Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Slow Cooker Cajun-Spiced Stuffed Peppers



Have you ever tried making stuffed peppers in your slow cooker? These slow cooker Cajun stuffed peppers are great alternative to the usual oven-cooked method for busy weeknights.

Just pop them into your slow cooker for a few hours, and you’ll have a tasty meal waiting for you.

Slow Cooker Stuffed PeppersThere are a few things to note when making this dish. First, when you’re shopping, look for bell peppers that are shaped like big cups and can stand upright on their own. Avoid peppers that are long and thin since they won’t hold much filling.

To make sure the peppers can stand on their own, just prop them on any flat surface. When I’m shopping, I sometimes pull out my cell phone and see if the pepper can stand on the phone without wobbling. If a pepper doesn’t tip over, then you’ve got a good one!

Also, make sure you note the cooking time on these peppers. These are ready in 4 to 5 hours, as soon as the meat is cooked through, and are best served soon after they are ready.

This makes these stuffed peppers perfect for a day when you’ll be home for lunch and can start them cooking for dinner. The filling can also be prepared the night before and kept refrigerated. You could even stuff the peppers ahead of time so that all you have to do the next day is put them in the slow cooker.

Slow Cooker Stuffed PeppersI know it’s tempting, but don’t try to push the cooking time much longer or leave these in the slow cooker all day while you’re at work. The peppers become very mushy and the meat overcooks when left in the slow cooker for too long – as I discovered to my dismay the first time I tried this recipe!

Finally, you’ll notice that as the peppers cook, some liquid collects inside the peppers. Right before serving, I like to gently tip the peppers over to drain out the liquid.

Serve the peppers on their own or with your favorite sauce!


Slow Cooker Cajun-Spiced Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Look for Cajun seasoning in the spice section at the grocery store. It is typically a mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic, cumin, oregano, and a few other dried spices.

Be sure to buy bell peppers that are shaped like big cups and can stand upright on their own.

You can also cook these peppers in the oven: Put them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 400F for 50 to 60 minutes. Slice one pepper open to make sure the beef has cooked through.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef
  • 1 1/2 (225g) cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 1/4 cups (150g) diced yellow onions
  • 1 1/4 (115g) cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 3/4 cup (80g) corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 5 to 6 large bell peppers

Special Equipment:

  • 4- to 6-quart slow cooker, though any size will work as long as the peppers will stand upright


Read More: Slow Cooker Cajun-Spiced Stuffed Peppers

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