Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers offer a delightful explosion of flavors in every bite. Imagine vibrant bell peppers, lovingly stuffed with a savory blend of meats, grains, and spices, simmering away in your kitchen. The aroma wafting through your home will have you drooling before the first bite.
Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, and you’re snuggled up on the couch with a cozy blanket while the Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers are bubbling away in the kitchen. Each pepper is bursting with flavor, reminiscent of family gatherings where laughter filled the air and everyone dug into their plates with gusto. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself to some comfort food.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers are incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights
- The rich flavors meld together beautifully as they cook slowly
- They look stunning on any table with their vibrant colors
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to adapt to whatever ingredients you have on hand!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Bell Peppers: Any color will do! Choose firm, fresh peppers for the best results.
Ground Beef or Turkey: Opt for lean ground meat to keep things healthy and flavorful.
Cooked Rice or Quinoa: Use leftover rice or quinoa; it’s an excellent way to use what you have.
Onion: A diced onion adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings bold flavor that’s hard to resist.
Tomato Sauce: A can of tomato sauce adds moisture and tanginess to the stuffing.
Spices (Cumin, Paprika): These spices enhance the overall flavor profile of your stuffed peppers.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Peppers
Start by washing your bell peppers thoroughly. Slice off the tops and remove the seeds inside; think of it like giving them a little haircut!
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant. Add your ground meat and cook until browned. Stir in cooked rice or quinoa along with tomato sauce and spices until well combined.
Step 3: Stuff Those Peppers
Carefully spoon your savory filling into each bell pepper until they’re generously stuffed. It’s like packing a suitcase—only these won’t complain about being overstuffed!
Step 4: Set Up Your Slow Cooker
Place the stuffed peppers upright in the slow cooker. Pour any leftover tomato sauce over them for an extra flavor kick. It’s like giving them a warm bath before their long nap!
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and set your slow cooker on low for about 5-6 hours or high for about 3-4 hours. While they cook, take a moment to relax—maybe even binge-watch that show you’ve been meaning to catch up on.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
When they’re ready, serve your Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers hot from the pot! Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Remember to take a moment—it’s perfectly acceptable to admire your culinary masterpiece before diving in!
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every savory bite that takes you back to those cozy evenings at home!
You Must Know
- Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers are not just a meal; they’re a colorful explosion of flavor
- They make dinner feel like a fiesta!
- Perfect for busy weeknights, you can easily prep them in advance and let the slow cooker do all the work
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by browning your meat and sautéing onions first to enhance flavor. While the peppers cook in the slow cooker, prepare your sauce and any additional toppings, ensuring everything is ready when the peppers are perfectly tender.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or even quinoa for a vegetarian option. Spice it up with some chili powder or add black beans for extra protein and fiber. Customize your toppings with cheese or fresh herbs.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave or place them back in the slow cooker until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Using fresh herbs enhances flavor significantly; consider adding basil or parsley as a final touch
- Don’t overstuff the peppers; leave some room for expansion while cooking
- Always taste your filling before stuffing; adjust seasoning to ensure maximum flavor
Sometimes, I whip up Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers for my friends’ potluck, and they never fail to disappear faster than I can say “seconds!” Their delighted faces make all the chopping worth it.
FAQs :
What are the best types of peppers for slow cooker stuffed peppers?
When creating your slow cooker stuffed peppers, bell peppers are the most common choice. They come in various colors such as green, red, yellow, and orange, each offering a unique sweetness and flavor. You can also experiment with other varieties like poblano or Anaheim peppers for a different taste. Ensure that the peppers are firm and fresh for the best texture. The size of the pepper should be large enough to hold a generous amount of filling without falling apart during cooking.
Can I prepare slow cooker stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can easily prepare slow cooker stuffed peppers ahead of time. Assemble all the ingredients, fill the peppers, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, simply place them in your slow cooker and adjust the cooking time accordingly if they are chilled. This method is great for meal prepping or entertaining guests, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dish with minimal effort on the day of serving.
How long do slow cooker stuffed peppers take to cook?
Slow cooker stuffed peppers typically take around 4 to 6 hours on low heat or about 2 to 3 hours on high heat. The cooking time may vary depending on your specific slow cooker model and how stuffed your peppers are. It’s essential to ensure that the filling is heated through and that the peppers have softened but still retain their shape. For best results, check them periodically to avoid overcooking.
Can I freeze leftover slow cooker stuffed peppers?
Absolutely! Leftover slow cooker stuffed peppers freeze well for later enjoyment. Once cooled, wrap each pepper in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm them up in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Conclusion for Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers :
Slow cooker stuffed peppers offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures that make them an ideal meal option. With flexibility in choosing your filling ingredients and types of peppers, you can customize this dish to suit your taste preferences. Preparing them ahead of time not only saves effort but also enhances flavor as they sit together in the slow cooker. Enjoy this comforting recipe any day of the week for a nutritious meal packed with veggies and protein!
Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers are a comforting and flavorful dish that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty meal. Bursting with the goodness of fresh bell peppers filled with seasoned ground meat, rice, and spices, these stuffed peppers simmer slowly to develop rich flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, this easy recipe fills your home with delicious aromas, making it a family favorite you’ll want to recreate time and time again.
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the Peppers: Wash the bell peppers, slice off the tops, and remove seeds.
- Make the Filling: In a skillet, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Add ground meat and cook until browned. Stir in rice/quinoa, tomato sauce, cumin, and paprika until well combined.
- Stuff the Peppers: Fill each pepper generously with the mixture.
- Slow Cook: Place peppers upright in the slow cooker, pour any remaining tomato sauce over them, cover, and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve: Enjoy hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper (250g)
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
