These Easy Crockpot Sausage Stuffed Mini Peppers are fun and packed with flavor! Sweet mini peppers are filled with tasty sausage, cheese, and spices, making them a perfect bite-sized treat.
They’re great for parties or just a yummy snack at home. I love tossing them in the crockpot and letting them cook while I relax. You can’t beat that easy, cheesy goodness! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Sausage: I usually go for Italian sausage for its flavors, but you can swap it for turkey sausage or even a plant-based sausage if you prefer a healthier or vegetarian option.
Mini Sweet Bell Peppers: These add great sweetness and color. If you can’t find mini ones, regular bell peppers cut into strips work well, although they’ll be a bit larger for stuffing.
Cheese: Cheddar brings great flavor, but you can use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella for a different twist. Cream cheese is perfect for creaminess; feel free to try Neufchâtel as a lower-fat option!
Seasonings: Garlic and onion powder are easy, but fresh garlic and onions can be used too. Just sauté them with the sausage for a delicious punch!
How Do You Get the Peppers Just Right Without Overcooking?
Cooking the stuffed peppers in the crockpot is super easy, but timing is key. You want them tender yet still holding their shape. Here’s how to nail it:
- Prepare your stuffed peppers and arrange them in a single layer in the crockpot for even cooking.
- Cook on low for 2 to 3 hours. Keep an eye on them after 2 hours; every crockpot is different, and you want them tender, not mushy.
- Check the filling to ensure it’s hot throughout and melt-y. If they’re starting to bend too much, they’re ready to enjoy!
Easy Crockpot Sausage Stuffed Mini Peppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground sausage (Italian sausage or your choice)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried oregano/basil mix
For The Peppers:
- 1 bag (about 12 oz/340g) mini sweet bell peppers
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation (chopping and mixing) and 2 to 3 hours of cooking in the crockpot. Simply prepare the peppers and filling, let your crockpot do the work, and then enjoy delicious stuffed peppers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peppers:
First, wash the mini peppers to remove any dirt. Then, carefully slice each pepper in half lengthwise, making sure to scoop out the seeds and membranes to create little boats that hold the delicious filling.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground sausage. Cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula so it cooks evenly. If there’s extra grease, drain it from the pan.
3. Make the Filling Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine your cooked sausage, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix it together until everything is well blended, and the cheeses start to melt a little.
4. Stuff the Peppers:
Take each mini pepper half and stuff it generously with the sausage and cheese mixture. Don’t be shy—fill them up good!
5. Arrange in the Crockpot:
Place the stuffed peppers inside the crockpot in a single layer. If necessary, you can stack them gently, but try to keep them as flat as possible for even cooking.
6. Cook:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for about 2 to 3 hours. You want the peppers to be tender and the filling to be heated through. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, which can make the peppers too soft.
7. Serve:
Once cooked, carefully remove the stuffed peppers from the crockpot and place them on a serving dish. If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious stuffed mini peppers warm! They’re perfect as an appetizer, quick snack, or a tasty side dish. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Sausage Stuffed Mini Peppers
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage adds great flavor, you can use other types like turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a healthier or vegetarian option.
What If I Don’t Have Mini Peppers?
No problem! If mini sweet bell peppers aren’t available, you can use larger bell peppers. Just slice them into strips and stuff them similarly. They may take a little longer to cook, so check for tenderness after about 3 hours.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, place them directly in the crockpot! You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly if they are cold from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or gently in the oven until heated through. They also make a great snack cold!
