Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Casserole

ByViolet ParkerEditorial Policy
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It’s always crockpot season in my household, and over the past few years I’ve loved sharing my favorite slow cooked dinners with you to help make life that little bit easier on busy weeknights and hectic weekends. Today we’re making crockpot stuffed pepper casserole, and we’re taking everything you love about classic stuffed peppers and turning it into an easy, scoopable dinner!

Ground beef, rice, bell peppers, and tomatoes cook together low and slow, soaking up all that savory flavor as the rice becomes tender. Finished with a layer of melted cheese, it’s hearty, comforting, and the kind of meal that’ll make you commit to using your crockpot way more often. 

If you love a slow cooker dinner, make sure you check out more of my favorites too! I think you’ll also like my crockpot stuffed pepper soup, crockpot egg roll in a bowl, crockpot tater tot casserole, crockpot chili, crockpot taco casserole, crockpot spaghetti meat sauce, and crockpot jambalaya!

crockpot stuffed pepper casserole in bowl

Ingredients

The full recipe card is at the bottom of this post in printable format, but be sure to read through the tips and notes below for extra guidance and helpful details that make this recipe even better.

  • Ground beef: Browning and draining it first adds flavor and keeps the casserole from getting greasy.

  • Onion: Adds savory depth and softens nicely as it cooks low and slow.

  • Bell peppers: Classic stuffed pepper flavor. Any color works, or use a mix for more color if you like.

  • Long-grain rice: Holds its texture best in the slow cooker and absorbs the flavors as it cooks.

  • Diced tomatoes: Add moisture and a little acidity to balance the richness of the beef and cheese.

  • Beef broth: Gives the rice flavor as it cooks instead of just soaking up water.

  • Italian seasoning: Brings that familiar stuffed pepper flavor without needing multiple spices.

  • Salt & black pepper: Simple seasoning that lets the other ingredients shine. Adjust to taste.

  • Mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly over the top and ties everything together into a cozy casserole.

crockpot stuffed pepper casserole ingredients

How To Make Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Casserole

  • Add the ground beef, onion, bell peppers, rice, diced tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.

crockpot stuffed pepper casserole base

  • Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours, until the rice is tender.

  • Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top, cover again, and cook for another 20–30 minutes, until melted.

slow cooker stuffed pepper casserole

  • Give it a light stir and serve warm.

stuffed pepper casserole on spoon

Storage & Reheating 

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, stirring halfway if needed. For larger amounts, reheat gently on the stovetop or in a covered dish in the oven until heated through. If the casserole thickens up as it sits, add a small splash of broth when reheating to loosen it back up.

Recipe Notes 

  • Dice the bell peppers evenly so they cook at the same rate and the texture stays consistent.

  • If you’re around, give the casserole a gentle stir about halfway through to help everything cook evenly.

  • Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps it thicken and makes it easier to scoop.

  • Use long-grain rice for best results, since it holds its shape better during slow cooking.

  • If the mixture looks a little loose before adding the cheese, don’t worry, as the rice will continue to absorb liquid as it rests.

  • Taste and adjust seasoning at the end, especially if your broth is low-sodium.

ground beef crockpot casserole

Substitutes & Variations

Ground turkey works well in place of beef for a lighter option. Brown rice can be used, but it will need extra liquid and a longer cook time to fully soften. Cheddar cheese is an easy swap for mozzarella if you want a sharper flavor. For extra depth, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce, or use fire-roasted tomatoes to boost the overall flavor. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes!

stuffed pepper casserole crockpot

Serving Ideas

This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it also pairs well with simple sides. Serve it with a green salad or garlic bread to round out the meal.

ground beef crockpot casserole
Print Recipe

Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Casserole

All the cozy flavors of classic stuffed peppers, made easier in the slow cooker. This crockpot stuffed pepper casserole combines seasoned beef, tender rice, bell peppers, tomatoes, and melted cheese into a hearty, hands-off dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights and comfort-food cravings alike.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time7 hours
Total Time7 hours 15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef browned and drained
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 bell peppers diced
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
  • 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 1½ cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  • Add the ground beef, onion, bell peppers, rice, diced tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours, until the rice is tender.
  • Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top, cover again, and cook for another 20–30 minutes, until melted.
  • Give it a light stir and serve warm.

This is one of those recipes that makes dinner feel manageable, even on the busiest days. It’s comforting, filling, and easy to serve straight from the slow cooker, which makes it just as good for weeknights as it is for leftovers the next day. If you love stuffed peppers but not the extra work, this casserole is a super easy win!