Description

This Crockpot Stuffed Peppers recipe features tender bell peppers filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, and aromatic seasonings, all slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for an easy, comforting meal that requires minimal hands-on time, this dish delivers satisfying flavors and a hearty texture with the convenience of a slow cooker.

Ingredients

Scale

Tomato Sauce

14 oz tomato puree (use ½ of a 28-oz can)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon dried garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
14 oz tomato puree (use the other ½ of a 28-oz can)

Stuffed Pepper Filling

1 ½ pounds lean ground beef (at least 80% lean)
1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1 ¼ cups parboiled rice (uncooked)

Other

6–8 medium-large bell peppers (tops sliced off and cores removed; any color; can use 4 large and 4 smaller ones)
Shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Make Sauce: In a medium measuring cup, combine all the ingredients listed under tomato sauce. Stir well to mix the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and tomato puree thoroughly to create a flavorful base sauce.
Make Filling: In a large bowl, mix together all the filling ingredients: ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and uncooked parboiled rice. Combine until fully incorporated to ensure even seasoning.
Assemble Peppers: Pour a little of the prepared tomato sauce into the bottom of a 6 to 7-quart crockpot. Tightly stuff each bell pepper with the meat and rice filling so the mixture reaches just below the rim. Place the stuffed peppers upright in the crockpot. Slight stacking is permissible as long as the lid can close without touching the peppers. Evenly spoon the remaining tomato sauce over the peppers.
Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on LOW setting for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours. Check to ensure the filling is fully cooked through. If desired, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the peppers, cover again, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
Serve: Carefully remove the stuffed peppers from the crockpot and serve hot, spooning some of the tomato sauce from the bottom over each portion.

Notes

Use parboiled rice so it cooks fully within the crockpot cooking time without becoming mushy.
Bell peppers of any color can be used; mix colors for a visually appealing dish.
For extra flavor, try adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the filling.
The cheese topping is optional but adds a delicious melty finish.
Cooking times may vary depending on your crockpot model, so check doneness before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours on LOW or 2 to 3 hours on HIGH
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: stuffed peppers, crockpot recipe, slow cooker, ground beef stuffed peppers, easy dinner, tomato sauce, comfort food, one pot meal