Introduction
Are you looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and packed with flavor? Look no further than Slow Cooker Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers with Mashed Potatoes! This recipe combines the classic comfort of meatloaf with the vibrant and nutritious goodness of stuffed peppers, all served alongside creamy mashed potatoes. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings with family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons why this Slow Cooker Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers with Mashed Potatoes recipe is a winner. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. With the help of a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld together while you go about your day. The result is a tender and juicy meatloaf nestled inside a sweet and savory pepper, complemented by creamy mashed potatoes.
Not only is this recipe a breeze to prepare, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re following a gluten-free, keto, or paleo diet, you can easily adapt this recipe to fit your lifestyle.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Slow Cooker Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers with Mashed Potatoes:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1/4 cup finely diced onion
– 1/4 cup finely diced bell pepper
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 4 cups mashed potatoes
– Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, diced onion, diced bell pepper, minced garlic, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Spoon the meatloaf mixture into each pepper, filling them to the top.
3. Pour the marinara sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker and place the stuffed peppers on top of the sauce. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meat is cooked through and the peppers are tender.
4. In the last 10 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the tops of the stuffed peppers. Cover the slow cooker again and allow the cheese to melt.
5. While the stuffed peppers are finishing up in the slow cooker, prepare the mashed potatoes according to your favorite recipe or using instant mashed potatoes. Once the mashed potatoes are creamy and smooth, they’re ready to serve.
6. To serve, place a stuffed pepper on a plate alongside a generous scoop of mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy while hot!
Expert Tips for Success
– For an extra burst of flavor, you can add some chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary to the meatloaf mixture.
– If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meatloaf mixture.
– To ensure the meatloaf stays moist, avoid using lean ground beef. Choose ground beef with a higher fat content, such as 80% lean.
– If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can also bake the stuffed peppers in the oven at 375°F for about 40-45 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the peppers are tender.
Variations and Substitutions
There are endless ways to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas:
– Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
– Add some diced vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots to the meatloaf mixture for extra texture and flavor.
– If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese on top of the stuffed peppers along with the mozzarella.
Serving Suggestions
Slow Cooker Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers with Mashed Potatoes is a complete meal on its own, but you can also pair it with some delicious side dishes to enhance the dining experience. Here are a few suggestions:
– Serve with a side salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the stuffed peppers and mashed potatoes.
– Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans make a nutritious and colorful addition to the plate.
– For a heartier meal, serve with some crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the flavorful marinara sauce.
FAQs
Q: Can I prepare the meatloaf mixture and stuff the peppers in advance?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and stuff the peppers a day ahead of time. Just cover the stuffed peppers and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook them in the slow cooker.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze any leftover stuffed peppers. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw and reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Of course! While mozzarella cheese melts beautifully and pairs well with the flavors of this recipe, you can experiment with different cheeses. Try using provolone, Swiss, or even a blend of your favorite cheeses for a unique twist.
Final Thoughts
Satisfy your cravings for comfort food with this Slow Cooker Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers with Mashed Potatoes recipe. With its simple preparation and mouthwatering flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner for two, this recipe delivers on taste and convenience. Give it a try and savor every delicious bite!
Slow Cooker Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers Mashed Potatoes
A delicious and satisfying meal that combines the classic comfort of meatloaf with the vibrant goodness of stuffed peppers, served alongside creamy mashed potatoes. This flavorful dish is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1/4 cup finely diced bell pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 bell peppers, any color
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, diced onion, diced bell pepper, minced garlic, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers, remove seeds and membranes. Stuff each pepper with the meatloaf mixture.
- Pour marinara sauce into the slow cooker, place stuffed peppers on top. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over peppers in the last 10 minutes of cooking. Allow cheese to melt.
- Prepare mashed potatoes while stuffed peppers are cooking. Serve peppers with mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Enjoy hot!
Nutrition Facts
