Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Name: Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 200 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 bell peppers (chopped); 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup short grain white rice; 1 onion (chopped); 2 garlic cloves (minced); 1½ cups chicken broth; 28 oz diced tomatoes; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon pepper; 1 cup cheddar cheese; Fresh cilantro to garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Casserole has all the classic flavors of traditional stuffed peppers in a one-pot meal that that cooks up beautifully in your crockpot. This convenient casserole is for those busy days that call for a foolproof and delicious dinner.

Cooked Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Casserole in a black crockpot with a ladle.

Table of Contents

If you love stuffed peppers but hate all the fussy prep work, this Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe is about to become your new weeknight dinner hero.

The magic of this recipe is in the ratios. The combination of chicken broth and the liquid from the diced tomatoes provides exactly enough moisture to cook the rice to tender perfection while the peppers soften and release their own juices.

The slow, gentle heat of the slow cooker means the flavors have hours to develop and deepen, creating that classic stuffed pepper taste without any of the traditional labor. The rice acts like a sponge, soaking up all that savory, slightly sweet tomato flavor.

And that layer of melted cheddar on top? That’s what transforms this from a simple rice and veggie dish into true comfort food. We hope it becomes a family favorite that you made this on repeat. Also try our Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe!

Recipe at a Glance

Crockpot Convenience – Let this easy slow cooker recipe do the work for you. This dump-and-go dinner recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
Budget-Friendly Ingredients – Bell peppers, rice, and pantry staples come together for a meal that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank. Another is our low-carb Bell Pepper Stuffed Tacos.
Meal Prep Champion – This makes a huge batch and reheats beautifully so you can have easy meals and lunches all week long.
Customizable. Swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.

Total Time: 3½ Hours

Serves: 6-8

Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Casserole on a white plate with a fork.

Ingredients and Notes

As always, the full ingredients and recipe is on the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Bell Peppers: You’ll need 3 bell peppers for this recipe, of any color. I like to use three different colors for the prettiest presentation.
Onion – One large yellow or white onion will do.
Garlic – Fresh minced garlic is best, yet you can use jarred garlic if necessary. Garlic powder will work but won’t have that same robust taste.
Diced Tomatoes – Don’t drain the juices from the can, they will help cook the rice too.
Italian Seasoning – I like to use the convenient and simple blend for this recipe, yet you can individually add the Italian-inspired spices if you so choose.
Cheddar Cheese – Freshly shredded melts so much better than pre-shredded from the bag.
Fresh Cilantro – Used as a garnish and a pop of fresh flavor at the end. It’s optional of course, and can be substituted with parsley if you’d like.

Ingredients on a table to make Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Casserole.

What I Learned Making This Recipe

Opt for short grain white rice for the best texture. It holds up well during the slow cooking process and absorbs the flavors of the dish beautifully.
Browning the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker not only adds flavor but also helps reduce excess fat. Make sure to drain any fat after browning to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.

How to Make Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Casserole

1. Grease the inside of your slow cooker with olive oil or nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Cooked ground beef and chopped onion in a frying pan.

2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease. Add chopped onions and minced garlic. Saute until they turn translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Ingredients in a crockpot to make Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Casserole.

3. Transfer the cooked ground beef, onions, and garlic from the stove to the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine evenly.

4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 hours or on high heat for 3 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker, so keep an eye on it towards the end.

Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Casserole in a black crockpot dish.

5. About 1 hours before serving, add the chopped peppers and mix. Then sprinkle the cheese on top of the casserole. Cover and let it melt while it finishes cooking.

Overhead view of cooked Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Casserole in a crockpot dish with melted cheese on top.

6. Spoon generous portions of the stuffed pepper casserole onto plates and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Tex-Mex Twist: Give your casserole a Southwestern flair by adding a can of black beans, corn kernels, and diced green chilies. Season with taco seasoning instead of Italian seasoning and top with a blend of Mexican cheeses for a gooey, melty finish.
Use Different Types of Cheese to change up the flavor profile. Try using Monterey Jack, pepper jack, mozzarella cheese, or a blend of cheeses like Gouda and Swiss for a unique twist.
Use Brown Rice: You can substitute with brown rice, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time to 6 to 7 hours on LOW and add an extra half cup of broth.

Tips for Success

Resist opening the lid. Every time you peek, you add 15 to 20 minutes to the cooking time. Trust the process!
Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Freshly shredded cheese from a block melts into that gorgeous, gooey cheese we all want.
Let it rest before serving. After you turn off the slow cooker, let it sit for 10 minutes. This helps everything set up a bit and makes serving easier.

Serving Ideas

Stuffed pepper casserole made in the crock pot is pretty much a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic bread on he side.

As well, a crisp and refreshing side salad is a great way to balance out the heartiness of the casserole. Toss together your favorite greens such as mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Refrigerator Storage – Before storing the leftovers, allow the casserole to cool down to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can lead to sogginess. Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer Storage – This recipe freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. I like to portion it into individual servings in freezer-safe containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Instructions – For best results, reheat in the microwave with a damp paper towel over the top to keep it from drying out. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. You can also reheat in a covered dish in a 350-degree oven for about 20 minutes.

Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Casserole on a white round plate beside a crockpot.

Recipe FAQ

Can I make this on this stovetop instead?

Yes! Use a large pot or Dutch oven. Sauté the peppers, onion, and garlic in the olive oil for about 5 minutes, then add the rice, broth, tomatoes, and seasonings. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 to 25 minutes until the rice is tender. Top with cheese and cover until melted.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure you have a large enough slow cooker (7 quarts or bigger). The cooking time should stay about the same.

Can I use a different meat besides ground beef?

You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, ground pork, or even sausage for a different flavor profile.

Can I add more vegetables to this slow cooker casserole?

Feel free to customize the recipe by adding extra veggies such as mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or corn. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure all the vegetables are cooked to your liking.

More Slow Cooker Recipes

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a Tuesday night or meal prepping for the week ahead, this casserole delivers every single time. The combination of tender peppers, perfectly cooked rice, and melted cheese is just unbeatable. Give it a try and let me know what you think! 🌟

Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a perfect solution for busy days. A comfort meal and easy recipe perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 3

Total Time: 3 20

Servings:

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Author: Tammi

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 bell peppers (chopped)
1 pound ground beef
1 cup short grain white rice
1 onion (chopped)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1½ cups chicken broth
28 oz diced tomatoes
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 cup cheddar cheese
Fresh cilantro to garnish (optional)

Instructions

Grease the inside of your slow cooker with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until it's browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
Add chopped onions and minced garlic. Saute until they turn translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Transfer the cooked ground beef, onions, and garlic to the slow cooker. Add the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine evenly.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 hours or on high heat for 3 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker, so keep an eye on it towards the end.
About 1 hour before serving, add the chopped peppers, and mix to combine.
Sprinkle the cheese on top of the casserole. Cover and cook for the last hour.
Spoon generous portions of the stuffed pepper casserole onto plates and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.