Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Cozy Crockpot Dinner Main Dishes.
Savory ground meat, rice, and spices cooked to perfection inside tender bell peppers, all in your crockpot.
I remember my mom making stuffed peppers on the stovetop, carefully watching a simmering pot. I loved them, but it always felt like a bit of a production. Years later, I decided to adapt her recipe for my trusty slow cooker. It felt like a small rebellion at first, but wow. The result was even better. The peppers soften beautifully without getting mushy, and the flavors have all day to meld together. It's the perfect 'welcome home' meal after a long day.
Why This Recipe Feels So Good
- •It’s a true set-it-and-forget-it meal. The best kind.
- •The entire house fills with the most comforting, savory aroma.
- •It’s a wholesome, all-in-one dinner. Veggies, grains, and protein.
- •The peppers become incredibly soft and sweet in the slow cooker.
- •It feels a little nostalgic, like a classic Sunday dinner.
- •Cleanup is so simple. Just the skillet and the slow cooker pot.
I made this last night and my family devoured it. The peppers were so flavorful and perfectly cooked. I can't believe how easy it was to just set it and come back hours later to a finished dinner. This is definitely going into our regular rotation. Thank you for a recipe that feels special but is simple enough for a Tuesday!
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Bell Peppers: Use any colors you love. Red, orange, and yellow peppers are sweeter, while green ones have a slightly more savory, earthy flavor. Look for peppers that are wide enough to stand up on their own.
- Ground Meat: I usually use lean ground beef (85/15), but ground turkey or even ground chicken works beautifully. It’s all about creating that rich, savory base for the filling.
- Cooked Rice: Using pre-cooked rice is a great shortcut. Leftover rice is perfect for this! It acts as a binder and makes the filling wonderfully hearty and satisfying.
- Tomato Sauce: A simple can of tomato sauce creates the perfect simmering liquid for the peppers. It keeps everything moist and infuses the dish with that classic, tangy tomato flavor.
Complete Cooking Process
- First, brown your ground meat in a skillet with the chopped onion and garlic. The smell is the first sign something good is happening.
- Once it's cooked through, drain any extra fat. We want flavor, not grease.
- Stir in your cooked rice, the drained diced tomatoes, and all those lovely seasonings. Just mix it right in the pan to save a bowl.
- Slice the tops off your peppers and scoop out the seeds. They should look like little bowls.
- Carefully spoon the meat and rice mixture into each pepper. Pack it in gently, but don't squish it too tight.
- Stand them up in the slow cooker. They look so neat all lined up.
- Whisk together your tomato sauce and water, and pour it over and around the peppers.
- Put the lid on and let the slow cooker work its magic. Low and slow is the way to go for the most tender results.
- About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle cheese on top if you like. That melty, gooey top is just the best part.
A Few Common Questions
→Can I use uncooked rice?
I really recommend using cooked rice. Uncooked rice will absorb a lot of liquid and may not cook through evenly in the slow cooker, which can result in a gummy or crunchy texture.
→Can I make these vegetarian?
Absolutely. You can substitute the ground meat with cooked lentils, black beans, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Just be sure to season it well!
→How do I keep my peppers from falling over?
Choose wide-bottomed peppers if you can. If they're a bit wobbly, you can trim a tiny sliver off the bottom to create a flat surface. Also, arranging them snugly in the slow cooker helps them support each other.
→Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the stuffed peppers a day ahead and store them in the fridge. Just add the sauce right before you're ready to start cooking.
Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Enjoy slow cooker stuffed bell peppers this fall! Savory ground meat, rice, and spices cooked to perfection in your crockpot. Easy and satisfying!
Timing
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
4-6 hours
Total Time
4 hours 20 minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Peppers
- 016 large bell peppers (any color)
- 021 lb ground beef or turkey
- 031 medium onion, finely chopped
- 042 cloves garlic, minced
- 051 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 061 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 071 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 081 teaspoon dried oregano
- 091/2 teaspoon salt
- 101/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 111 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
For the Sauce
- 011 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 021/2 cup water or beef broth
- 031 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set the peppers aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground meat, onion, and garlic until the meat is browned. Drain off any excess fat.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Spoon the filling mixture evenly into each of the hollowed-out bell peppers.
In a small bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, water (or broth), and Italian seasoning.
Pour about a half-cup of the sauce into the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in the slow cooker.
Pour the remaining sauce over the top of the stuffed peppers.
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the peppers are tender.
If using cheese, sprinkle it over the peppers during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Cover and let it melt. Serve warm.
Notes & Tips
- 1Feel free to get creative with the filling! Quinoa can be used instead of rice, and you can add other veggies like mushrooms or zucchini.
- 2The cheese topping is optional, but honestly, it’s so good. It gets all melty and delicious.
Tools You'll Need
- •Don't skip browning the meat first; it adds a huge layer of flavor.
- •Arrange the peppers snugly in the slow cooker so they stay upright while cooking.
- •For extra flavor, add a splash of beef or vegetable broth to the tomato sauce.
- •Every slow cooker is a little different, so check your peppers for tenderness around the 4-hour mark if cooking on low.