Stuffed Peppers in a Crock Pot

Stuffed Peppers in the Crock Pot – A Comforting Delight

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours and 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Welcome to our cozy kitchen, where tradition perfectly blends with innovation! Today, I invite you to discover a recipe for stuffed peppers in the Crock Pot, a simple and effective way to create a delicious, hearty dish full of flavors. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also bring warmth to your home.

The history of stuffed peppers is rich, and the recipe has evolved over time, being adapted in various cultures. Peppers, being a versatile ingredient, have been stuffed with meat, rice, vegetables, and spices, becoming a beloved dish for many generations. By using the Crock Pot, you will transform this classic recipe into a modern and comfortable experience.

Necessary Ingredients:
- 550 g mixed meat (200 g pork, 150 g beef, 200 g chicken)
- 50 g rice
- 8 small bell peppers (preferably colorful for a pleasing appearance)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 2 medium onions
- 1 heaping tablespoon grated carrot
- 1 tablespoon finely grated celery
- 400 ml crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon heaping sugar
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pinch of cinnamon
- Water or chicken broth
- 2-3 tablespoons oil
- 4 tablespoons flour

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Start by finely chopping the onion, as it will be the base flavor for the meat filling and sauce. Reserve 2 tablespoons of onion for the tomato sauce.

Step 2: Sautéing the Onion
In a skillet, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil and sauté the remaining onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This will add a delicious taste and pleasant aroma to the filling.

Step 3: Preparing the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat with the rice, parsley, sautéed onion, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix the ingredients well to achieve a uniform composition.

Step 4: Stuffing the Peppers
Wash the peppers and cut off their tops, removing the seeds. Stuff each pepper with the meat and rice mixture, being careful not to overstuff, to allow the rice to expand during cooking.

Step 5: Preparing the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the reserved 2 tablespoons of onion, grated carrot, celery, crushed tomatoes, ketchup, 1 teaspoon of sugar, salt, pepper, and cinnamon. Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 6: Assembling in the Crock Pot
In the ceramic pot of the Crock Pot, pour in the prepared sauce. Place the stuffed peppers on top of the sauce, adding a clove of garlic, peppercorns, and the bay leaf. Add water or chicken broth until the peppers are almost completely covered.

Step 7: Cooking
Set the Crock Pot to High for 5 hours. This slow cooking method will allow the flavors to meld, and the meat and rice to become tender and delicious.

Step 8: Serving
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the peppers from the Crock Pot and place them on plates. You can serve them with a side of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess.

Practical Tips:
- For a vegetarian version, you can replace the meat with a mix of vegetables and tofu or beans.
- Experiment with different spices, such as cumin or paprika, to add a personal touch.
- Stuffed peppers in the Crock Pot can be served alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread.

Nutritional Benefits:
This stuffed pepper recipe is rich in protein due to the meat mix, but also high in fiber from the rice and vegetables. Peppers, being a good source of vitamin C, help strengthen the immune system.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can experiment with turkey or even sausage, depending on your preferences.

2. What can I do with leftovers?
Stuffed peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be reheated in the microwave.

3. Can stuffed peppers be frozen?
Yes, it is an excellent recipe for freezing. Make sure to freeze them in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.

Delicious Pairings:
Stuffed peppers pair perfectly with a dry white wine or a refreshing blonde beer. Additionally, a serving of rice or mashed potatoes can complement this dish.

Try this comforting recipe and turn every meal into a celebration of flavor! Enjoy your meal!