Set It and Forget It Crockpot Stuffed Peppers

Easy Crockpot Stuffed Peppers Set Forget It Recipe
Easy Crockpot Stuffed Peppers Set Forget It Recipe
By Chef Baker

Set It and Forget It: Crockpot Stuffed Peppers

Fancy some proper comfort food without the fuss? Ever thought about making Crockpot Stuffed Peppers ? I can help. I was wondering if there's anyone who doesn't like Stuffed Peppers? If they're done right, of course!.

Introduction: The Magic of Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

These Crockpot Stuffed Peppers take the classic comfort food to a whole new level of easy. This dish is inspired by the good ole Italian American flavors.

We're talking bell pepper recipes slow cooker style. They're absolutely bursting with a flavorful mix of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and herbs.

The slow cooker does all the work. It's hearty and incredibly satisfying.

Stuffed peppers have been around for yonks!. It's a peasant dish originally. Our version is super easy to make. It only needs about 25 minutes of prep and 4- 6 hours in the slow cooker.

This Crockpot Recipe makes six servings.

Healthy Crockpot? You Bet!

Did you know that peppers are packed with Vitamin C? This recipe also gives you a good dose of protein.

It's ideal for a cozy family dinner or a potluck. What makes these Easy stuffed peppers special? Well, it's the hands off cooking.

Plus, the flavors meld together beautifully in the slow cooker.

And listen, Stuffed Peppers Healthy ? Absolutely!. By using leaner ground beef and brown rice, you can really make these good for you.

Honestly, these Ground beef stuffed peppers slow cooker are a game changer

All you need for the perfect Crockpot Stuffed Peppers

Before we get going, it's good to know what you need, aye? Now, some people like it a bit spicy, so feel free to chuck in some chilli flakes if that's your vibe.

Let's not make it too complicated!

Time to grab ingredients and get to it!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Party Started!

Set It and Forget It Crockpot Stuffed Peppers presentation

Okay, let's talk about what you'll need to make these amazing Crockpot Stuffed Peppers . This Crockpot Recipe is super straightforward.

No fancy ingredients here! I swear, even my mate Dave, who once burnt toast, could handle this.

Main Ingredients

  • 6 large bell peppers (any colour!), tops off and seeded
  • 1 tbsp olive oil ( 15 ml )
  • 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 is good) ( 450g )
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes ( 411g )
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce ( 425g )
  • 1 cup cooked rice ( 200g )
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese ( 100g )

For the peppers, go for firm ones. They should be vibrantly coloured. Seriously, sad, wrinkly peppers are a no-go. Use day-old cooked rice for a firmer filling.

Seasoning Notes: Level Up Your Easy Stuffed Peppers

For that classic Italian taste, oregano and basil are key. This gives the Italian stuffed peppers recipe slow cooker that real authentic taste.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little warmth, if you like. Garlic powder is a must in the sauce.

Optional Sauce:

  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce ( 425g )
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp garlic powder

For a healthier twist, you can use ground turkey or even lentils. Make it Stuffed Peppers Healthy !

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!

For this Crockpot Recipe you won’t need anything complicated. This is one of the most practical Bell pepper recipes slow cooker !

  • 6-quart slow cooker
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Honestly, a slow cooker liner is a lifesaver for cleanup. You know, the kind that makes you feel like you've won the lottery? If you don't have one, don't stress.

Just spray the Crockpot with non-stick spray.

Set It and Forget It: Crockpot Stuffed Peppers

These Crockpot Stuffed Peppers take the classic comfort food to a whole new level of easy. This recipe, inspired by traditional Italian American stuffed peppers, features bell peppers bursting with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker.

Prepare for a dish that's both hearty and incredibly satisfying. It's basically a party in your mouth, and everyone's invited!

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

Honestly, the prep is key. Essential mise en place is a must. Chop your veggies first. This sets you up for success.

Measure out all your spices too. Time saving organization is so important. I learned this the hard way. Safety first, though, yeah? Be careful with that knife.

step-by-step Process: Easy Peasy

  1. Cut the tops off your bell peppers and remove seeds. Then set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. Mix the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked ground beef mixture, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, cooked rice, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  5. Spoon the filling into each pepper, packing it in firmly.
  6. Arrange the stuffed peppers in the slow cooker, standing upright. If they don't stand straight, you can kind of wedge them in.
  7. Pour the sauce over the peppers. Cover and cook on low for 4- 6 hours or on high for 2- 3 hours , until tender.
  8. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the tops with ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Crockpot Recipe

For extra flavor, brown the beef with a little Italian seasoning . It adds a certain something, you know? Common mistake: overfilling the peppers.

Leave some space. The rice expands while cooking. If you want to make these ahead, prep the filling and stuff the peppers.

Then, store them in the fridge overnight. They'll be ready to go in the slow cooker the next day. Easy stuffed peppers , sorted.

And there you have it a Crockpot Stuffed Peppers recipe so easy, it's practically criminal.

Recipe Notes for Your Epic Crockpot Stuffed Peppers

Right then, you're ready to tackle these Crockpot Stuffed Peppers . Before you dive in headfirst, let's cover some essential notes.

Honestly, a little planning goes a long way. This section helps you tweak this Crockpot Recipe to your exact liking!

Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Stuffed Pepper Game!

Okay, so you've got these beautiful, bubbling Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers ready. Presentation matters, right? I love halving them on a plate, drizzling a little extra sauce (from the slow cooker, obvs), and adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Fancy, but easy.

On the side, a simple green salad does the trick. A classic Caesar or just some mixed leaves with a vinaigrette.

If you're feeling extra, some garlic bread is never a bad idea. You know, because carbs!

Storage Tips: Making the Most of Your Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Refrigerate your Italian stuffed peppers recipe slow cooker within two hours of cooking. They'll keep for about 3-4 days in an airtight container.

For longer storage, these are a great freezing option. Let them cool completely, wrap them individually in cling film, then pop them in a freezer bag.

They'll last for 2-3 months . To reheat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and then bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.

Microwaving works too, but they can get a little soggy, just a heads up.

Variations: Unleash Your Inner Chef

Want to mix things up? Absolutely! For a vegetarian option , swap out the ground beef for cooked lentils or quinoa.

You can also add extra veggies like chopped zucchini or mushrooms. Get creative with your Stuffed Pepper Variations !

If you're watching the carbs, you can use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. It won't be quite the same, but it's still tasty.

Or, spice it up! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the filling for a real kick.

Nutrition Basics: Feel Good About This Healthy Crockpot Meal

Let's talk numbers. Each serving of these Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers Slow Cooker clocks in around 350-400 calories, with a good dose of protein (25-30g) and a decent amount of fiber (4-6g).

The veggies give you a good boost of vitamins and antioxidants, so you can feel good about this meal. This is a great way to make Stuffed Peppers Healthy without sacrificing flavor.

These numbers are estimates, of course. The amount of calories and macros will vary according to your specific ingredients and portion sizes.

And that's it! Honestly, these notes are just suggestions, feel free to go wild and adapt to your taste. Now go and create these epic Easy Stuffed Peppers ! I know you can do it! I'm confident that this Bell pepper recipes slow cooker dish is amazing!

Delicious Crockpot Stuffed Peppers The Ultimate Comfort Meal

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these Crockpot Stuffed Peppers ahead of time? Like, Mary Berry level planning ahead?

Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed peppers the night before and store them in the fridge. Then, just pop them into the slow cooker in the morning. This is a real game changer on busy weekdays. Just add about 30 minutes to the cooking time to ensure they're heated through.

My peppers always seem a little firm in the slow cooker. Any tips for softer peppers?

A great tip for softer peppers is to blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before stuffing. This pre-cooks them slightly and helps them become more tender in the slow cooker. You can also add a little extra liquid to the slow cooker to create more steam.

Can I freeze Crockpot Stuffed Peppers, and how would I reheat them? I'm thinking batch cooking like a proper domestic goddess!

Yes, you can definitely freeze them! Let the cooked stuffed peppers cool completely. Then, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.

You can also microwave them if you're short on time, but the texture might be slightly different.

I'm trying to be a bit healthier. Are there any ways to lighten up this Crockpot Stuffed Peppers recipe?

Definitely! You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. Opt for brown rice instead of white, and use leaner ground beef. Also, you could load up the filling with extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. Even a lower fat cheese alternative on top could save you some calories.

Can I use different kinds of peppers for this recipe? What about spicing things up a bit?

Of course! While bell peppers are classic, you can experiment with other varieties. Anaheim peppers offer a mild heat, while poblano peppers are a bit bolder. If you're feeling brave, add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick!

Always remember you can adapt your Crockpot Stuffed Peppers recipe to your personal preferences.

I don't have tomato sauce. What can I use as a substitute in my Crockpot Stuffed Peppers?

No tomato sauce? No worries! You can easily substitute it with passata (strained tomatoes) or even crushed tomatoes. If you use crushed tomatoes, you might want to blend them slightly for a smoother consistency. Just make sure you're getting that lovely rich tomato flavour in there!

Set It And Forget It Crockpot Stuffed Peppers

Easy Crockpot Stuffed Peppers Set Forget It Recipe Recipe Card
Easy Crockpot Stuffed Peppers Set Forget It Recipe Recipe Card
0.0 / 5 (0 Review)
Preparation time:25 Mins
Cooking time:360 Mins
Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Nutrition Facts:

Calories375
Fat17.5g
Fiber5g

Recipe Info:

CategoryMain Course
CuisineItalian American

Share, Rating and Comments:

Submit Review:

Rating Breakdown

5
(0)
4
(0)
3
(0)
2
(0)
1
(0)

Recipe Comments: