Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Casserole offers all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed peppers without the fuss of hollowing out vegetables. It’s a hands-off, hearty meal perfect for busy days and family dinners.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (browned and drained)
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 bell peppers (diced)
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
• 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 1½ cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add the browned and drained ground beef, diced onion, diced bell peppers, uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
2. Step 2: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours, or until the rice is tender and the flavors have melded together.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, then cover again and cook for an additional 20–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Step 4: Give the casserole a light stir to mix in the cheese and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For added flavor, consider mixing in a teaspoon of garlic powder or fresh minced garlic with the other ingredients before cooking.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
• Use cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend in place of mozzarella for a different cheese profile.
• If you want a saucier casserole, increase the beef broth by ½ cup.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant rice instead of long-grain rice?

Instant rice is not recommended because it cooks much faster and may become mushy during the long slow cooker time.

Do I need to brown the ground beef before adding it to the crockpot?

Yes, browning and draining the beef helps improve the flavor and texture, and prevents excess grease in the casserole.

Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 98 reviews

This Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that captures all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers without the hassle of stuffing each pepper individually. Ground beef, bell peppers, rice, and tomatoes cook together slowly in a flavorful broth and Italian seasoning, topped off with melted mozzarella cheese for a gooey, satisfying finish. Perfect for a hands-off family dinner.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (browned and drained)
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 bell peppers (diced)
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
• 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 1½ cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Brown the ground beef in a skillet until fully cooked, then drain excess fat. Dice the onion and bell peppers to ready them for the pot.
2. Add to Slow Cooker: Combine the browned ground beef, diced onion, bell peppers, uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper into the slow cooker. Stir gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
3. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, ensuring the rice becomes tender and all flavors meld together beautifully.
4. Add Cheese Topping: Once the rice and vegetables are cooked, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover the slow cooker again and cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
5. Final Stir and Serve: Give the casserole a light stir to combine the melted cheese with the rest of the dish, then serve warm for a hearty and flavorful meal.

Notes

• Make sure to brown and drain the ground beef properly to avoid excess grease in the casserole.
• If you prefer softer peppers, dice them smaller or cook longer.
• This recipe can be customized by using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Keywords: Crockpot stuffed peppers, slow cooker casserole, easy dinner recipe, ground beef casserole, one-pot meal