Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers: 4 Easy Steps to Bliss

Name: Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed; 1 pound ground beef or turkey; 1 cup cooked rice; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella), divided; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe

Let’s face it—life can feel like a never‑ending to‑do list. Between work, errands, and keeping everyone fed (again), dinner can start to feel like one more thing on an already packed plate. You want something warm, filling, and wholesome on the table—without juggling a million steps or dirtying every dish in your kitchen. That’s where Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers come to the rescue. They’re the kind of set‑it‑and‑forget‑it comfort food that tastes like you spent hours cooking… even though you absolutely didn’t. Perfect for those “I’m so done today” evenings when you need dinner to take care of you for a change.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers

It practically cooks itself—you build it, slow cook it, and go live your life.
Customizable—choose beef or turkey, cheddar or mozzarella, and season to your taste.
All the comfort, less of the fuss—a cozy, cheesy dinner that feels like a hug without the cooking stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

6 bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
1 pound ground beef or turkey
1 cup cooked rice
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ready to whip up a dinner that tastes like a cozy Sunday meal but only takes about 15 minutes of actual effort? These Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers are the answer. Here’s how to pull it all together—step by easy step.

1. Mix it up:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your ground beef or turkey (whichever your crew prefers), cooked rice, diced onion, minced garlic, canned diced tomatoes, half of the shredded cheese, Italian seasoning, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Use a spoon—or your clean hands if you’re feeling rustic—to mix everything until it’s beautifully blended. The mixture should look hearty, colorful, and already smell pretty amazing.

2. Stuff those peppers:
Take your prepped bell peppers (tops off, seeds out) and stuff each one generously with your meat and rice filling. Don’t be shy—fill them to the top! Then, stand each pepper upright in your slow cooker. They’ll sit snugly, side by side, like cozy little dinner guests waiting for the magic to happen.

3. Let the slow cooker work its magic:
Now comes the easy part—just set it and let it simmer into deliciousness:

Low and slow: Set your slow cooker to low for 6–8 hours. This is perfect if you’re prepping in the morning and want dinner ready when you walk through the door. The peppers become tender, the flavors meld together, and your house will smell like comfort.
Fast track it: Need dinner sooner? No problem! Set it to high for 3–4 hours and you’ll still get all that hearty, slow-cooked flavor in half the time.

4. Cheese finale:
About 30 minutes before your cooking time is up, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the tops of the peppers. Pop the lid back on and let it melt into a golden, gooey blanket of comfort. This step is optional—but let’s be honest, is it really optional?

5. Serve warm and enjoy:
Carefully remove the peppers (they’ll be super tender) and place them on plates or in shallow bowls. Don’t forget to scoop up a little of the tomatoey, cheesy sauce from the bottom of the slow cooker—it’s too good to waste. Pair with a simple side salad or crusty bread if you like, but honestly, these peppers are a complete meal all on their own.

Tips from Mounia’s Kitchen (aka The Slow‑Cooker Whisperer)

Rice swap‑o: If you don’t have rice, try cooked quinoa or even cauliflower rice—same set‑it‑and‑forget‑it magic.
Too watery? The juices from tomatoes and meat are a good thing! If, at the end, it’s wetter than you like, remove the lid and let it cook on high for 10–15 minutes to thicken.
Pepper‑til‑perfect: Tired of bell peppers? Try zucchini boats or halved sweet potatoes as fun veggie alternatives.
Cheesier does it: Want more gooey comfort? Add a handful of cheese right into the meat mixture—not just on top.

A Little Story to Make You Smile

One week, I was buried under a pile of life’s chaos—work deadlines, school pickups, and a million little “mom, can you help with this?” moments. I threw this recipe together on a Tuesday morning and came home to this aromatic, cheesy delight waiting. My kids’ smiles were the best thank‑you ever—sometimes the simplest dinners are the most memorable.

Colorful Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers with melted cheese and fresh herbs on a serving platter — Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers bursting with cheesy rice, ground meat, and savory spices—served hot and ready to impress!

FAQs You Might Be Asking…

Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely—turkey keeps it lighter without sacrificing flavor. Swap freely!

How should I store leftovers?

Let them cool gently, then pop into an airtight container. Refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350 °F until warm and bubbly.

Can I prep ahead?

Yep! Stuff the peppers, cover, and chill in the fridge overnight. In the morning, pop the whole lot into the slow cooker and cook as directed. Dinner’s practically done before it even starts!

Warm Good‑byes (Well, Not a Conclusion—Just Cozy Thoughts)

Picture yourself on a busy evening, sniffing the air as those Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers do their magic. You might be juggling schedules or just in need of comfort that doesn’t ask for your attention every minute. That’s where this gem shines. Cozy, cheesy, and satisfying—this meal is like a kind friend saying, “Take a breath. Dinner’s handled.” And isn’t that exactly what we all need sometimes?

Keep the Slow Cooker Magic Going

If you loved these Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers, you’re in for a real treat with more easy, cozy dinners that take the stress out of mealtime. Here are a few favorites to add to your weekly rotation:

Craving something hearty and Italian-inspired? Try our super cheesy and satisfying Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna. It’s a family favorite with all the lasagna feels—minus the effort.
If you liked the stuffed bell pepper concept, you’ll love our slightly deconstructed Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls—same comforting flavors, way less prep.
Need a comforting beef dish for Sunday dinner? Don’t miss our rich and tender Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu. It’s perfect over pasta or polenta.
Want another fun twist on stuffed peppers? These Ricotta Stuffed Peppers are creamy, flavorful, and perfect for a vegetarian night that doesn’t skimp on comfort.

With these delicious options in your back pocket, your slow cooker might just become your new best friend. Happy cooking!