Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make!

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 5-7 hours on low or 2.5-3.5 hours on high | Servings: 4

Introduction

Stuffed peppers are a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. This slow cooker version takes all the delicious flavors of traditional stuffed peppers and makes them even easier to prepare. With a savory filling of ground pork, rice, peas, and cheese, these stuffed peppers are sure to be a hit with your family.

History

Stuffed peppers have been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. The concept of stuffing vegetables with a flavorful filling can be traced back to ancient times. In the United States, stuffed peppers became popular in the early 20th century and have remained a beloved comfort food ever since.

Ingredients

4 medium bell peppers
0.5 lb (227 g) ground pork
0.75 cup Bull's-eye Original barbecue sauce, divided
1 cup instant white rice, uncooked
1 cup frozen peas
0.25 lb (113 g) (4 oz) velveeta pasteurized prepared cheese product, cubed
0.5 cup water

How to prepare

Cut the tops off the peppers and chop them. Refrigerate the chopped tops for later use.
Remove the seeds from the peppers and discard them.
Set aside the pepper shells.
In a bowl, mix the pork, 0.5 cup of barbecue sauce, rice, and peas. Spoon the mixture evenly into the pepper shells.
Evenly top the stuffed peppers with Velveeta.
Pour the remaining 0.25 cup of barbecue sauce into the slow cooker and stir in water.
Stand the stuffed peppers upright in the slow cooker and cover with the lid.
Cook on low for 5 to 7 hours (or on high for 2.5 to 3.5 hours).

Variations

For a spicy kick, add some diced jalapenos to the filling.
For a Mediterranean twist, use lamb and feta cheese in the filling.
For a healthier version, use ground turkey and brown rice in the filling.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to choose peppers that are firm and have a flat bottom so they can stand upright in the slow cooker.

- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients, such as ground beef, quinoa, or different types of cheese.

- For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground pork with tofu or lentils.

- To save time, you can prepare the filling the night before and refrigerate it until you are ready to assemble the stuffed peppers.

Serving Suggestions

These slow cooker stuffed peppers can be served with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Cooking Techniques

Slow cooking allows the flavors of the filling to meld together and creates tender, flavorful peppers.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients. You can substitute the ground pork with ground beef, turkey, or tofu. You can also use different types of cheese or grains in the filling.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling the night before and refrigerate it until you are ready to assemble the stuffed peppers.

Presentation Ideas

Serve these slow cooker stuffed peppers garnished with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

These slow cooker stuffed peppers pair well with a glass of red wine or a crisp salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of these slow cooker stuffed peppers contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of these slow cooker stuffed peppers contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of these slow cooker stuffed peppers contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of these slow cooker stuffed peppers contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

These stuffed peppers are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese product) and soy (barbecue sauce). Please check for allergens before consuming.

Summary

These slow cooker stuffed peppers are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

These slow cooker stuffed peppers are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. With a savory filling of ground pork, rice, peas, and cheese, these stuffed peppers are sure to be a hit with your family. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of awe. It was a beautiful summer day and I was visiting my friend Martha, who always had a knack for cooking up delicious dishes. As I walked into her kitchen, the aroma of onions, garlic, and peppers filled the air. I could see Martha bustling around, chopping and stirring with a look of concentration on her face.

"What are you making?" I asked, curious about the delicious smells that were wafting from the stove.

"Slow cooker stuffed peppers," Martha replied with a smile. "It's a family recipe that has been passed down for generations. Would you like to learn how to make it?"

I eagerly nodded my head, excited at the prospect of learning a new recipe that had been kept within Martha's family for so long. As she guided me through the steps, I watched in amazement as the simple ingredients came together to create a mouthwatering dish.

Martha explained that the recipe had been passed down to her by her grandmother, who had learned it from her mother before her. It was a cherished family tradition that was always a hit at family gatherings and potlucks.

The key to making the perfect slow cooker stuffed peppers, Martha explained, was in the seasoning. She showed me how to mix together a blend of herbs and spices that would infuse the peppers with flavor as they cooked low and slow in the crockpot.

As we worked together to prepare the peppers, Martha shared stories of her childhood and the memories she had of cooking with her grandmother in the kitchen. It was a heartwarming experience that made me appreciate the importance of passing down family recipes from one generation to the next.

After a few hours of simmering in the slow cooker, the stuffed peppers were ready to be served. The aroma that filled Martha's kitchen was even more enticing than before, and I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of our labor.

The first bite of the slow cooker stuffed peppers was like a burst of flavor in my mouth. The tender peppers, savory filling, and rich tomato sauce all melded together perfectly to create a dish that was comforting and delicious.

As I savored each bite, I reflected on the journey that had led me to this moment. Learning how to make Martha's family recipe had given me a glimpse into the traditions and memories that were woven into the fabric of her family.

From that day on, slow cooker stuffed peppers became a staple in my own cooking repertoire. I would make them for family dinners, potlucks, and special occasions, sharing the recipe with friends and loved ones who were always eager to taste the dish that had been passed down through generations.

As I continued to hone my skills in the kitchen, I realized that cooking was more than just following a recipe. It was a way to connect with the past, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul.

And so, each time I make slow cooker stuffed peppers, I am reminded of the day I learned the recipe from Martha, of the stories she shared, and of the love and tradition that went into every delicious bite. It is a dish that will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy that comes from sharing food, family, and memories.