Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

πŸ•’ Prep: 20 min
πŸ”₯ Cook: 7 hours
🍽 Serves: 6
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Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers are a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. This recipe brings together savory beef, tender bell peppers, and a medley of spices, all cooked to perfection without much fuss.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

The star of this dish is undoubtedly the bell peppers. They act as natural vessels, infusing their sweetness into the filling as they cook. We use ground beef, providing a rich, savory base that pairs well with the peppers. Cooked rice adds bulk and texture, absorbing the flavors beautifully. Diced tomatoes bring juiciness and a subtle tang, while onion and garlic round out the aromatic profile. The Worcestershire sauce adds a deep, umami kick, harmonizing with the smoked paprika for a hint of warmth and smokiness. Salt, pepper, and dried oregano season the mix perfectly. Lastly, shredded cheddar cheese creates a delightful, melty topping, while beef broth keeps everything moist and enhances the beefy flavor.

Tips & Tricks

  • If the peppers don’t stand upright, trim a small slice off the bottom to level them.
  • For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
  • Use leftover rice for a quicker prep.
  • Adjust the spices to your taste – more paprika for smokiness, or a dash of cayenne for heat.

Serving Suggestions

These peppers pair beautifully with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, serve them with a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the juices. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro can add a nice contrast of flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze stuffed peppers?
Yes, you can freeze them before or after cooking. If freezing before, ensure the beef is cooked. Wrap individually and store in an airtight container.
What other fillings can I use?
Feel free to substitute with quinoa, black beans, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Adding chopped veggies like zucchini or mushrooms can also enhance the flavor.
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a spicy pepper jack for a different twist.

Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preparing your bell peppers. Slice off the tops and remove the seeds and membranes inside. This creates a neat little cup ready to be filled with deliciousness. Next, grab a large bowl and combine the ground beef, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Add in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and oregano. Mix everything until well combined; using your hands can help integrate everything nicely.

Now, fill each pepper with the beef mixture, packing it in gently. Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in your slow cooker, and pour beef broth into the bottom of the pot. This will keep the peppers from drying out and add a bit more flavor.

Cover the slow cooker, setting it on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. As they cook, the peppers will become tender, and the beef will cook through. In the last 30 minutes, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over each pepper, allowing it to melt into a glorious, gooey topping. Once done, serve them hot and enjoy the comforting satisfaction of a meal well made.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time.
  • Uses a slow cooker to free up your stovetop and time.
  • Customizable with your favorite ingredients or dietary needs.
  • Perfect for meal prep and leftovers taste even better.
  • Brings vibrant colors and flavors to your table.

Ingredients

6 large bell peppers
1 lb ground beef
1 cup cooked rice
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 cup beef broth

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and oregano.
3. Fill each bell pepper with the beef mixture.
4. Place the stuffed peppers upright in the slow cooker and add beef broth to the bottom of the pot.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until peppers are tender and beef is cooked through.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each pepper in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
7. Serve hot and enjoy.

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