This easy Slow Cooker Beef and Rice Stuffed Peppers recipe is a hearty, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy days. Juicy bell peppers are stuffed with a flavorful mix of beef, rice, and herbs, and then slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce. You can customize it with mozzarella or pepper Jack cheese for a creamy, delicious finish.

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Recipe Ingredients

• 4 sweet bell peppers (any color)
• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef (use ground round for best results)
• ¾ cup (139 g) uncooked Basmati rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped, divided
• 1 tbsp (2 g) dried basil, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced, divided
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp (28 g) brown sugar
• ¾ cup (180 ml) water
• 4 thick slices of mozzarella or pepper Jack cheese (choose mozzarella for a kid-friendly option or pepper Jack for added spice)

How To Make Slow Cooker Beef And Rice Stuffed Peppers

1. Prepare the peppers: Cut off the tops of the peppers, remove the seeds and white pith, and slice off the flesh from the tops, discarding the stems.
2. Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Basmati rice, ¼ cup (40 g) of the onion, half of the basil, half of the garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well using your hands, then evenly stuff the mixture into the prepared peppers.
3. Arrange the peppers: Place the stuffed peppers upright in a 6-quart (6-L) slow cooker.
4. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the crushed tomatoes, brown sugar, water, the remaining onion, basil, and garlic. Pour this sauce over the stuffed peppers.
5. Cook: Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours, until the peppers are tender and the rice is fully cooked.
6. Add cheese: Top each pepper with a slice of mozzarella or pepper Jack cheese before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Choose firm bell peppers: Pick peppers that can stand upright and have no soft spots. This ensures they hold their shape during cooking.
• Don’t overfill the peppers: Leave a little room at the top to prevent the filling from spilling out as it cooks and expands.
• Use freshly minced garlic: It gives a stronger flavor compared to jarred garlic and enhances the sauce and filling.
• Check rice size: Make sure to use long-grain rice like Basmati for the best texture; short-grain rice can become mushy.
• Add cheese just before serving: Let it melt on top for a gooey finish without overcooking it in the slow cooker.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Check out More Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Asian-Style Pork
• Slow Cooker Amazing Shredded Chicken Tacos
• Slow Cooker Brazilian Feijoada

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