Stuffed Peppers Slowcooker Recipe

Stuffed peppers is a one-dish meal.  Bell peppers are stuffed with a mixture of meat, rice and fried onions, then simmered in tomato sauce.  Any color bell peppers are great for stuffing – you can make stuffed green bell peppers, stuffed red bell peppers, stuffed yellow bell peppers and orange ones too. You can use any kind of ground meat in stuffed peppers, but I like their taste best with ground turkey.

Stuffed peppers recipe can be made with and without the slowcooker.  I like to make stuffed peppers in a slowcooker as I don’t like to babysit the simmering pot on the stove :)

Why You’ll Love Stuffed Peppers Slow Cooker Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: With the slow cooker, you can set it and forget it—no need to watch the stove or constantly check on your meal.
• Full of Flavor: The ground turkey, onions, and rice absorb the rich tomato sauce, resulting in stuffed peppers that are juicy and packed with flavor.
• Great for Meal Prep: These stuffed peppers hold up well in the fridge, making them ideal for preparing in advance and enjoying throughout the week.
• Customizable: This recipe works with any color of bell pepper, so you can add a mix of colors for a beautiful, vibrant presentation.
• Healthy and Filling: With lean protein, vegetables, and rice, these peppers are a balanced and satisfying meal that’s naturally gluten-free.

Ingredients for Stuffed Peppers Recipe:

• 6 large bell peppers – Any color works great; choose your favorite or a mix for extra color!
• 2 lbs of ground turkey – A lean protein option that’s flavorful and blends perfectly with the other ingredients.
• 1 cup of cooked rice (I usually cook it in advance using the rice cooker) – Adds bulk and texture to the filling, making the peppers hearty and satisfying.
• 2 medium onions, chopped – Sautéed onions bring a subtle sweetness and enhance the depth of flavor.
• 1 tbsp oil – Used to cook the onions until they’re tender and fragrant.
• 1 1/2 tsp salt – Enhances all the natural flavors and ensures the filling is well-seasoned.
• 1/4 tsp pepper – Adds a hint of spice to the filling for a more balanced taste.
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce – A rich, tangy base that keeps the peppers juicy and flavorful as they cook.
• 1 tbsp sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the tomato sauce.

For a printable card of the ingredients, check out the recipe card at the end of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need to Make Stuffed Peppers Slow Cooker Recipe

• Slow Cooker – Cooks the peppers low and slow, making them tender and flavorful without the need for constant attention.
• Non-Stick Frying Pan – Used to sauté the onions, bringing out their sweetness and enhancing the flavor of the filling.
• Knife – Essential for cutting the tops off the peppers and chopping the onions.
• Spoon – Perfect for scooping out the seeds and membranes from inside the peppers.
• Large Bowl – To mix the ground turkey, rice, onions, and seasonings together for the filling.
• Measuring Spoons – To ensure the seasonings are perfectly balanced for the best flavor.

Directions How To Make Stuffed Peppers Recipe In A Slow Cooker:

Heat the oil on a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat.  Add onions, and cook, stirring periodically, for 5 minutes.

Mix the ground turkey, cooked rice, fried onions, salt and pepper.  This is the filling for the peppers.

Cut the tops of the bell peppers (reserve those tops).  Scoop the seeds out of the peppers with the spoon and discard.  Carefully cut out the membranes from the inside of the peppers with a knife, so the peppers are hollow.

Divide the filling into 6 parts, and stuff each pepper with the filling.  Place the peppers in a vertical position into the slowcooker.  Cover the peppers with their tops (the tops should be like the lids of the stuffed peppers).

In a large bowl, pour the tomato sauce.  Then fill the tomato sauce can with water and add that water to the tomato sauce.  Add 3 more cans of water. Add the sugar to the tomato sauce  and mix.  Pour the tomato sauce over the peppers.

Cook in the slow cooker for 4 hours of high or 8 hours on low.

How To Make The Stuffed Peppers Without The Slow Cooker:

After you stuff the peppers with filling, put them in a heavy-bottomed pot instead of the slow cooker.  Add tomato sauce, water and sugar mixture.  Bring to a boil, then simmer, covered, for 1 hour.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these stuffed peppers hot, straight from the slow cooker, for a comforting main dish.
• Spoon extra tomato sauce over the peppers and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added color and flavor.
• Pair with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Add a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables on the side for a balanced meal.
• For a cheesy twist, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on top of each pepper during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Peppers: Look for bell peppers that can stand upright on their own, as this helps them stay stable in the slow cooker. A mix of colors adds visual appeal, but any color will work.
• Pre-Cook the Rice: Using cooked rice in the filling prevents it from becoming mushy in the slow cooker and ensures an even texture. If you have leftover rice, this is a great way to use it up.
• Don’t Overfill the Peppers: Stuff the peppers just enough so the filling is compact but not overflowing, which helps them cook evenly.
• Add Enough Liquid: The water mixed with tomato sauce ensures that there’s enough moisture in the slow cooker, keeping the peppers tender and allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Test for Doneness: The peppers should be fork-tender when done. If you prefer softer peppers, add another 30 minutes to an hour of cooking time on low.

Variations and Substitutions

• Change the Protein: Substitute ground turkey with ground beef, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian version, use a mixture of black beans and mushrooms or crumbled tofu in place of the meat.
• Try Different Grains: Instead of rice, you can use quinoa, couscous, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. These grains will provide a unique texture and nutritional profile.
• Spice It Up: For a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the filling. You can also experiment with spices like cumin, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning to customize the flavor.
• Add Cheese: Mix shredded cheese into the filling for a creamy texture. Cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack work well. Or, sprinkle cheese on top of each pepper toward the end of cooking for a cheesy topping.
• Use Different Sauces: For a flavor twist, replace the tomato sauce with marinara sauce, enchilada sauce, or salsa. Each sauce brings a unique taste and pairs wonderfully with the filling.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerating: Place any leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to keep them in the sauce to retain moisture.
• Freezing: For longer storage, place cooled stuffed peppers in a freezer-safe container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, place peppers and sauce in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a covered baking dish at 350°F (175°C) in the oven for 15-20 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these stuffed peppers without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make these stuffed peppers on the stovetop. Place them in a heavy-bottomed pot, add the tomato sauce mixture, bring to a boil, then simmer covered for about an hour or until the peppers are tender.

Can I use uncooked rice in the filling?

For best results, use cooked rice, as it won’t absorb too much liquid from the filling and sauce. If using uncooked rice, you may need to add a bit more liquid and increase the cooking time slightly to allow the rice to fully cook.

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

Try to choose bell peppers with flat bottoms that can stand upright on their own. Alternatively, place a small ball of aluminum foil around the base of each pepper to help them stay upright.

What can I use instead of ground turkey?

You can substitute ground turkey with ground beef, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative. Adjust the seasoning as desired to match the protein you choose.

Can I add other vegetables to the filling?

Absolutely! Diced carrots, celery, or zucchini are great additions to the filling. Just make sure to chop them finely so they cook evenly with the other ingredients.

Other Easy Peppers Recipes

Healthy Ground Beef Stir Fry – Quick One Pan Recipe: This nutritious ground beef stir fry is a quick, one-pan meal packed with veggies and bold flavors, perfect for a busy weeknight.

Easy Microwave Stuffed Bell Peppers: Enjoy stuffed bell peppers in minutes with this simple microwave recipe, filled with a savory mix of rice and ground meat.

Charred Grilled Bell Peppers Recipe: These grilled bell peppers are lightly charred for a smoky flavor, making them a delicious and colorful side dish.

Low-Carb Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers (Oven-Baked, Keto-Friendly): These oven-baked turkey-stuffed peppers are keto-friendly and loaded with a flavorful, low-carb filling.

Keto Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers with Cauliflower Rice: This keto Instant Pot recipe features bell peppers stuffed with seasoned cauliflower rice and ground meat for a hearty, low-carb meal.

Authentic Mexican-Style Scrambled Eggs Recipe: These Mexican-style scrambled eggs are spiced just right with fresh tomatoes, onions, and a hint of heat for a vibrant breakfast.

Spicy Fajita Pasta with Bell Peppers, Onions & Cheese: This spicy fajita pasta combines tender bell peppers, onions, and melted cheese for a comforting, Tex-Mex-inspired dish.

More Slowcooker Recipes

• Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe (Traditional & Slow Cooker Versions)
• Creamy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
• Homemade Slow Cooker Bone Broth (Chicken, Beef, or Pork)