Slow Cooker Cheesy Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Savor the flavors of these delectable Slow Cooker Cheesy Turkey Stuffed Peppers that bring a nutritious twist to a classic favorite! Made with lean ground turkey, fresh vegetables, and gooey mozzarella cheese, this recipe offers a satisfying meal that's both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Whether you prefer green, yellow, or red bell peppers, these stuffed beauties can be customized to your liking. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, simply let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the rich aroma. Serve up these hearty peppers and delight your family with a wholesome dinner that promises to please everyone at the table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Green Bell Peppers
4 (Ribbed and seeded)
Ground Turkey
1 lb (Raw)
2% Mozzarella Cheese
1 cup (Shredded)
Low-Sodium Tomato Soup
1 (10.5 ounce) can (Canned)
Cooked Brown Rice
1 cup (Cooked)
Garlic Powder
1 tablespoon (Ground spice)
Salt
to taste (Seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (Seasoning)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the bell peppers. Carefully rib and seed each pepper, keeping them whole for stuffing.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, cooked brown rice, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until well combined.
3
Stuff each bell pepper generously with the turkey and rice mixture, packing it in tightly.
4
Place the stuffed peppers in the bottom of your crock pot. Add about 1/2 cup of water to the bottom of the pot to help steam the peppers.
5
Set your crock pot to low and cook for approximately 8 hours, or until the peppers are tender and the turkey filling is cooked through.
6
About 5-10 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the stuffed peppers. Cover and allow the cheese to melt.
7
Carefully remove the stuffed peppers from the crock pot, plate them up, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in these stuffed peppers?
The primary protein used in this recipe is lean ground turkey.
Can I use different colored bell peppers?
Yes, you can use green, yellow, or red bell peppers based on your personal preference.
How long do the stuffed peppers cook in the slow cooker?
The peppers should cook on the low setting for approximately 8 hours.
Do I need to cook the ground turkey before stuffing the peppers?
No, the ground turkey is mixed raw with the other ingredients and cooks thoroughly inside the slow cooker.
What type of rice is recommended for the filling?
The recipe calls for one cup of cooked brown rice.
How much water should I add to the crock pot?
Add about 1/2 cup of water to the bottom of the pot to help steam the peppers while they cook.
When do I add the mozzarella cheese?
Half of the cheese is mixed into the filling, and the remaining half is sprinkled on top 5-10 minutes before serving.
What spices are used to season the turkey filling?
The filling is seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
How do I prepare the peppers for stuffing?
Carefully rib and seed each bell pepper while keeping the outer shell whole.
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
Yes, you can substitute cooked white rice if you prefer.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, these stuffed peppers are excellent for preparing in advance and reheating later.
What kind of tomato soup should I use?
The recipe suggests using one 10.5 ounce can of low-sodium tomato soup.
How do I know when the stuffed peppers are finished cooking?
They are done when the peppers are tender and the internal turkey filling is completely cooked through.
Can I swap ground turkey for ground beef?
Yes, ground beef can be used, though it will change the fat content and nutritional profile of the dish.
Is this a low-fat recipe?
Yes, using lean ground turkey and 2% mozzarella cheese makes this a lower-fat dinner option.
Can I add extra vegetables to the filling?
Certainly, you can mix in diced onions, corn, or black beans for extra texture and nutrition.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe makes 4 stuffed peppers, typically serving 4 people.
Can I cook this on the high setting instead of low?
While the recipe specifies 8 hours on low, you can generally cook stuffed peppers on high for 3-4 hours.
Do I need to pre-cook the rice?
Yes, the rice must be cooked before mixing it with the raw turkey and spices.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you ensure your tomato soup and spices are certified gluten-free.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any remaining stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze these stuffed peppers?
Yes, they freeze well. Allow them to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
What should I serve as a side dish?
These peppers go well with a light side salad, roasted vegetables, or a piece of crusty bread.
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken is a perfect lean substitute for ground turkey in this recipe.
Do the peppers need to be standing up in the crock pot?
Yes, place them upright in the bottom of the pot to ensure the filling stays inside during the cooking process.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato soup?
You can use crushed tomatoes, but you may need to add extra seasoning as the soup provides a specific flavor profile.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, the cheesy topping and familiar flavors make it a hit with both kids and adults.
Can I add spice to the recipe?
Yes, feel free to add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling for a spicy kick.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of garlic powder.
What type of mozzarella is best?
The recipe recommends shredded 2% mozzarella cheese for a balance of meltability and lower fat.