When you're craving something hearty but easy, this Crockpot Stuffed Peppers Recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s a go-to for busy weeknights or lazy weekends because you can set it up early in the day and come home to a fragrant, comforting meal that’s hands-off and full of flavor.

Crockpot Stuffed Peppers Recipe - Recipe Image — Crockpot Stuffed Peppers, easy stuffed peppers, slow cooker stuffed peppers, healthy stuffed peppers, vegetarian stuffed peppers

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In the Kitchen
Ingredients at a Glance
How to Make Crockpot Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Things to Remember
Ways to Serve It
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Full Printable Recipe

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In the Kitchen

This recipe is a brilliant way to get juicy, tender stuffed peppers without hovering over the stove. I love how the crockpot gently melts the bell peppers while the filling cooks through, locking in lots of flavor and making cleanup a breeze.

Juicy and Tender Every Time: Slow cooking keeps the peppers soft but not soggy, with a melt-in-your-mouth filling.
Golden, Satisfying Finish: After six hours on low, the flavors are perfectly melded with a rich, home-cooked aroma.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Basic pantry staples transform into something special with Italian seasoning and fresh bell peppers.
Weeknight to Weekend Ready: Prep in the morning or the night before, then let the crockpot do the work while you relax or tackle your day.

Ingredients at a Glance

Choosing fresh, colorful bell peppers and lean ground turkey really makes this Crockpot Stuffed Peppers Recipe shine. Don’t worry if you can’t find turkey – you can easily swap in ground beef or chicken.

Bell Peppers: Look for firm, vibrant peppers without blemishes for the best flavor and texture.
Ground Turkey: Opt for lean to keep it healthy, but a little fat adds juiciness too.
Cooked Rice: Day-old rice or freshly cooked both work great, just avoid mushy rice.
Diced Tomatoes: Use canned with juices to add moisture and a tangy kick.
Italian Seasoning: Fresh herbs are lovely, but the dry mix keeps things easy and consistent.

Heads-Up: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.

How to Make Crockpot Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Step 1 — Prepare and Mix the Filling

Start by mixing the ground turkey, cooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juices), and Italian seasoning in a medium bowl. I usually break up the turkey with a fork to get it evenly combined – it helps the filling cook uniformly. You’ll notice the mixture is moist but holds together well, perfect for stuffing.

Step 2 — Prepare the Peppers

Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. I like to trim the bottom just a little so they stand upright in the crockpot without tipping over – a small bit of caution here to not cut too much or they’ll leak filling as they cook.

Step 3 — Stuff and Arrange in Crockpot

Spoon the filling generously into each pepper half, packing it in but not overflowing. Place the stuffed peppers standing up in the crockpot. You want them snug but not squished, so the heat circulates evenly. This step sets you up for perfectly cooked, juicy peppers.

Step 4 — Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours, or until the turkey filling is cooked through and the peppers are tender but not mushy. I find the crockpot timing is forgiving here – just check once near the end to avoid overcooking. The kitchen fills with such a comforting aroma, I love coming home to this.

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Things to Remember

I’ve made this Crockpot Stuffed Peppers Recipe countless times and learned a few tricks along the way that will make your experience much easier—and tastier.

Doneness Cue: Bell peppers should be tender enough to pierce easily but still hold their shape.
Temperature Trick: If you’re in a hurry, cooking on high for 3 hours works but the texture is best low and slow.
Make-Ahead Move: You can prep and stuff peppers the night before—keep covered in the fridge until cooking.
Common Pitfall: Avoid overstuffing peppers; it can cause filling to spill and cook unevenly.

Ways to Serve It

Finishing Touches

I love topping these stuffed peppers with a sprinkle of shredded cheese in the last 10 minutes of cooking for a melty, toasty finish that adds a wonderful richness. Fresh chopped basil or parsley adds a pop of color and brightness, balancing the hearty filling perfectly.

Plays Well With

To complement these Crockpot Stuffed Peppers Recipe beauties, a crisp green salad or garlic bread hits the spot. You’ll enjoy the contrast between the tender peppers and crunchy textures, making your meal balanced and satisfying.

Simple Plating Upgrades

Serving stuffed peppers on a rustic wood board or colorful ceramic plate instantly upgrades your presentation. Drizzling a little olive oil or a dollop of sour cream adds visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor. Trust me, it makes weeknight dinners feel a bit more special.

Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The peppers soften a bit more after refrigeration but remain delicious, and the flavors deepen overnight—sometimes even better the next day.

Freezing Tips

This Crockpot Stuffed Peppers Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual peppers tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to maintain texture and flavor integrity.

Reheating Crockpot Stuffed Peppers Recipe Without Drying Out

To reheat without drying, cover peppers with a damp paper towel in the microwave and heat in short bursts, checking often. Oven reheating at 350°F with a foil cover for about 20 minutes also works great, keeping peppers moist. A quick air fryer reheat at 350°F for 5–7 minutes crisps edges while preserving juiciness—an underrated method!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of ground meat for this Crockpot Stuffed Peppers Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground beef, chicken, pork, or even plant-based substitutes work well. Just adjust the seasoning to taste and ensure the meat is fully cooked through.

Do I need to precook the filling before stuffing the peppers?

Nope! The filling cooks fully in the crockpot along with the peppers, making prep quick and easy. Just make sure to mix everything well before stuffing.

How can I prevent the stuffed peppers from getting soggy in the crockpot?

Trim pepper bottoms carefully so they stand upright without leaking. Also, avoid overfilling with wet ingredients and cook on low to gently soften without turning mushy.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free rice and double-check canned ingredients for any hidden gluten. This recipe is naturally free of gluten-containing ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Stuffed Peppers Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to, especially when I want dinner to be delicious but effortless. With fresh ingredients, slow cooking magic, and a few simple steps, you end up with a cozy, filling meal that your whole family will enjoy. Give it a try, and soon it’ll feel like your kitchen’s best-kept secret.

Full Printable Recipe