Name: Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Prep time: 18 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 18 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ⅔ cup long grain white rice; 1½ lbs Ground Beef; 1 small onion; 2 cloves garlic; ½ tbsp *Italian seasoning; ½ tsp chili flakes; 28 oz diced tomatoes; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1½ cups Cheddar Cheese; 1 cup chicken broth; 6 bell peppers

Stuffed peppers are the ultimate comfort food, but making them in the slow cooker simplifies the process even more. This recipe combines hearty ground beef, zesty seasonings, and melt-in-your-mouth cheddar cheese, all nestled within a tender bell pepper. It's a satisfying meal that's packed with flavor and easy to prepare.

Photos of Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers Recipe

The unique ingredient in this recipe is Worcestershire sauce, which adds a savory depth of flavor that complements the beef and rice filling. When at your local supermarket, you'll find it in the condiments aisle. Also, for the Italian seasoning, many stores carry premixed versions in the spice section. If not, you can make your own by combining equal parts of basil, oregano, and rosemary.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

Long grain white rice: A versatile carbohydrate base which absorbs the flavors of the dish.

Ground beef: Protein-packed and forms the main filling of the peppers.

Onion: Adds a depth of flavor to the beef and rice mixture.

Garlic: Gives an aromatic touch to the stuffing.

Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds an Italian twist to the dish.

Chili flakes: Adds a spicy kick, can be adjusted to taste.

Diced tomatoes: Adds moisture and a fresh tomato flavor to the mixture.

Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that enhances the overall taste.

Worcestershire sauce: A fermented liquid condiment that adds tanginess and savory depth.

Cheddar cheese: Adds a creamy, melty texture and cheesy flavor.

Chicken broth: Helps keep the peppers tender and juicy during slow cooking.

Bell peppers: The vessel for the stuffing, they soften during slow cooking to a perfect tender-crisp.

One reader, Alvira Whitlow says:

This slow cooker stuffed peppers recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are incredible, and the peppers turn out so tender. It's a hit with my family every time. Plus, the prep is a breeze. I highly recommend trying it out!

Alvira Whitlow

Techniques Required for Making Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

How to cook rice: Boil 1½ cups of water and stir in the rice. Cover and reduce heat to low, cooking for 15 to 18 minutes or until the water is evaporated. The rice should be slightly underdone.

How to brown beef: Cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Drain any fat.

How to assemble stuffed peppers: Cut the tops off the peppers and place them in the slow cooker. Fill each pepper halfway with the rice mixture, add ¼ cup cheese, and top with the remaining rice mixture.

How to slow cook stuffed peppers: Spoon the remaining tomatoes and broth over the top of the peppers and cook on high for about 3 hours or until the peppers are soft. Five minutes before serving, place the remaining cheese on top of the peppers and close the lid until the cheese melts.

How To Make Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

These spicy and tasty stuffed peppers are also tender and full of flavor from being slow-cooked with cheese, tomatoes, beef, and seasoning.

Preparation: 18 minutes

Cooking: 3 hours

Total: 3 hours 18 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

⅔cuplong grain white rice
1½lbsground beef,lean, or turkey
1small onion,diced
2clovesgarlic,minced
½tbsp*Italian seasoning,(see Recipe Notes for recipe)
½tspchili flakes
28ozdiced tomatoes,canned, undrained
1tbsptomato paste
1tbspWorcestershire sauce
1½cupscheddar cheese,shredded, divided
1cupchicken broth
6bell peppers,red, green, yellow or orange

Instructions

Bring 1½ cups of water to a boil. Stir in rice, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15 to 18 minutes or just until water is evaporated. Rice should be slightly underdone.
Brown beef, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Drain any fat.
Stir in ⅔ of the canned tomatoes, seasoning, chili flakes, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce until mixed. Add cooked rice and remove it from heat.
Cut the tops off of your peppers and place them in your slow cooker. Fill each ½ way with the rice mixture add ¼ cup cheese and top with the rice mixture.
Spoon remaining tomatoes and broth over top of peppers and cook on high for about 3 hours or until soft. 5 minutes before serving, place the remaining cheese on top of peppers and close the lid until cheese melts.
Serve and enjoy.

Recipe Notes

*Check out the Homemade Italian Seasoning Recipe to learn how to make the flavorful seasoning.

Nutrition

Calories: 505.78kcal
Fat: 35.05g
Saturated Fat: 15.21g
Trans Fat: 1.73g
Monounsaturated Fat: 13.11g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.38g
Carbohydrates: 16.27g
Fiber: 5.43g
Sugar: 10.22g
Protein: 30.97g
Cholesterol: 115.37mg
Sodium: 551.08mg
Calcium: 309.11mg
Potassium: 950.19mg
Iron: 4.15mg
Vitamin A: 307.70µg
Vitamin C: 171.03mg

Helpful Technique Tip for Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

When preparing your bell peppers, choose ones that are similar in size and shape. This will ensure they cook evenly in the slow cooker. Also, when removing the tops and seeds, try to keep the peppers intact as much as possible. This will help them hold their shape and prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

Prep ahead: Prepare the filling and rice mixture the night before and store them in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of cooking.

Use a food processor: Use a food processor to chop the onions and garlic quickly and evenly, saving time on prep work.

Multi-task: While the peppers are cooking in the slow cooker, use that time to clean up the kitchen or prepare a side dish to go along with the stuffed peppers.

Organize ingredients: Before starting the recipe, gather all the ingredients and measure them out. This will help streamline the cooking process and prevent any last-minute scrambling for ingredients.

Invest in a rice cooker: Consider investing in a rice cooker to perfectly cook the rice while you focus on preparing other components of the dish.

Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers Recipe

long grain white rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa is a high-protein, gluten-free alternative to rice that adds a nutty flavor and fluffy texture to the dish.
ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option that still provides a rich flavor and works well with the other ingredients in the recipe.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese has a mild flavor and melts beautifully, making it a great substitute for cheddar in stuffed peppers.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth adds a savory depth of flavor and works well with the other ingredients, especially if you prefer a vegetarian option.
bell peppers - Substitute with zucchini: Hollowed-out zucchinis can be a delicious alternative to bell peppers, providing a unique twist to the traditional stuffed peppers recipe.

Best Way to Present Stuffed Peppers

Elevate the plating: Arrange the stuffed peppers on a large, elegant platter, ensuring they are evenly spaced and visually appealing.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley or basil over the stuffed peppers to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce delicate, edible flowers such as nasturtiums or pansies to add a sophisticated and artistic element to the presentation.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Serve the stuffed peppers in individual, high-quality ceramic or porcelain dishes to elevate the dining experience.
Create a sauce swirl: Drizzle a vibrant tomato or herb-infused sauce in an artistic swirl around the stuffed peppers for a visually stunning presentation.
Add a touch of gold leaf: For a luxurious touch, delicately place edible gold leaf on the stuffed peppers to create a sense of opulence and refinement.
Plate with precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component, ensuring that the dish is meticulously presented with attention to detail and balance.

Essential Tools for Making Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

Slow cooker: A kitchen appliance used for cooking food at a low temperature over a longer period of time. It's perfect for slow-cooking stuffed peppers to tender perfection.
Skillet: A frying pan with a flat bottom and low sides, perfect for browning ground beef and sautéing onions and garlic.
Cutting board: A sturdy surface for chopping and preparing the bell peppers and other ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife used for chopping, dicing, and mincing ingredients like onions and garlic.
Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients such as rice, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce.
Spatula: Used for stirring the ground beef and rice mixture while cooking.
Slow cooker: A kitchen appliance used for cooking food at a low temperature over a longer period of time. It's perfect for slow-cooking stuffed peppers to tender perfection.
Cheese grater: For grating the cheddar cheese to sprinkle over the stuffed peppers.
Can opener: To open the canned tomatoes and tomato paste for the recipe.
Ladle: For spooning the remaining tomatoes and broth over the stuffed peppers in the slow cooker.

Storing and Freezing Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for slow cooker stuffed peppers:

Refrigerate leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
To freeze, let the stuffed peppers cool completely before wrapping each one individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped peppers in a freezer-safe container or bag, label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months.
When ready to eat, thaw the frozen stuffed peppers in the refrigerator overnight. Remove the wrapping and place the peppers in a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the bell peppers may become slightly softer.
If you want to freeze the stuffed peppers before cooking, prepare them up to the point of filling the bell peppers with the rice and ground beef mixture. Wrap each pepper individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw the peppers in the refrigerator overnight, then place them in the slow cooker and follow the cooking instructions as directed in the recipe.

How To Reheat Leftover Stuffed Peppers

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover stuffed peppers in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture and prevent the peppers from drying out.
If you prefer a quicker reheating method, you can use the microwave. Place the stuffed peppers on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful when removing the plate from the microwave, as it may be hot.
For a crispy top, you can reheat the stuffed peppers under the broiler. Place the peppers on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the filling is heated through. Keep a close eye on the peppers to prevent burning.
If you have leftover rice filling and ground beef mixture, you can reheat it separately in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture is heated through, then spoon it back into the bell peppers. This method allows you to adjust the seasoning or add extra cheese if desired.
For a quick and easy lunch, you can also enjoy leftover stuffed peppers cold. Simply slice the peppers and serve them over a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing and satisfying salad. Drizzle with your favorite salad dressing and enjoy!

Interesting Fact About Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

The slow cooker stuffed peppers recipe is a delicious and nutritious meal that can be easily customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Stuffed peppers are a great way to incorporate a variety of vegetables, grains, and proteins into one dish, making it a well-balanced and satisfying meal. They are also a convenient option for meal prep, as they can be made in advance and reheated throughout the week. Additionally, stuffed peppers are a versatile dish that can be adapted to different cuisines and flavor profiles, making them a popular choice for home cooks.

Is Making Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this slow cooker stuffed peppers recipe is quite high. The ingredients are commonly found in households, and the dish can be made in large quantities, making it suitable for families. The use of ground beef and rice makes it a filling and economical option. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20, depending on the prices of ingredients. Overall Verdict: 8/10

Are Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers Healthy?

The slow cooker stuffed peppers recipe, while delicious, may not be the healthiest option due to a few factors:

The recipe uses ground beef, which is high in saturated fat and calories
Cheddar cheese is also high in saturated fat and sodium
White rice is a refined carbohydrate, lacking fiber and nutrients compared to brown rice or quinoa
The recipe doesn't include a significant amount of vegetables besides the bell peppers

However, the recipe does have some positive aspects, such as the use of bell peppers, which are nutrient-dense and low in calories, and the inclusion of onion and garlic, which offer various health benefits.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey or a plant-based alternative like lentils or crumbled tofu to reduce saturated fat and calories
Use reduced-fat cheddar cheese or a smaller amount of a stronger-flavored cheese like sharp cheddar or parmesan to minimize the overall cheese content
Replace white rice with brown rice or quinoa for added fiber, vitamins, and minerals
Add more vegetables to the filling, such as diced zucchini, carrots, or spinach, to increase the nutrient content and fiber
Reduce the amount of added salt and rely on herbs and spices for flavor instead

By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious meal that still satisfies your craving for comfort food.

Editor's Opinion on This Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers Recipe

This slow cooker stuffed peppers recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of ground beef, rice, and a variety of seasonings creates a hearty and satisfying filling for the peppers. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a delicious and comforting dish. The addition of cheddar cheese adds a rich and creamy element, while the bell peppers provide a vibrant and nutritious vessel for the filling. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful option for a family meal or a gathering with friends, and it's sure to be a hit with anyone who enjoys classic comfort food.

Enhance Your Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with garlic and chives

Roasted Vegetables: Colorful medley of roasted vegetables drizzled with balsamic glaze

Garlic Bread: Buttery garlic breadsticks with a sprinkle of parmesan and herbs

Similar Recipes to Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

Savory Beef and Vegetable Stew: This hearty stew is packed with tender beef, carrots, potatoes, and celery in a rich and flavorful broth.

Grilled Chicken and Mango Salad: Juicy grilled chicken breast served over a bed of mixed greens, fresh mango slices, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing.

Creamy Mushroom Risotto: Indulge in this creamy and comforting risotto dish, made with arborio rice, sautéed mushrooms, and a touch of parmesan cheese.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Bake until golden and serve hot for a crowd-pleasing starter.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Whip up a creamy and flavorful dip by combining spinach, artichokes, and a blend of cheeses. Serve with crispy tortilla chips or toasted bread for a delicious and satisfying appetizer.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. This elegant dessert is perfect for a special occasion or a romantic dinner.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Savor the decadent combination of creamy cheesecake and sweet, juicy strawberries. Each bite is a delightful blend of tangy and sweet flavors, making it a perfect ending to any meal.

Why trust this Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers Recipe:

This slow cooker stuffed peppers recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of savory ground beef, aromatic garlic and onions, and flavorful Italian seasoning creates a mouthwatering filling. The addition of cheddar cheese adds a rich and creamy element, while the diced tomatoes and chicken broth infuse the peppers with a delightful juiciness. The slow cooking process ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in a dish that's both comforting and satisfying. Trust in the simplicity and heartiness of this recipe for a delicious meal that will surely impress your family and friends.

Want to share your experience making this Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers Recipe or have any tips to enhance the flavors? Join the discussion in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know your thoughts!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other types of rice such as jasmine rice or brown rice, but keep in mind that the cooking time may vary. Adjust the cooking time according to the type of rice you use.

Can I substitute ground beef with another type of meat?

Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a different flavor profile.

Can I prepare the stuffed peppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed peppers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When you're ready to cook, simply place them in the slow cooker and follow the cooking instructions.

Can I freeze the stuffed peppers?

Yes, you can freeze the stuffed peppers for future meals. Make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw and reheat.

Can I add other vegetables to the stuffing mixture?

Absolutely! Feel free to add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the stuffing mixture for added flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.