Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

The aroma of slow-cooked beef, rice, and herbs melds beautifully inside sweet, tender bell peppers, making every bite of these stuffed peppers deeply comforting and satisfying.

Perfect for a family meal, these Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers are an effortless way to enjoy a hearty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with vibrant, cheesy, and flavor-packed peppers that are as nutritious as they are delicious.

Full Recipe:

• 6 large bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 cup cooked rice

• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup beef broth

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

2. Stuff each bell pepper with the beef mixture, pressing down gently to fill completely.

3. Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in the slow cooker.

4. Pour the beef broth around the peppers in the slow cooker.

5. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the peppers are tender and the meat is cooked through.

6. About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the tops with mozzarella cheese, cover, and allow the cheese to melt.

7. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high) | Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes

Kcal: 365 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Introduction to Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers are the ultimate comfort food—easy to prepare, hearty, and packed with flavor. Using a slow cooker not only saves time but also ensures that the peppers become perfectly tender while the filling remains juicy and flavorful. This dish brings together classic, homey ingredients like ground beef, rice, diced tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese, resulting in a meal that feels nostalgic and satisfying. It’s a recipe that suits busy lifestyles, family gatherings, or simply those evenings when you want a hands-off cooking experience without sacrificing taste.

The Appeal of Slow Cooker Recipes

Slow cooker recipes have long been favored by home cooks for their convenience and ability to develop deep, complex flavors with minimal effort. By cooking at a low temperature over several hours, ingredients have time to meld together beautifully. This method enhances the savoriness of the beef, softens the bell peppers to a melt-in-your-mouth texture, and creates a cohesive, hearty dish. Slow cooker meals are also incredibly forgiving—you can often prepare ingredients ahead of time and let the appliance work its magic while you go about your day.

Why Stuffed Peppers Are a Classic Favorite

Stuffed peppers have stood the test of time because they are versatile, nutritious, and endlessly customizable. At their core, stuffed peppers are a complete meal: vegetables (peppers), protein (beef), and carbohydrates (rice) all in one convenient, edible package. They appeal to kids and adults alike and can be easily adapted to fit different dietary preferences, whether you want a low-carb version, a vegetarian option, or something spicier. Plus, their vibrant appearance makes them an attractive centerpiece for any meal.

Nutritional Benefits of Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers are not just tasty—they also come with several nutritional benefits. Bell peppers are rich in vitamins C and A, providing antioxidant protection and supporting immune health. They are also low in calories, making them an excellent vehicle for hearty fillings without the guilt. Ground beef, when used lean, offers a great source of protein and essential nutrients like iron and vitamin B12. Rice provides energy-boosting carbohydrates and can easily be swapped for whole grains like brown rice or quinoa for added fiber. Combined, these ingredients create a balanced meal that’s both wholesome and satisfying.

Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

When preparing Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers, a few simple tips can elevate the dish to perfection. First, choose bell peppers that are roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Red, yellow, and orange peppers tend to be sweeter than green peppers, which can add a pleasant natural sweetness to the dish.

Lightly pre-cooking the beef before mixing it with the rice and seasonings can help ensure that the filling is fully cooked and flavorful. It’s also important not to overpack the peppers; the filling will expand slightly as it cooks. Adding a small amount of broth to the bottom of the slow cooker helps maintain moisture and prevents burning. Finally, adding the cheese at the end of the cooking process keeps it melty and gooey rather than hard or overcooked.

Variations and Customizations

One of the best aspects of this dish is its flexibility. You can easily make the recipe your own based on what you have in your pantry or your dietary needs. For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef. For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with a hearty mix of beans, lentils, or additional vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.

Changing up the grains is another easy tweak—try using couscous, farro, or cauliflower rice for different textures and flavors. You can also experiment with the seasoning: add a kick with some crushed red pepper flakes, use Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean flair, or incorporate cumin and chili powder for a southwestern twist. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to keep the dish fresh and exciting each time you make it.

Ideal Occasions to Serve Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers are a fantastic choice for a wide variety of occasions. They are ideal for busy weeknights when you need a hearty dinner that practically cooks itself. They also make a great meal-prep option, as they store and reheat beautifully, ensuring delicious lunches and dinners throughout the week.

Stuffed peppers are also a popular potluck or party dish, thanks to their individual serving sizes and colorful presentation. They’re hearty enough to serve as a main course but also pair wonderfully with side salads, crusty bread, or even a light soup for a more elaborate meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Properly storing and reheating stuffed peppers ensures that you can enjoy them at their best even days after cooking. Allow the peppers to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze them individually or in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once frozen solid. Reheat refrigerated peppers in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Frozen peppers should be thawed overnight in the fridge before reheating. Adding a splash of broth or water during reheating can help maintain their moisture and tenderness.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

What makes this particular Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers recipe stand out is the harmony of simple, accessible ingredients coming together to create a dish that feels comforting yet slightly elevated. It’s a reminder that with a little patience and a trusty slow cooker, home-cooked meals don’t have to be complicated to be satisfying. The rich beef filling, the creamy melted mozzarella, and the soft, naturally sweet peppers create a combination that’s impossible to resist.

This dish also provides a perfect introduction to slow cooking for those new to the method. It’s straightforward, almost foolproof, and yields results that feel gourmet without the effort usually associated with such quality.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers are a shining example of how traditional recipes can be adapted to modern, busy lifestyles without losing any of their charm or flavor. They are nutritious, comforting, visually stunning, and endlessly customizable, making them a staple worth keeping in your regular recipe rotation. Whether you’re feeding a family, preparing for the week ahead, or simply looking for a cozy meal to warm your soul, these stuffed peppers are guaranteed to deliver satisfaction. Once you try them, they just might become one of your go-to comfort dishes for years to come.