Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers

Share your love

This recipe was inspired by my ongoing Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers love for food and my desire to create more easy-based, substantial entrees.

But not so with these stuffed peppers! It was only a matter of time before I stuffed it inside peppers and called it dinner.They’re hearty, filling and oh-so flavorful.
They’re made with simple ingredients and perfect when you want to switch things up for dinner or lunch.

Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers

I’ll be honest because these were not always my favorite and bell peppers felt kind of meh but then I tried stuffing them and I tossed them in the slow cooker so everything changed completely.

It all started on one rainy Thursday when I had exactly four sad-looking peppers in the fridge and I had no clue what to do with them so I almost made omelets again but then I remembered that my mom used to make something like this and her version involved a lot more yelling and way less cheese.

So I threw together whatever I had and I used ground beef and I added some leftover rice and I grabbed a few desperate spices so I hoped for the best and I didn’t expect much because slow cookers are magic but they are not miracle workers right.

Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers

But it turns out I was wrong and these came out tender and juicy and they were packed with flavor and the best part is I barely had to do anything so it was lazy cooking that tastes like you really tried and that is exactly what I love.

Plus the smell was absolute heaven so my dog parked herself next to the slow cooker for hours and I have to say she’s a smart girl
Have you ever made stuffed peppers in a slow cooker because if not then you’re in for something really cozy and comforting and just don’t forget the cheese on top or maybe you will but I won’t judge although I kind of will.

Kitchen Equipment Needed :

  • A slow cooker “large enough to fit 6 peppers standing up”
  • Mixing bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Spoon “for stuffing peppers”
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Tips for Stuffed Bell Peppers :

Choose wide peppers : larger peppers with flat bottoms are easier to stuff and stay upright in the slow cooker.

Use leftovers : cooked rice from a previous meal works perfectly here..

Don’t overstuff : leave a little space at the top so the filling can expand as it cooks .

Switch up the meat : try turkey, chicken, or even sausage for different flavors.

Add spice : if you like heat, toss in some chili flakes or chopped jalapeños.

What to Eat with Stuffed Bell Peppers ??

I love serving these Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers with a side of fluffy steamed rice the way it soaks up the juicy filling is just perfect. My daughter enjoys hers with a simple fruit salad for a refreshing bite, while my husband always squeezes a little lemon on top, which gives it a bright twist.

I also like to pair mine with a chilled glass of iced tea or fruit juice, which makes the whole meal feel extra light and satisfying .

Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers

Looking for more simple dinner recipes to try ? Here are a few of our favorites:

Ingredients :

  • 6 large bell peppers , any color “red, yellow, green”
  • 1 pound ground beef “or ground turkey ,chicken”
  • 1 cup cooked rice “white or brown”
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup canned diced tomatoes “drained”
  • 1 cup shredded cheese “cheddar or mozzarella”
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning ,or a mix of oregano and basil
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup tomato sauce plus extra for topping, “optional”

How to Make Stuffed Bell Peppers :

Step 1

Prepare the peppers: Wash the bell peppers well , Slice off the tops and carefully remove the seeds and membranes inside , Keep the peppers whole like little cups and make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, ½ cup shredded cheese, olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir until all the ingredients are well mixed.

Step 2

Stuff the peppers : Use a spoon to carefully fill each bell pepper with the mixture, pack it in gently so the peppers are full but not bursting.

Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers

Step 3

Arrange in the slow cooker. Place the stuffed peppers upright in the slow cooker so they stand side by side , pour the tomato sauce over and around them then Cook : Cover and cook on low for 120 min

Step 4

Add cheese : About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of each pepper , cover again until the cheese melts and serve : Carefully remove the peppers with a spoon or tongs and place them on plates. Add extra sauce if you like.

FAQ’S :

Do I need to cook the meat before stuffing the peppers?

No, the slow cooker cooks the raw ground meat fully.

Can I use frozen bell peppers?

Yes, but thaw them first , Fresh peppers hold their shape better.

How do I keep peppers from falling over in the slow cooker?

Choose flat bottom peppers or trim the bottoms slightly so they stand.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

Cheddar and mozzarella work best, but you can try pepper jack for spice.

SAVE THIS POST TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD !

Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers

Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers

Recipe by LorieCourse: Bell PeppersCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

2

hours 
Calories

300

kcal
Total time

2

hours 

20

minutes

A cozy and colorful dish made with bell peppers stuffed with seasoned meat, rice, and veggies, then slow-cooked until tender and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for a simple, hearty family dinner .

Ingredients

  • 6 large bell peppers , any color "red, yellow, green"
    1 pound ground beef "or ground turkey ,chicken"
    1 cup cooked rice "white or brown"
    1 medium onion, finely chopped
    2 cloves garlic, minced
    1 cup canned diced tomatoes "drained"
    1 cup shredded cheese "cheddar or mozzarella"
    1 teaspoon salt
    ½ teaspoon black pepper
    1 teaspoon Italian seasoning ,or a mix of oregano and basil
    1 tablespoon olive oil
    1 cup tomato sauce plus extra for topping, "optional"

Directions

  • Prepare the peppers: Wash the bell peppers well , Slice off the tops and carefully remove the seeds and membranes inside , Keep the peppers whole like little cups and make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, ½ cup shredded cheese, olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir until all the ingredients are well mixed.
  • Stuff the peppers : Use a spoon to carefully fill each bell pepper with the mixture, pack it in gently so the peppers are full but not bursting.
  • Arrange in the slow cooker. Place the stuffed peppers upright in the slow cooker so they stand side by side , pour the tomato sauce over and around them then Cook : Cover and cook on low for 120 min.
  • Add cheese : About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of each pepper , cover again until the cheese melts and serve : Carefully remove the peppers with a spoon or tongs and place them on plates. Add extra sauce if you like.

Notes

  • Meat mixture : Ground beef, turkey, or chicken work well and mix with rice, onions, herbs, and seasoning.
  • Bell pepper prep : Slice off the tops, remove seeds and membranes; choose firm peppers so they hold shape.
  • Cheese boost : Mix shredded cheese into the filling for richness, or save it for a melty topping.
  • Broth or sauce base : pour tomato sauce or broth into the slow cooker before adding peppers to keep them juicy.
  • Serving idea : top with fresh herbs, extra sauce, or sour cream before serving for added flavor.
Share your love
Lorie

Lorie

Hi there! I’m Lorie the voice, cook, and heart behind Thebrunchingmama.com A former teacher turned full-time blogger and proud mama, I’m embracing this delicious new chapter one recipe at a time!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *