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This hearty Crock Pot Turkey Stuffed Peppers recipe has been my go-to solution for busy weeknights when I need a healthy, satisfying meal waiting for us at the end of the day. The combination of lean ground turkey, fluffy rice, and tender bell peppers creates a complete meal that's as nutritious as it is delicious.
I first created this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something nourishing but didn't have time to stand over the stove. My family was skeptical about stuffed peppers at first, but now they request them regularly, especially on cold winter evenings.
Ingredients
- Bell peppers: Choose firm peppers with flat bottoms so they stand upright in the slow cooker
- Ground turkey: The 93/7 lean variety provides great flavor while keeping the dish light
- Cooked rice: Adds satisfying texture and helps bind the filling together
- Sweet onion: Provides aromatic flavor without overpowering the dish
- Garlic powder: Infuses the filling with savory notes without the hassle of mincing fresh garlic
- Dried herbs: Thyme and rosemary create a classic flavor profile that complements the turkey perfectly
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and umami that enhances the meat filling
- Tomato sauce: Creates a rich topping that keeps everything moist and flavorful
- Mozzarella cheese: Forms a melty golden topping that brings everything together
- Fresh parsley: Optional but adds bright color and fresh flavor as a finishing touch
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Peppers:
- Cut the tops off 6 bell peppers and carefully remove all seeds and membranes from inside. Save the tops as you will use them during the cooking process. Look for peppers with flat bottoms so they stand upright easily in your slow cooker.
- Mix the Filling:
- Combine the uncooked ground turkey, finely diced sweet onion, cooked rice, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, pepper, 1/2 teaspoon mixed dried herbs, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly but gently using your hands or a fork. Be careful not to overmix as this can make the texture too dense.
- Stuff and Arrange:
- Divide the turkey mixture evenly among the hollowed bell peppers, filling each to the top but avoiding packing too tightly. Place the pepper tops back on each stuffed pepper. Arrange the peppers standing upright in your 6 quart slow cooker. Pour 1/4 cup water into the bottom of the slow cooker to create steam during cooking.
- Slow Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for up to 8 hours. The peppers will soften and the turkey filling will cook through completely. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the peppers tender but not mushy.
- Add Sauce and Cheese:
- During the final 30 minutes of cooking, prepare the sauce by mixing tomato sauce, remaining garlic powder, dried herbs, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Remove the pepper tops and spoon the sauce mixture over each stuffed pepper. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese and continue cooking uncovered for the final 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Final Touch:
- Just before serving, carefully make a small slit in the bottom of each pepper to release any accumulated liquid. This prevents the peppers from being too watery when served. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
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My family particularly loves when I use a colorful mix of bell peppers instead of just one variety. The red and yellow peppers add a touch of sweetness that balances the savory filling beautifully. I still remember the first time my picky eater daughter tried these and declared them her new favorite dinner, they have been in our regular rotation ever since.
Make Ahead Magic
This recipe shines as a make ahead option. You can prepare the entire dish through the stuffing step up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store the stuffed peppers covered in the refrigerator, and when ready to cook, place them in the slow cooker and proceed with the recipe. This advance prep makes this dish perfect for busy days when you know you will not have time to cook.
Customization Options
One of the best qualities of this recipe is how adaptable it is to different tastes and dietary needs. For a lower carb version, substitute cauliflower rice for the regular rice. The texture remains satisfying while reducing the carbohydrate content significantly.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed peppers stand beautifully on their own as a complete meal, but a few simple sides can enhance the experience. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty peppers. During colder months, I often serve them with a slice of crusty garlic bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
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A delicious and healthy comfort dish that's perfect for meal prep or cozy family dinners.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare these stuffed peppers in advance?
Yes, you can prepare these stuffed peppers ahead of time. The rice can be cooked 1-2 days in advance, and you can assemble the peppers the night before. Store them covered in the refrigerator, then place in the slow cooker the next morning with the water and cook according to instructions.
- → What type of bell peppers work best for this dish?
Any color bell pepper works well - red, yellow, green, or orange. Red and yellow peppers tend to be sweeter, while green peppers have a slightly bitter flavor that some prefer. Choose peppers with flat bottoms so they stand upright in the slow cooker.
- → Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground beef can be substituted for ground turkey in equal amounts. For best results, choose lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) to minimize excess grease. The cooking time and other ingredients remain the same.
- → Why do I need to make a slit in the peppers before serving?
Making a small slit in the bottom of the peppers allows excess liquid to drain out. Bell peppers naturally release moisture during cooking, and this step prevents your stuffed peppers from being soggy when served.
- → What can I serve with these stuffed peppers?
These stuffed peppers are a complete meal on their own, but they pair beautifully with a simple green salad, crusty bread, or garlic bread to soak up the sauce. If serving for a larger gathering, consider adding a side of roasted vegetables or a light soup as a starter.
- → Can I use pre-cooked ground turkey?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked ground turkey. Simply mix it with the other filling ingredients and proceed with the recipe. Since the turkey is already cooked, the slow cooker time is primarily to soften the peppers and meld the flavors.