5-ingredient slow cooker sausage stuffed peppers recipe

5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffed Peppers (Easy Crockpot Dinner)

This 5-ingredient slow cooker sausage stuffed peppers recipe is the ultimate weeknight lifesaver. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a hearty, comforting meal that tastes like it took hours of effort—when really, the slow cooker does all the work.

Just drop halved bell peppers into the crockpot, fill them with a savory sausage and rice mixture, and let everything simmer into tender, flavor-packed perfection. It’s an easy, family-friendly dinner that’s perfect for busy schedules.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

•  Only 5 simple ingredients
•  Minimal prep and cleanup
•  Perfect for busy weeknights
•  Hearty, filling, and flavorful
•  Great for meal prep and leftovers

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers, halved and cored
• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot)
• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 2 cups marinara sauce, divided
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

How to Make Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

1. Place halved bell peppers cut-side up in the slow cooker, fitting them snugly.
2. In a bowl, mix sausage, cooked rice, 1 cup marinara sauce, and 1/2 cup cheese.
3. Spoon the mixture evenly into each pepper half.
4. Pour remaining marinara sauce around and over the peppers.
5. Cover and cook:
   • LOW: 4–6 hours
   • HIGH: 2½–3½ hours
6. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
7. Cover until cheese is melted, then serve hot with sauce spooned over the top.

Serving Suggestions

These stuffed peppers pair perfectly with:

• Fresh salad kits or simple green salad
• Garlic bread or crusty bread
• Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables
• Cooked rice or pasta for a heartier meal

Tips for the Best Stuffed Peppers

• Choose firm, large peppers so they hold the filling well
• Don’t overpack—press gently for even cooking
• Use pre-cooked rice to save time
• Line your slow cooker for easy cleanup

Variations

• Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes for spice
• Swap in turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option
• Replace rice with quinoa, farro, or cauliflower rice
• Use chunky marinara for extra hidden veggies

Storage & Meal Prep

• Refrigerator: Store up to 4 days in airtight containers
• Reheat: Microwave or oven until warmed through
• Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months
• Meal prep: Perfect for make-ahead lunches