Looking for a hearty, mouthwatering meal that practically cooks itself? Dive into the world of "Slow Cooker Sausage and Rice Stuffed Peppers"! This delightful dish combines the savory richness of Italian sausage, the comforting texture of rice, and the vibrant freshness of bell peppers—all simmered together in your slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, these stuffed peppers are not only easy to make but also packed with flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this scrumptious recipe that’s sure to become a favorite!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 6 bell peppers, halved and seeded
- 1 lb Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the bell peppers by washing thoroughly, then carefully slice each pepper in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes, creating a boat-like shape for filling.
- In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains and the meat is fully cooked, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the cooked sausage and transfer to a mixing bowl. Add cooked rice, diced tomatoes, half of the shredded cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix ingredients thoroughly to combine.
- Arrange the pepper halves in the slow cooker, creating a single layer. If needed, you can slightly trim the bottom of peppers to help them sit flat.
- Generously fill each pepper half with the sausage and rice mixture, pressing down gently to pack the filling.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top of the stuffed peppers.
- Cover slow cooker and cook on low setting for 4 hours, or until peppers are tender and filling is heated through.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove peppers using a large spoon. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow filling to set.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or additional cheese before serving.
Tips
- Choose the Right Peppers: Opt for bell peppers that are firm and vibrant in color. Red, yellow, or orange peppers add a sweet flavor and a pop of color to your dish!
- Mix It Up: Feel free to customize the filling! Add vegetables like diced zucchini or mushrooms, or swap out the Italian sausage for turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Layering is Key: When arranging the stuffed peppers in the slow cooker, make sure they are snug but not overcrowded. This allows for even cooking and ensures all peppers get that delicious flavor.
- Cheese Lovers Unite: For an extra cheesy finish, try mixing different types of cheese into the filling, like mozzarella or provolone, and sprinkle some on top before serving.
- Make Ahead: Prep the filling the night before and store it in the fridge. In the morning, simply stuff the peppers and set your slow cooker—dinner will be ready when you are!
- Garnish for Flavor: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a drizzle of balsamic glaze right before serving can elevate the dish and add a burst of freshness.
- Check for Doneness: Cooking times may vary based on your slow cooker model, so keep an eye on the peppers and check for tenderness before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 55mg
