Flavor-Packed Crock Pot Black Bean Stuffed Bell Peppers
Enjoy a hearty and healthy meal with these Flavor-Packed Crock Pot Black Bean Stuffed Bell Peppers. Bursting with savory spices and protein-rich black beans, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or meal prep for the week. The vibrant bell peppers serve as a delicious vessel, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully during slow cooking. Topped with gooey Monterey Jack cheese and a fresh dollop of sour cream, these stuffed peppers are sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling full without the guilt. Ideal for vegetarians or anyone looking to enjoy a nutritious meal that doesn't skimp on flavor.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 medium (finely chopped)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (as seasoning)
dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon (as seasoning)
ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon (as seasoning)
chili powder
1/4 teaspoon (as seasoning)
black beans
2 (15 ounce) cans (drained and rinsed)
green bell peppers
6 (seeded and cored)
reduced-fat monterey jack cheese
1 cup (grated)
salsa
1 cup (as topping)
nonfat sour cream
1/2 cup (for serving)
Instructions
1
In a medium skillet over medium heat, sauté the finely chopped onion until it becomes golden brown and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Season the sautéed onion with cayenne pepper, dried oregano, ground cumin, and chili powder, stirring well to combine. Remove from heat.
3
In a medium mixing bowl, mash half of the drained and rinsed black beans using a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth. Add the seasoned onions and mix well with the mashed beans.
4
Fold in the remaining whole black beans, ensuring the mixture is well combined.
5
Prepare the bell peppers by cutting off the tops and removing the seeds and membranes. Place the bell peppers upright in the crock pot.
6
Spoon the black bean mixture generously into each bell pepper, packing it down slightly to fill them completely.
7
Sprinkle the grated reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the filled peppers, then pour salsa over the cheese to create a flavorful sauce.
8
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the peppers are tender.
9
Serve each stuffed pepper hot, topped with a dollop of nonfat sour cream for added creaminess and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crock Pot Black Bean Stuffed Bell Peppers?
They are a hearty and healthy vegetarian meal consisting of bell peppers filled with a savory black bean and onion mixture, slow-cooked to perfection.
Are these stuffed peppers vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian, utilizing black beans as the primary protein source.
How long do the peppers cook in the crock pot?
You can cook them on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply replace the Monterey Jack cheese and sour cream with your favorite dairy-free alternatives.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one cup of grated reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese.
Do I need to cook the onions before stuffing the peppers?
Yes, you should sauté the finely chopped onions in a skillet for 5-7 minutes until golden brown before mixing them with the beans.
How do I prepare the bell peppers for stuffing?
Cut off the tops of the peppers and remove all seeds and internal membranes.
Why do I need to mash half of the black beans?
Mashing half the beans helps create a cohesive texture that holds the filling together inside the peppers.
What spices are used to flavor the filling?
The filling is seasoned with cayenne pepper, dried oregano, ground cumin, and chili powder.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from the cayenne and chili powder, but you can adjust these amounts to suit your spice preference.
Can I use red bell peppers instead of green?
Absolutely. Red, yellow, or orange bell peppers will work and may offer a slightly sweeter flavor profile.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to fill 6 medium-sized bell peppers.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
If using dried beans, you must fully cook them before proceeding with the mashing and stuffing steps.
What is the purpose of adding salsa?
Salsa is poured over the cheese to create a flavorful sauce and add moisture during the slow-cooking process.
How do I serve these stuffed peppers?
Serve them hot, topped with a dollop of nonfat sour cream for extra creaminess.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers a day in advance, storing them in the fridge until you are ready to start the crock pot.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always verify the labels on your canned beans and salsa.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any remaining stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze these stuffed peppers?
Yes, they can be frozen for up to 3 months, though the peppers may become slightly softer upon thawing and reheating.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, you could mix in cooked ground turkey or beef with the black bean mixture if you prefer a meat-based version.
What can I use instead of Monterey Jack cheese?
Cheddar, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend cheese would all be delicious substitutes.
What are some recommended side dishes?
These peppers pair well with Spanish rice, a simple green salad, or corn on the cob.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, nonfat Greek yogurt is an excellent high-protein substitute for sour cream.
How do I know when the peppers are finished cooking?
The peppers are done when they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
Do I need to add water to the bottom of the crock pot?
No water is necessary, as the peppers and salsa will release enough moisture during the cooking process.
Can I use different types of beans?
Yes, pinto beans or kidney beans can be used as a substitute or in addition to the black beans.
Is this recipe low-fat?
The recipe uses reduced-fat cheese and nonfat sour cream to keep the fat content lower while maintaining flavor.
What size crock pot is best for this recipe?
A 5-quart or 6-quart slow cooker is usually the ideal size to fit 6 upright bell peppers.
Can I cut the peppers in half instead of stuffing them whole?
Yes, you can slice them lengthwise and fill the 'boats' if they fit better in your slow cooker that way.
How many cans of black beans are needed?
The recipe requires 2 (15 ounce) cans of black beans, which should be drained and rinsed.