped ( approx. 1 cup, 150g ).
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ( approx. 1 tsp, 5g ).
- 1 (14.5 ounce/ 411g ) can of diced tomatoes, undrained.
- 1 (8 ounce/ 225g ) can of tomato sauce.
- 1/2 cup ( 100g ) uncooked long-grain white rice, rinsed. Rinsing gets rid of the starch.
- 1 teaspoon ( 5ml ) dried oregano.
- 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5ml ) dried basil.
- 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.25ml ) garlic powder.
- Salt and pepper. Season it to your liking, yeah?
- Optional: 1/4 cup ( 30g ) chopped fresh parsley.
For the pepper situation:
- 4 large bell peppers. Get different colors for the presentation innit?.
- 1 cup ( 240ml ) beef broth. Veggie broth works too.
- Optional: 1 cup ( 100g ) shredded cheddar or mozzarella. Cheese makes everything better.
Seasoning Notes: Pimp Up Your Peppers
These slow cooker stuffed peppers healthy recipe is all about flavour. oregano and basil are essential for that classic italian vibe.
Don't have fresh garlic? garlic granules will do in a pinch. a dash of sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Quick sub: If you haven't got oregano, go for Italian mixed herbs. You know that little jar at the back of the cupboard? It works.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
Right, you won't need much kit. Honest.
- A large skillet for browning the beef.
- A chopping board and knife (obviously).
- A garlic press (optional).
- A slow cooker. At least 4-quart capacity.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
Don't have a slow cooker? A big pot on a low heat will do, but keep an eye on it.
Honestly, making Crockpot Stuffed Peppers are easier than ordering a takeaway. If you've got these bits and bobs, you are sorted. Now, on to the cooking, yeah? You're gonna love it.
Cooking Method: Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers
Honestly, who doesn't love slow cooker stuffed peppers ? They're like a big hug in a bell pepper! This method is so darn easy. It's almost like cheating at cooking.
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
First things first, let's talk prep. it's all about mise en place , darling. chop your onion. mince that garlic.
Brown that ground beef. you get the gist. this step is where you'll spend most of your time. get it done right, and the rest is a breeze.
Step-by-Step: Slow Cooker Magic
- Brown 1 pound ground beef in a skillet. Drain any excess fat. No one wants greasy peppers, right?
- Add 1 cup chopped onion and 1 teaspoon minced garlic. Sauté until soft. About 3- 5 minutes .
- Stir in 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 can tomato sauce, 1/2 cup uncooked rice, oregano, basil, and garlic powder. Season to taste.
- Cut the tops off 4 bell peppers . Remove the seeds. Rinse inside and out.
- Spoon the meat mixture into each pepper. Pack 'em tight!
- Pour 1 cup beef broth into the slow cooker. Place the peppers upright.
- Cook on low for 4- 6 hours or high for 2- 3 hours . Until the peppers are tender.
- Top with cheese for the last 30 minutes , if you're feeling fancy.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Pepper Game
One thing i've learned? don't overcook those peppers! mushy peppers are a tragedy. trust me. check them after the minimum time.
You want them tender, not disintegrating. for extra flavour, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
You can pre-cook the rice for about 5- 10 minutes to reduce the time of the slow cooker.
Plus, did you know that crockpot stuffed pepper soup slow cooker is a thing? honestly, i never thought about it until now.
Maybe i'll try that next time and compare it to stuffed bell pepper soup crockpot ! i never made it before.
It is so funny. i just realised after writing this.
Recipe Notes
So, you're about to dive into making slow cooker stuffed peppers ? ace! honestly, these little beauties are dead easy.
Let's cover a few bits and bobs to make sure yours are spot on. i remember the first time i made these.
Oh my gosh, the rice was crunchy. learn from my mistakes!
Serving 'Em Up Right
Think of your slow cooker stuffed peppers as the star. plating-wise, arrange them nicely on a plate. a sprig of parsley never hurt anyone! for sides, a simple salad is always a winner.
You know, something light. a bit of crusty bread for mopping up all that delicious sauce is a shout too.
Chef's kiss .
Storage Sorted
Got leftovers? no problem! let your ground beef stuffed peppers slow cooker cool completely. then, pop them into airtight containers.
They'll happily sit in the fridge for 3-4 days . if you're thinking long-term, freezing is an option. just wrap each pepper individually in cling film before freezing.
Reheat in the microwave or oven until piping hot – at least 75° c ( 165° f) .
Twists and Tweaks
Fancy a change? swap out the ground beef for veggie mince to make vegetarian slow cooker stuffed peppers . just as tasty, i promise.
You can use any colourful pepper from your local "tesco". during autumn, butternut squash adds a yummy sweetness to the filling.
Nutrition Nitty-Gritty
Okay, let's be real, these aren't exactly health food. but, they're packed with protein and fibre. each serving clocks in around 350-450 calories.
Bell peppers are also awesome, rich in vitamins. remember to always check nutritional values based on specific products that you choose.
I read once that fiber can lower your cholesterol.
Ready to nail those crockpot stuffed peppers ? you totally got this! don't be scared to experiment and make them your own.
Happy cooking. this method of cooking these peppers reminds me of my crockpot stuffed pepper soup slow cooker , but for individual portions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze slow cooker stuffed peppers? I'm always looking for make-ahead meals like a Sunday roast that last!
Absolutely! Slow cooker stuffed peppers freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then individually wrap each pepper tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then warm them up in the oven or microwave. You can also reheat from frozen in the oven at a lower temperature (around 300°F/150°C) until heated through.
My rice is always undercooked when I make slow cooker stuffed peppers. What am I doing wrong?
Ah, the dreaded crunchy rice! A couple of things could be happening. Make sure you rinse your rice really well before adding it to the filling to remove excess starch, which can inhibit cooking. Also, ensure there’s enough liquid (beef broth) in the slow cooker to create steam, which is essential for cooking the rice. If you're still having trouble, you can parboil the rice for about 5 minutes before stuffing the peppers to give it a head start.
I'm a vegetarian. Can I still make slow cooker stuffed peppers?
You bet your boots you can! Vegetarian slow cooker stuffed peppers are incredibly versatile. Swap the ground meat for cooked lentils, black beans, crumbled tofu, or a combination of your favorite veggies. You can also add some pre-cooked quinoa or couscous. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it completely vegetarian. A bit of crumbled feta or goat cheese on top can add a lovely creamy element too.
What are some variations I can try with these slow cooker stuffed peppers? I'm looking to spice things up like a cheeky Nando's!
Let's get adventurous! For a Mexican twist, add corn, black beans, and chili powder to the filling, and top with salsa and sour cream. For an Italian version, use Italian sausage instead of ground beef, add Italian seasoning, and use mozzarella cheese on top. A spicy kick can be achieved by adding some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
Can I use different colored bell peppers for my slow cooker stuffed peppers, or does it affect the cooking time?
Absolutely, mix and match those peppers! Using different colored bell peppers (red, yellow, orange, green) not only makes the dish look more visually appealing but also adds a variety of subtle flavor differences. The cooking time shouldn't be significantly affected by the color, as long as the peppers are of similar size and thickness. Just keep an eye on them and check for tenderness after the minimum cooking time.
How can I make these slow cooker stuffed peppers healthier?
Want to lighten things up a bit? Use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. Also, consider using brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for added fiber. Load up on the veggies by adding extra chopped vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots to the filling. Reducing the amount of cheese or opting for a low-fat variety is another easy way to cut back on calories.
