Slow-Cooked Stuffed Pepper Stew
This is my go-to pepper stew. When my garden yields green peppers, I dice and freeze them for those cold, blustery days to come.
This is my go-to pepper stew. When my garden yields green peppers, I dice and freeze them for those cold, blustery days to come.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large onion chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cups tomato juice
- 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes undrained
- 2 medium green peppers chopped
- 2 teaspoons beef base
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
- 1-1/2 pounds johnsonvilleâ® ground mild italia
- 3/4 cup uncooked instant rice
- Carbohydrate 33.0797357861452 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.34018025400641 g
- Fiber 2.65720256080452 g
- Protein 3.09953127764777 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0780378030448718 g
- Serving Size 1 1 servings (3 quarts). (238g)
- Sodium 311.575678045697 mg
- Sugar 30.4225332253407 g
- Trans Fat 0.0790572665064103 g
- Calories 142 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large skillet, cook sausage and onion over medium heat 8-10 minutes or until sausage is no longer pink, breaking up sausage into crumbles; drain.
- In a 6-qt. slow cooker, combine sausage mixture, green peppers, brown sugar, beef base, salt, pepper, tomato sauce, tomatoes and tomato juice.
- Cook, covered, on low 4-5 hours or until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in rice.
- Cook, covered, 15-20 minutes longer or until rice is tender.
- Freeze option: Freeze cooled stew in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally and adding a little water if necessary.
My Favorite Comfort Food: Slow-Cooked Stuffed Pepper Stew
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Finding quick, easy, and delicious meals is a constant quest, and this Slow-Cooked Stuffed Pepper Stew has become a true lifesaver. It's hearty, flavorful, and so incredibly convenient, making it the perfect weeknight dinner or a make-ahead meal for busy weekends.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It's a one-pot wonder, meaning minimal cleanup – a huge bonus after a long day at the office. I love the versatility of this stew; it's easily adaptable to whatever vegetables I have on hand. Sometimes I add carrots, zucchini, or even some corn for a sweeter touch. The base flavors are rich and savory, thanks to the combination of ground sausage, beef base, and a generous helping of tomato sauce. The sweetness of the brown sugar perfectly balances the savory elements, resulting in a well-rounded, incredibly satisfying dish.
This stew is also incredibly forgiving. If you're short on time, feel free to use pre-chopped vegetables. And if you don't have instant rice, regular long-grain rice will work just fine – just add a little extra cooking time. I often double the recipe and freeze half for a future meal, making it perfect for those nights when I simply don't have the energy to cook.
Beyond its convenience, this stew is also a fantastic way to use up leftover ingredients. If I have extra cooked sausage or some leftover vegetables, they find their way into this hearty pot. It's a wonderfully resourceful recipe that minimizes food waste and maximizes flavor. The slow cooker works its magic, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen over time, creating a rich and comforting stew that's perfect for a chilly evening. The addition of rice provides a satisfying heartiness, making it a complete meal on its own.
This Slow-Cooked Stuffed Pepper Stew isn't just a meal; it's a hug in a bowl. It's the kind of dish that makes you feel warm and cozy from the inside out, a testament to the power of simple ingredients and a little bit of time in the slow cooker. It's a dish I return to again and again, knowing that it will always deliver a delicious and satisfying meal, no matter how hectic my day might have been.
The vibrant colors of the peppers and tomatoes alone make it a feast for the eyes, but the taste is where this recipe truly shines. The blend of savory sausage, sweet brown sugar, and tangy tomato sauce creates a symphony of flavors that dances on the palate. It's the kind of dish that's equally perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a more formal gathering. Just imagine the aroma filling your home as it simmers away, a comforting beacon on a cold winter's night. The subtle sweetness of the brown sugar adds a delightful touch that cuts through the richness of the sausage and tomatoes. This recipe is a keeper, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a simple, delicious, and incredibly satisfying meal.
Ingredients I use:
- Johnsonville® Ground Mild Italia Sausage: I prefer this brand for its mild flavor that doesn't overpower the other ingredients.
- Fresh Green Peppers: Using fresh peppers makes a big difference in the flavor and texture of the stew. If you don't have fresh peppers on hand, you can use frozen, just make sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Canned Tomatoes: Using canned diced tomatoes adds a lovely texture and acidity to the stew. I always use undrained canned tomatoes to add extra juice and flavor.
- Brown Sugar: The brown sugar adds a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the savory flavors of the sausage and tomatoes.
- Beef Base: Beef base adds a rich, savory flavor that enhances the overall taste of the stew.
- Instant Rice: This saves time and cooks perfectly in the slow cooker. If you don't have instant rice on hand, regular long-grain rice works just fine; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Tips for Success:
- Brown the sausage: Browning the sausage before adding it to the slow cooker helps to develop its flavor and gives it a nice texture.
- Don't overcook the rice: Be careful not to overcook the rice, as it can become mushy. Follow the cooking instructions on the rice package for best results.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and brown sugar to your liking.
- Add other vegetables: This recipe is very adaptable, so feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or corn.
- Make it ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
This slow-cooked stuffed pepper stew is a true testament to the magic of simple cooking. It's a recipe that's easy to follow, adaptable to your preferences, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Give it a try, and I'm confident it will become a family favorite in no time!
