3.09.2012

Meatloaf-Stuffed Peppers

Last week's tutorial was kind of fun so I thought I'd take another go at it, this time in the form of a recipe.

Today I'm going to show you how to make stuffed peppers in the crock pot.  I stuff them with a mixture that is essentially the same as my mother's meatloaf.  (The meatloaf uses bread instead of rice but other than that they're identical.)  My mother's meatloaf is the only kind I'll eat.  It is essentially an Italian meatloaf and you can also use the same mixture to make meatballs.  (I have and they're delicious.)

This recipe will make three or four stuffed bell peppers.  More on the numbers later...

The first thing I do is make some rice.

I make a half a cup.  
(Do you own one of these adjustable measuring cups?  They're great for keeping in a canister of flour, sugar, or rice.  I have attached an Amazon link at the bottom of the page if you're interested.)



I use a rice cooker but you can certainly go old school if that's how you roll.


While the rice is cooking I gather the rest of the ingredients for my stuffing:
 First is a package (1.25 lbs) of ground turkey.  You could also use beef.  If you use turkey I recommend using lean but not extra lean; that comes out too dry.  This package had Italian seasoning--which is fine--but you could also use plain.    


You'll also need two eggs...


...salt, pepper, garlic powder & parsley...


... Parmesan cheese...


...and an eight ounce can of tomato sauce.


(This is a gratuitous shot of one of my spice drawers.  I've attached a link to some jars at the bottom of the page if you'd like to recreate it.)



 Once you've gathered up all the ingredients, add the eggs to the turkey.




Now, here's where I get into trouble.  

You see, this is my mom's recipe.

This recipe holder is the bomb-diggity.  I. love. it.  See link below if you're interested.  

My mom is Italian.  She's an amazing cook.  And unless she's baking, she tends not to be too big on the measuring.  She'll say things like, "salt it until it tastes like something."  Um. Okay mom.  

(This is probably why I didn't cook until I was 35.)



 I've gotten a little more comfortable about the lack of measuring.  Here I am adding the salt.  It's maybe half a teaspoon??



There goes the garlic powder.  I put in quite a bit.  Maybe a tablespoon?



And just go nuts with the parsley.  Maybe a tablespoon+ for that...





Then add a big ole scoop of Parmesan, maybe 1/8-1/4 of a cup. 



  Now put in maybe 2/3 of the tomato sauce. 


At this point your rice should be ready.

 Go ahead and scoop it out...


...and add it to the turkey mixture.


Then you'll want to mix it all together.  I have always done this with my hands.  



Next you'll hollow out your green bell peppers.  Remember above when I said that the recipe makes three or four?  Well, it really comes down to the size of your peppers versus the size of your crock pot.  My strategy is usually to buy four peppers despite the fact that my pot typically holds only three.  

Well this time around I must have bought some tall skinny peppers because four would have fit just fine.

Except I didn't have four.  

I mean, I thought I had four.  

I could have sworn I bought four.

But when I went to the crisper to get them there were only three.  

I looked everywhere for that fourth pepper.  

I have a bad feeling it's somewhere in my trunk.

(Oh don't judge.  I know I'm not the only one with escaped produce rolling around in my car.)


Ahem.  So as I was saying...

The next step is to stuff the peppers and place them in the crock pot which has been generously coated with cooking spray.



Then you add a little more tomato sauce and some Parmesan cheese on top.



 

I cook mine on high for four hours.




After about an hour your house will begin smelling like my mother's kitchen.  
(You can thank me later.)  




When they're done remove and enjoy.

(And let me know how they turned out!)

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27 comments

  1. Those look fantastic! Definitely pinning this recipe to try it very soon. Megan :)

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  2. Looks YUMMY! I would love for you to link up to Do Something Crafty Friday: http://seevanessacraft.com/2012/03/do-something-crafty-30/

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  3. Awesome spice drawer. Seriously. You have inspired me. I love the recipe holder too and maybe one day you'll find that extra pepper :)

    blessings,
    karianne

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  4. These look amazing. I make something similar but not in the crock pot. I'll try this method next time.

    Just a little blog envy about your spice drawer. My spices are jammed into a narrow little cupboard with no organization. Your's look so organized and ready to go.

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  5. That was better than a cooking show! Plus, the results look as delicious as I'm sure they are. Thank you.

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  6. I love stuffed peppers but I've never tried making them myself. I'm definitely saving this recipe!

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  7. hahaha, yum!
    And way to make a recipe into a fun read!!
    I've never thought of using my clow cooker for things like this!
    FAB!!

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  8. HA HA HA Thanks SO much for your sweet lil note, and I am glad you like my toilet LOL, I like it too!! I wanted one with style, if toilets can have style... anyway I ordered it from home depot, its kohler brand... just in case you were wondering :)

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  9. Mmmmmm.... this is making me hungry! I'm pinning it so I can make it later this week! Thanks for sharing @ Manic Monday.
    -Melissa

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  10. Stuffed peppers were a staple when we were growing up! Yum.

    But I don't make them for my family because my husband despises peppers. Doesn't want to see them or smell them or touch them!

    :)

    Linda

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  11. Oh my these look so good!!! I have not had stuffed peppers since I left home and got married. Something my husband has no desire to eat. But I may just fix these for myself and see it for 3 meals!! Thanks for linking up at SweetTalkin' Sunday!

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  12. Yum. So smart to do these in the crockpot! I love stuffed peppers, so I'll have to try this. Thanks for linking up!

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  13. I want to make these! Your newest follower!!! Can you please post to my Taste This Thursday Party!?

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  14. Jonnique, I went and linked up. Thanks for the invite :)

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  15. What a great presentation! Love this! Please link up to Foodie Friday

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  16. Thanks so much for linking up these beautiful peppers to the "Spring Fling" party over at I Gotta Create! <3

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  17. I love Stuffed peppers! This recipe looks delicious, I would love to have you come link up to Sunday round up http://www.kaylascreationsblog.com/2012/03/sunday-round-up-1.html
    -Kayla :)

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  18. So my refrigerator isn't the only one that disappears produce that I KNOW I have! This looks delicious. Thanks for linking on Busy Monday at A Pinch of Joy! Hope to see you again soon – the links are open

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  19. Ok, YUM! Is there anything you don't do? :) Thanks for linking this up to my party too.
    Hugs,
    bj

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  20. These look delicious. Thanks for sharing the recipe.

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  21. This looks amazing!

    Mrs. Delightful
    www.ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com

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  22. My hubby has been eyeing the picture of this recipe on the link party. Totally up his alley! Thanks so much for sharing at Scrumptious Sunday at Addicted to Recipes! Hope to see you at the next link party, starting Sunday!

    http://iamaddictedtorecipes.blogspot.com

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  23. These look great, mine are in the slow cooker now & I'm so excited to try them. Thanks so much for sharing it.

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  24. looks lovely! :)
    http://lullabyforpies.blogspot.co.uk

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  25. Yummy! We like our meatloaf, but I've never tried it in the slow cooker, I will try your version as well. Definitely going to pin this as well. Hugs, antonella :-)

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