Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Casserole

All the comforting flavors of classic stuffed peppers, but without the work of stuffing individual peppers! This Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Casserole combines tender ground beef, colorful bell peppers, tomatoes, rice, and Italian-seasoned flavors in one easy crockpot meal. Top it with plenty of melted cheese for a satisfying family dinner.

🛒 Ingredients

• 1½ lbs ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 bell peppers, chopped — red, green, and yellow
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1½ cups beef broth
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for about 6–8 minutes, breaking up the meat, until browned. Drain excess grease.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

2. Add Everything to the Slow Cooker

Transfer the beef mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker.

Add the chopped bell peppers, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Stir everything together well.

3. Add the Rice

Stir in the uncooked rice, making sure it is distributed evenly throughout the mixture.

4. Slow Cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, or until the rice is tender and the peppers are soft.

Check toward the end because slow cookers vary. If the casserole becomes too thick before the rice is completely tender, stir in a small amount of warm broth.

5. Make It Cheesy

About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or cheddar evenly over the top.

Cover again and let it cook until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.

6. Serve

Turn off the slow cooker and let the casserole rest for about 5–10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

⭐ Pro Tips

• Don’t skip browning the beef. It adds much better flavor and texture.
• Use a mixture of red, green, and yellow peppers for extra color and sweetness.
• For a spicy version, add diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Cheddar gives it a classic cheeseburger-style flavor, while mozzarella creates a gooier topping.
• If using brown rice, cooking time and liquid requirements can vary, so follow the rice package guidance rather than simply substituting it 1:1.

🥄 Serving Ideas

Serve this casserole with a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. For a lower-carb meal, skip the rice and use cauliflower rice, adding it closer to the end of cooking so it doesn’t become mushy.

❤️ Why You’ll Love It

It’s easy, filling, cheesy, budget-friendly, and made in one slow cooker. You get everything you love about traditional stuffed peppers without spending time hollowing, filling, and arranging individual peppers.

Tender beef + sweet bell peppers + tomato-rich sauce + fluffy rice + melted cheese = pure comfort food!