savory slow cooker dish

Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

While a bustling kitchen might seem at odds with a slow-cooked meal, you’ll find that Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers reconcile these two worlds effortlessly. You’re working with a blend of robust flavors encased in a tender bell pepper, all made possible by the magic of slow cooking. It’s a dish not just about taste, but also about the convenience and efficiency it brings into your daily meal prep. What’s more, it’s open to a world of customization. What spices can you play with? What unique fillings could you experiment with? There’s much to explore, isn’t there?

History

The history of stuffed peppers is as rich and vibrant as the dish itself. Originating from the Old World, you’ll find variations in cuisines from Spain to India, each region imparting its unique touch. In the 1700s, stuffed peppers traveled to the Americas with European colonizers, where they were readily adopted and adapted to local ingredients and tastes.

In the United States, you’ll find the classic bell pepper filled with a hearty stuffing of ground beef and rice, often topped with cheese, and slow-cooked to perfection. The slow cooker version, however, is a relatively recent innovation. It emerged with the rise of slow cookers in the 1970s, when busy households sought out convenient, time-saving recipes.

Today, the slow cooker stuffed pepper dish is loved for its simplicity and comfort. It’s a reflection of the evolution of food, blending tradition with modern convenience. As you enjoy your meal, remember the centuries of history that have shaped this humble yet delicious dish. It’s not just a meal, it’s a journey through time and across cultures, right there in your slow cooker.

Recipe Cooking Steps

Slow cooker stuffed peppers are a classic, hearty meal that’s perfect for busy days. This dish is not only wholesome and satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare using a slow cooker. The bell peppers are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, diced tomatoes, cooked rice, and cheese, then slow cooked until tender. This recipe requires just five simple ingredients and minimal prep work, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

Preparing these stuffed peppers is as easy as mixing the stuffing, stuffing the peppers, and letting them cook to perfection in the slow cooker. The result is a delicious, savory dish with a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The peppers become tender and sweet, while the stuffing remains juicy and flavorful. Whether you’re serving them as a main course or as a side dish, these slow cooker stuffed peppers are sure to impress.

Ingredients:

  • 4 bell peppers
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 cup shredded cheese

To start with the cooking process, first cut off the tops of the peppers and remove the seeds. In a separate bowl, combine the ground beef, diced tomatoes, cooked rice, and half of the shredded cheese. Stuff this mixture into the bell peppers and arrange them in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on the peppers. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. The stuffed peppers are ready when the peppers are tender and the beef is thoroughly cooked.

Some additional tips for preparing this dish include choosing bell peppers of the same size for even cooking. If you wish to add an extra kick to the dish, try incorporating some spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or chili powder into the beef mixture. You can also substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. The beauty of a slow cooker recipe is its simplicity – there’s no need to constantly stir or check on the food. Simply set it, forget it, and look forward to a delicious meal.

Step 1. Prepping the Bell Peppers

preparing bell peppers step

Excitement builds as you begin the journey of prepping your bell peppers. This initial step in your slow cooker stuffed peppers recipe is vital, so it’s important to do it right.

First, you’ll need to pick your peppers. Look for ones that are brightly colored, firm to the touch, and stand up on their own. These are signs of a fresh, ripe pepper.

Once you’ve got your peppers, it’s time to start prepping. Here’s your five-step guide:

  • Start by washing your peppers thoroughly under cool running water. This removes any dirt or residue.
  • Next, using a sharp knife, slice off the very tops of the peppers.
  • Carefully remove the stem and discard it.
  • Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and white membranes inside each pepper.
  • Finally, rinse the peppers once more to make sure all seeds are removed.

There you have it, your peppers are now ready to be stuffed! This process guarantees that your peppers are clean, seed-free, and ready to be filled with the delicious stuffing in the next steps of the recipe. Stay tuned.

Step 2. Mixing the Stuffing Ingredients

combine stuffing ingredients together

Now, let’s immerse ourselves in mixing the stuffing ingredients, an essential step in our slow cooker stuffed peppers recipe. You’ve got your ground beef, diced tomatoes, cooked rice, and shredded cheese on standby, right? Good. Let’s get started.

Grab a mixing bowl, one big enough to accommodate all our ingredients. Start by adding the ground beef into the bowl. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. Next, pour in the diced tomatoes. You’ll notice how their juicy tanginess combines with the beef, creating a delightful fusion of flavors. Now’s the time to add your cooked rice. This will give your stuffing a hearty texture and make your peppers more filling.

Set aside half the shredded cheese for later, and toss the rest into the mix. The cheese will melt during cooking, binding your ingredients together and providing a creamy, melted delight in every bite. Give everything a good stir until it’s well combined.

And just like that, you’re done mixing the stuffing. Easy, wasn’t it? With these ingredients harmoniously combined, you’re one step closer to creating a delicious slow cooker stuffed pepper masterpiece.

Step 3. Stuffing the Bell Peppers

stuffing bell peppers process

Having fully prepped your stuffing, it’s time to shift to the main event: stuffing the bell peppers. But before you plunge in, let’s visualize this process.

  • Picture four bell peppers, their tops neatly cut off, seeds and membranes removed, standing upright like colorful sentinels.
  • Now imagine a bowl brimming with the delicious stuffing you’ve just made, the aroma wafting up, tantalizing your taste buds.
  • One by one, take each pepper and gently start packing them with the stuffing, filling them to the brim.
  • Envision these stuffed peppers, neatly arranged in your slow cooker, their glossy surfaces gleaming.
  • Finally, imagine a sprinkle of shredded cheese atop each pepper, like a snow-capped peak.

It’s a beautiful sight, isn’t it? Now, it’s time to bring this vision to life. Don’t rush the process. Take your time to guarantee each pepper is filled evenly. Remember, the stuffing shouldn’t be packed too tightly as it would affect the cooking process. Once you’ve stuffed all the peppers, you’re ready for the next step: slow cooking these beauties. But we’ll get to that later. For now, admire your handiwork. You’re doing great!

Step 4. Slow Cooking the Stuffed Peppers

slow cook stuffed peppers

With anticipation building, it’s time to turn your attention to the slow cooker. You’ve stuffed your peppers, and now it’s time to let the slow cooker work its magic. Place your stuffed peppers into the cooker, making sure they’re standing upright. It’s okay if they’re a bit snug, they’ll support each other during the cooking process.

Next, it’s time to set your slow cooker. This is where the magic happens. For this recipe, you’ll want to set your cooker on low. This allows for a slow, even cook that’ll make the peppers tender and the filling beautifully melded. If you’re in a bit of a rush, you can set it on high, but remember, slow and steady wins the race when it comes to slow cooking.

Now, it’s your time to relax. Let your slow cooker do its job. You don’t have to worry about stirring or checking in – just set it, and forget it. In a few hours, you’ll have perfectly cooked stuffed peppers ready to serve. Enjoy the aroma wafting through your kitchen as your meal slow cooks to perfection.

Step 5. Cheese Topping and Cooking Time

cheese topping preparation time

Before you pop the lid on your slow cooker, there’s one final step to guarantee your stuffed peppers are irresistibly delicious – adding a cheese topping. This step is all about adding that extra layer of flavor and mouth-watering goodness.

Take your pick from a variety of cheeses that can elevate your dish. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Sharp Cheddar: Its strong, tangy flavor pairs well with the savory stuffing.
  • Mozzarella: It melts beautifully, creating a gooey, stringy delight.
  • Monterey Jack: A mild, creamy cheese that complements the peppers without overpowering them.
  • Pepper Jack: Choose this if you want to add a little heat to your dish.
  • Parmesan: Its salty, nutty taste adds a unique touch.

Sprinkle a generous amount of your chosen cheese on top of each pepper. Then, it’s cooking time. Set your slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. Be patient, let the slow cooker work its magic. When the peppers are tender and the cheese is perfectly melted and slightly browned, you’ll know it’s time to enjoy your culinary masterpiece. Bon Appétit!

Final Thoughts

In light of simplicity and taste, these slow cooker stuffed peppers are a win-win. You’ve discovered a recipe that’s not only easy to prepare but also packs a punch in the flavor department. The juiciness of the peppers, combined with the heartiness of the stuffing, creates a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.

Take the time to pick out peppers that are similar in size. This guarantees even cooking and a consistent taste in every bite. You’re also free to experiment with spices to suit your palate. A dash of garlic or onion powder can make a world of difference. And don’t feel tied down to ground beef; ground turkey or chicken can be a delightful substitute for a leaner option.