Ingredients and preparation
To make delicious stuffed peppers in a crock pot, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create a flavorful and hearty dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6 large bell peppers – Choose a variety of colors for a vibrant presentation. Make sure they are firm and free of blemishes.
- 1 lb ground beef – You can also substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- 1 cup cooked rice – White or brown rice works well, or you can use quinoa for a healthier twist.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped – Adds a nice depth of flavor to the filling.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is best, but you can use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder if needed.
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes – Drained. You can also use fire-roasted tomatoes for extra flavor.
- 1 cup shredded cheese – Cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend are all great choices.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds a savory, umami flavor to the filling.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme works well here.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Season the filling to your preference.
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce – This will be poured over the peppers before cooking.
Preparation:
- Start by preparing the bell peppers. Cut off the tops and remove the seeds and membranes inside. Rinse them under cold water and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once cooked, drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens.
- Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese. This will help bind the filling and add a creamy texture.
- Stuff each bell pepper with the beef and rice mixture, packing it in tightly but leaving a little room at the top for expansion as it cooks.
Step-by-step cooking instructions
Now that your peppers are stuffed and ready, it’s time to move on to the cooking process. Using a crock pot ensures that the peppers cook slowly and evenly, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Here’s how to do it:
- Step 1: Prepare the crock pot. Pour about half of the tomato sauce into the bottom of the crock pot. This will prevent the peppers from sticking and add extra moisture as they cook.
- Step 2: Arrange the stuffed peppers. Carefully place the stuffed peppers upright in the crock pot. Depending on the size of your crock pot, you may need to arrange them snugly, but make sure they are not overcrowded. If necessary, you can layer them, but try to keep them upright to prevent the filling from spilling out.
- Step 3: Add the remaining sauce. Pour the rest of the tomato sauce over the tops of the peppers. This will help keep them moist and add a rich tomato flavor to the dish.
- Step 4: Cook on low. Cover the crock pot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours. If you’re short on time, you can cook them on high for 3 to 4 hours, but the low setting will give you the best results, allowing the peppers to become tender without falling apart.
- Step 5: Add the cheese. About 15 to 20 minutes before the cooking time is up, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the tops of the peppers. Cover the crock pot again and let the cheese melt into a gooey, delicious topping.
- Step 6: Check for doneness. After the cooking time is complete, check the peppers for tenderness by inserting a fork or knife into one of them. The peppers should be soft but still hold their shape, and the filling should be hot all the way through.
Tips for serving and variations
Once your stuffed peppers are perfectly cooked, it’s time to think about how to serve them and explore some fun variations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
Serving Suggestions:
- Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, cilantro, or basil can add a burst of color and freshness to the dish. It also enhances the overall flavor, giving the peppers a bright, herbaceous finish.
- Serve with a side salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the rich, hearty stuffed peppers. The acidity of the dressing helps balance the savory flavors of the filling.
- Accompany with crusty bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the extra tomato sauce from the crock pot. You can also serve garlic bread for an extra indulgent touch.
- Add a dollop of sour cream: For a creamy contrast, serve the stuffed peppers with a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side. This works especially well if you’ve added a bit of spice to the filling.
- Top with avocado slices: If you’re looking for a fresh and creamy addition, avocado slices or guacamole can be a great topping, especially if you’ve used Mexican-inspired seasonings in the filling.
Variations:
- Vegetarian stuffed peppers: For a meatless version, simply swap out the ground beef for a plant-based protein like lentils, black beans, or crumbled tofu. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the filling for added texture and flavor.
- Spicy stuffed peppers: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy kick.
- Low-carb option: For a low-carb variation, replace the rice with cauliflower rice. This will give you the same texture without the carbs, making it a great option for those following a keto or low-carb diet.
- Mexican-style stuffed peppers: Give your stuffed peppers a Mexican twist by using ground turkey or chicken, adding taco seasoning to the filling, and topping with salsa and shredded Mexican cheese. Serve with a side of guacamole and tortilla chips for a complete meal.
- Italian-style stuffed peppers: For an Italian-inspired version, use ground Italian sausage instead of beef, and mix in some chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil. Top with mozzarella and serve with a side of marinara sauce.
These serving ideas and variations allow you to customize the dish to your liking, making it a versatile recipe that can be adapted for different occasions and dietary needs. Whether you’re serving it as a comforting family dinner or a dish for entertaining guests, stuffed peppers are sure to impress!