Are you on the hunt for a comforting and hearty meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare? Look no further than our mouthwatering Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers recipe! Bursting with flavor and wholesome ingredients, this dish is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. With tender bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and aromatic spices, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce, these stuffed peppers are a true crowd-pleaser. Plus, with the convenience of your slow cooker, dinner practically cooks itself! So let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make these irresistible stuffed peppers.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. lean ground beef, cooked
- 5 large green bell peppers, tops and seeds removed
- 1 1/2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 24 oz. jar tomato sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium white onion, diced finely
- 1/2 tsp. sea salt
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
Instructions:
Preparing the Stuffed Peppers:
- Begin by preparing the bell peppers. Carefully cut off the tops and remove the seeds and membranes from inside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, cooked white rice, minced garlic, diced onion, sea salt, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Mix until well combined.
- Stuff each bell pepper with the ground beef and rice mixture, packing it firmly into each pepper.
- Place the stuffed peppers upright in the slow cooker, arranging them so they are snug against each other.
Cooking the Stuffed Peppers:
- Pour the tomato sauce over the stuffed peppers, making sure to cover them completely.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the stuffed peppers from the slow cooker using tongs and transfer them to serving plates.
- Serve the stuffed peppers hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Cheese Lover’s Version: For an extra cheesy twist, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese over the stuffed peppers during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground beef and substitute it with cooked quinoa or lentils for a meatless alternative.
- Spice It Up: Add a kick of heat by incorporating diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the ground beef mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use a different type of bell pepper? A: Yes, feel free to use red, yellow, or orange bell peppers instead of green for a colorful variation.
Q: Can I freeze stuffed peppers? A: Yes, stuffed peppers freeze well! Simply allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to airtight containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in the oven until heated through.
Q: Can I cook stuffed peppers in the oven instead of the slow cooker? A: Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through.
Q: How do I prevent the peppers from falling over in the slow cooker? A: To help the peppers stay upright, you can prop them against each other or use crumpled aluminum foil to support them inside the slow cooker.
Q: Can I add additional vegetables to the filling? A: Certainly! Feel free to customize the filling by adding diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto Option: Substitute the white rice with cauliflower rice to reduce the carb content. Additionally, use a low-carb tomato sauce or make your own keto-friendly sauce using fresh tomatoes and herbs.
- Low-Carb Variation: To further reduce the carb content, you can omit the rice altogether and increase the amount of ground beef or add extra vegetables to the filling.
In conclusion, Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers are a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With their savory filling and tender bell peppers, they’re sure to please the whole family. Plus, with the convenience of the slow cooker, dinner practically cooks itself! So why not give this recipe a try and discover the magic of stuffed peppers for yourself?
Elevate your dinner game with our delicious Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers recipe—it’s a wholesome and flavorful meal that’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. With its simple preparation and delicious results, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress. So fire up your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
With detailed instructions, FAQs, and variations, you’re all set to create a mouthwatering Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers! Let me know if you need further assistance or if there’s anything else I can assist you with!
