Tender and Flavorful Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers That Practically Cook Themselves
When you think of cozy, home-cooked comfort food, Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers deserve a top spot on that list. They’re everything you want in a satisfying meal—juicy bell peppers stuffed with seasoned beef, rice, and aromatics, slowly cooked in a rich tomato sauce until perfectly tender. Each bite delivers that comforting combination of savory, saucy, and slightly sweet flavors that just feels like home.
What makes this recipe magical is the slow cooker itself. Instead of fussing over boiling, baking, or timing everything perfectly, the slow cooker gently steams and simmers the peppers in tomato sauce, infusing them with flavor from the inside out. The result? Perfectly tender peppers, a hearty filling, and a sauce that’s thick, rich, and perfect for spooning over rice, mashed potatoes, or simply mopping up with a piece of crusty bread.
This dish has deep roots in comfort cooking traditions—from Eastern European-style stuffed peppers to Italian-inspired versions layered with cheese and herbs. This recipe leans Italian, with a blend of ground beef, tomato puree, garlic, onion, rice, and Italian seasoning. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like it’s been cooking all day… because, well, it has!
For more inspiration on cozy slow-cooked meals, check out EatingWell’s best slow cooker comfort recipes or browse The Pioneer Woman’s Italian dinner ideas. But for now, let’s get into this hearty and satisfying Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe.
How to Make Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers
Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients
Method
- Mix the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together 14 oz tomato puree, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, remaining tomato puree, chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and uncooked rice. Mix with your hands or a sturdy spoon until evenly combined.
- Stuff the Peppers:
- Fill each hollowed-out bell pepper with the beef and rice mixture. Pack it gently—don’t overfill, as the rice will expand while cooking.
- Assemble in the Slow Cooker:
- Pour about half of the sauce mixture into the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in the pot, then pour the remaining sauce over the top.
- Cook Until Tender:
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the peppers are fork-tender and the filling is cooked through.
- Add Cheese (Optional):
- If using mozzarella, sprinkle it over the peppers during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Cover again to let it melt.
- Serve:
- Serve warm, spooning some of the tomato sauce over each pepper. Garnish with fresh herbs or parmesan, if desired.
Notes
- Active Time: 20 minutes
- Passive Cooking Time: 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
- You can use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef.
- Parboiled rice works best—it cooks evenly without turning mushy.
- For smaller slow cookers, trim the bottoms of the peppers slightly so they stand upright.
Maximizing Flavor and Texture in Your Stuffed Bell Peppers
Choosing the Best Peppers for the Slow Cooker
Use medium-sized bell peppers that fit snugly in your slow cooker. Red, yellow, and orange peppers are naturally sweeter, while green ones bring a mild bitterness that balances the tomato base beautifully. A mix of colors looks stunning when served.
Enhancing the Beef Filling with Layers of Flavor
Before mixing, sauté the onions and garlic for a few minutes in olive oil. This step adds caramelization and depth to the filling, taking the flavor from good to great. It’s a small extra step that delivers big payoff.
Balancing Moisture with the Right Rice
Parboiled rice is the unsung hero of this recipe—it cooks gently, stays fluffy, and absorbs the savory juices without clumping. Avoid instant rice, which tends to get mushy in long slow-cooker sessions.
Customizing the Tomato Sauce
Add a tablespoon of tomato paste or a splash of red wine to your sauce base for a bolder, richer flavor. If you prefer a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes works beautifully.
Getting That Melty Cheese Finish
For the perfect gooey topping, add mozzarella near the end of cooking, cover, and let it melt naturally from the steam. For a golden finish, you can even transfer the peppers to a baking dish and broil them for 2–3 minutes.
Storing and Reheating Your Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers
Storing for Maximum Freshness
Store leftover peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the sauce separate if you prefer to avoid soggy bottoms.
Freezing Stuffed Peppers the Right Way
Let peppers cool completely, then wrap each individually in foil and store them in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat straight from frozen in the oven or microwave.
Reheating Without Overcooking
Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or in the microwave at 50% power. Add a spoonful of extra sauce or a splash of broth to keep them moist.
Refreshing the Sauce Before Serving
When reheating, stir a touch of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs into the tomato sauce—it brightens the flavor and revives the dish beautifully.
Using Leftovers Creatively
Chop up leftover peppers and mix them with pasta or spoon them into tortillas for quick stuffed pepper wraps. It’s a delicious second-day twist!
Adapting Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers for Any Diet
Making Them Vegetarian or Vegan
Swap the ground beef for cooked lentils, quinoa, or a plant-based meat substitute. Use vegetable broth and skip the cheese or use vegan mozzarella.
Turning It Low-Carb
Replace the rice with finely chopped cauliflower or riced broccoli. You’ll get the same satisfying texture without the carbs.
Gluten-Free Version
This recipe is naturally gluten-free—just double-check that your tomato puree and seasoning mixes contain no additives with gluten.
Lighter, Lower-Calorie Adaptation
Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and skip the cheese topping. You’ll still get all the comfort with fewer calories.
Boosting Fiber and Veggie Content
Add chopped spinach, zucchini, or shredded carrots into the filling. They add bulk, moisture, and nutrients without altering the flavor.
Your Top Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers Questions Answered
Can I Use Uncooked Rice in the Filling?
Yes! This recipe is designed for uncooked parboiled rice, which cooks perfectly in the slow cooker. Regular long-grain rice may need a bit more liquid or time.
Do I Need to Brown the Meat First?
No need! The ground beef cooks fully and safely in the slow cooker. That said, browning it first adds a slightly deeper flavor if you have a few extra minutes.
Can I Cook These in the Oven Instead?
Yes—place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, pour the sauce over them, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F for 45–55 minutes until tender.
What Should I Serve with Stuffed Peppers?
These peppers are a complete meal on their own, but they pair beautifully with garlic bread, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
How Can I Make the Sauce Thicker?
If you like a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some moisture evaporate, or stir in a spoonful of tomato paste.
Why These Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers Belong in Your Recipe Rotation
There’s something truly heartwarming about these Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers. They’re rich, hearty, and effortlessly impressive—like a Sunday dinner that practically makes itself. Every layer, from the herbed tomato sauce to the juicy beef and rice filling, cooks in harmony to create a perfectly balanced, comforting meal.
This dish also fits any lifestyle. It’s family-friendly, meal-prep-ready, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Whether you make them classic with beef and mozzarella or lighten them up with turkey and veggies, the results are always delicious.
The best part? The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while your kitchen fills with that irresistible aroma of simmering tomatoes and herbs. So go ahead—slice the tops off some bell peppers, set your crockpot, and let these Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers bring that timeless comfort to your table tonight.
