There’s something cozy about stuffed peppers, isn’t there? When you think of comfort food, these vibrant peppers filled with deliciousness surely come to mind.

They’re not just pretty on the plate; they’re also packed with flavor, nutrients, and love! Today, we’re diving into a fantastic Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers recipe.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a lazy weekend.

Just throw everything in your slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you enjoy the sweet aroma wafting through your home.

Trust me; your family will be asking for seconds!

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers are a winner for so many reasons.

First off, they are incredibly easy to make! You’ll spend less than half an hour preparing them, and then you can set and forget them while they cook low and slow.

The result? Juicy, tender peppers filled with savory meat, rice, and a flavorful blend of spices.

Plus, this recipe is super versatile! You can mix and match flavors based on what you have on hand.

Ready to learn how to make this dish that’s sure to become a family favorite? Let’s get started!

Ingredients

6 medium bell peppers, mixed colors
1 pound (450 g) ground beef
1 ½ cups cooked rice (white or brown)
14 ounces can (400 g) diced tomatoes, divided
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup (112 g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¾ cup (180 ml) beef broth or chicken stock

How To Make Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

Start by washing your bell peppers.

Cut the tops off each pepper and remove the seeds.

It’s best to choose peppers that are firm and unblemished, so they hold up well during cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef.

Cook until browned, making sure to break it apart with your spoon.

Drain any excess fat.

Add in the diced onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent and fragrant.

This should take about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Mix It Up

In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef mixture with the cooked rice, half of the diced tomatoes, chili powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and half of the cheddar cheese.

Stir everything until well combined.

Step 4: Stuff the Peppers

Gently stuff each bell pepper with the filling.

Pack it in, but don’t overfill them too much, as they will expand while cooking.

Place the stuffed peppers upright in your slow cooker.

Step 5: Add Liquid

Pour the remaining diced tomatoes and beef broth (or chicken stock) around the peppers in the slow cooker.

This will help keep the peppers moist and flavorful.

Step 6: Cook Slow and Steady

Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for about 3-4 hours.

The peppers should become tender and the filling should be heated through.

Step 7: Add Cheese

About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of the stuffed peppers.

Cover the slow cooker again until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Once everything is cooked, carefully remove the stuffed peppers from the slow cooker.

They’ll be hot, so use tongs! Serve them with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or additional cheese if desired.

Expert Tips

Feel free to use lean ground beef or even swap it out for ground turkey or chicken to lighten the dish up.
For added flavor, you can mix in some additional spices like cumin or oregano.
Make it vegetarian by replacing the meat with beans or lentils and adding some diced vegetables.
If you have extra filling, you can serve it on the side or use it as a topping for a salad!

Variations and Customizations

Mix in some corn or black beans for extra texture and flavor.
Add some chopped spinach or zucchini to sneak in some extra veggies.
Try different cheeses such as mozzarella or pepper jack for a kick.
Spice it up with chopped jalapeños or hot sauce.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is quite rare when these yummy stuffed peppers are around!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, just pop them in the microwave or reheat in the oven until warmed through.

FAQ

Can I freeze stuffed peppers?

Yes! You can freeze the stuffed peppers both before cooking and after.

To freeze uncooked, stuff the peppers and wrap them individually before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.

To freeze cooked peppers, let them cool completely, then place them in airtight containers.

How do I know when the peppers are done cooking?

The peppers are done when they are tender and the filling is heated throughout.

You can check the internal temperature of the filling; it should reach 165°F (75°C).

Can I make these vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with a mixture of beans like black beans or pinto beans.

Adding chopped vegetables or grains also works great!

What can I serve with stuffed peppers?

Stuffed peppers are pretty filling on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a side salad, garlic bread, or even some roasted veggies!

Conclusion

There you have it! A delicious and easy recipe for Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers that your whole family will adore.

These peppers are not only colorful and healthy but also filled with love and warmth.

Take this recipe and make it your own by mixing and matching flavors.

Enjoy the comforting taste and aroma that fills your home as they cook.

Happy eating!