Slow-Cooked Spanish-Style Stuffed Bell Peppers
Indulge in the rich and hearty flavors of our Slow-Cooked Spanish-Style Stuffed Bell Peppers. This one-pot meal brims with succulent ground beef, zesty Spanish rice, and mouthwatering spices, all nestled within vibrant green bell peppers. Cooked to tender perfection in a slow cooker, this dish delivers comfort in every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner, these stuffed peppers are topped with melted cheddar cheese just before serving, making them an irresistible treat for both kids and adults alike. Enjoy the ease of preparation and the delightful aromas that fill your kitchen as this dish slowly simmers to perfection.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Beef
1 lb (raw, crumbled)
Spanish Rice Mix
1 (7 ounce) package (include seasoning packet separately)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Onion
1/4 cup (chopped)
Green Peppers
4 (halved, cored, and seeded)
Canned Tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (whole or diced)
Tomato Soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can (ready to use)
Water
1 cup (as needed)
Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Spanish rice mix (set aside the seasoning packet), the egg, and chopped onions until well mixed.
2
Take each halved green pepper and generously stuff it with the beef and rice mixture, pressing down slightly to pack it in.
3
In the bottom of the slow cooker, pour in the canned tomatoes, ensuring an even layer.
4
Arrange the stuffed green pepper halves on top of the tomatoes, carefully fitting them to make sure they all fit snugly.
5
In a separate bowl, mix the tomato soup with the reserved seasoning packet and water until smooth. Pour this mixture over the stuffed peppers.
6
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the peppers to become tender.
7
About 20 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the stuffed peppers. Cover again and continue to cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in these stuffed peppers?
The recipe uses 1 lb of raw, crumbled ground beef as the primary protein.
How long do the peppers need to cook in the slow cooker?
The peppers should be cooked on the low setting for 8 to 10 hours.
What type of rice is used for the stuffing?
A 7-ounce package of Spanish Rice Mix is used, including the rice and the seasoning packet.
Do I need to cook the ground beef before stuffing the peppers?
No, the ground beef is mixed raw with the other ingredients and cooks thoroughly inside the slow cooker.
How should the green peppers be prepared?
The 4 green peppers should be halved, cored, and seeded before being stuffed.
What kind of cheese is recommended for the topping?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
When should I add the cheese to the dish?
The cheese should be added about 20 minutes before serving so it can melt and become bubbly.
What liquid is used to make the sauce that covers the peppers?
The sauce is made by mixing one can of tomato soup, the reserved seasoning packet from the rice, and 1 cup of water.
What is placed at the bottom of the slow cooker?
A 28-ounce can of whole or diced tomatoes is poured into the bottom to create an even layer for the peppers to sit on.
Is an egg required for this recipe?
Yes, one beaten egg is included in the meat mixture to act as a binder.
How much onion is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of chopped onion.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
Can I use different colored bell peppers?
While the recipe specifies green peppers, you can use red, yellow, or orange peppers for a slightly sweeter flavor.
What size is the can of tomato soup?
The recipe uses a standard 10 3/4 ounce can of tomato soup.
Do I need to cook the rice before mixing it with the meat?
No, the dry Spanish rice mix is added directly to the raw meat and egg mixture.
What do I do with the seasoning packet from the rice mix?
Set it aside initially, then mix it with the tomato soup and water to pour over the peppers.
How should the peppers be arranged in the slow cooker?
They should be placed upright on top of the tomato layer, fitted snugly so they remain stable while cooking.
Is this recipe considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is a complete meal containing protein, grains, and vegetables all cooked together in one pot.
Can this be cooked on high instead of low?
While low is recommended for 8-10 hours, you can usually cook it on high for about 4-5 hours.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It has a hearty and savory Spanish flavor profile thanks to the rice mix, tomato base, and sharp cheddar.
How much water is needed for the sauce mixture?
You will need 1 cup of water to mix with the soup and seasonings.
Can I use mild cheddar instead of sharp cheddar?
Yes, mild cheddar, Monterrey Jack, or a Mexican blend cheese would all work well.
Is this dish suitable for kids?
Yes, the combination of beef, rice, and melted cheese is generally very kid-friendly.
What is the preparation style for the ground beef?
The ground beef should be raw and crumbled when mixed with the other stuffing ingredients.
Should the canned tomatoes be drained?
No, include the juices from the can of tomatoes as they help provide the necessary moisture for the slow cooking process.
Can I add extra vegetables to the meat mixture?
Yes, you can add finely chopped mushrooms or corn to the beef mixture if you want more vegetables.
How do I know when the peppers are done?
The peppers are done when they are tender and the internal meat and rice mixture is fully cooked through.
Can I store and reheat leftovers?
Yes, these peppers reheat well in the microwave or oven and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The onion should be finely chopped before being mixed with the beef.
Is this a gluten-free recipe?
It depends on the specific Spanish rice mix and tomato soup brands used; check labels to ensure they are gluten-free.