If I have any extra time on Sundays, I love to make quick and easy dishes in the crockpot that I can bring for lunch all week long. These crockpot stuffed peppers are not only extremely simple to make, but they have major health benefits (the quinoa and black beans are a major source of fiber!)

 I use a very heavy hand with the seasoning, since I find quinoa to be fairly bland. These peppers have a Mexican twist, using taco seasoned cheese, cumin, and chili seasoning. This pepper truly is a meal all in one, and you won’t believe how quickly it all comes together. 

To make these stuffed peppers you will need:

1 lb ground beef 

1 15- oz can black beans (drained and rinsed)

1 ½ cups shredded cheese

1 cup uncooked quinoa

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

 ½ teaspoon paprika

¼ teaspoon dried oregano

5 large bell peppers, tops, stems, and seeds removed

sour cream for topping

Pour ½ cup of water into a large slow cooker and set aside. Having the water at the bottom is going to steam your peppers and filling!

In a large bowl, add ground beef (raw), black beans, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, uncooked quinoa, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, salt pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried oregano. Mix together until just combined (taco seasoning, or chilis in adobo would be a wonderful addition as well!)

Spoon your filling into the bell peppers until they are completely packed to the top. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. After they’re done, uncover the lid and top with remaining ½ cup shredded cheese, cover for 10 more minutes to melt the cheese. Top with sour cream and serve immediately. 

I love how everything goes in raw, and the crockpot does the work! Don’t have quinoa? You can substitute the quinoa for 3 cups of cooked rice. 

Don’t forget to spice up this recipe with a heavy hand of salt and pepper and any additonal seasonings you like! Next week I will be giving you a wonderful Thanksgiving recipe! Enjoy.

Claire Stabbert is an accomplished cook who loves to try new recipes. While she does enjoy eating at restaurants, she also loves to whip up a good meal at home. Claire gets some of her cooking inspiration from her grandfather and grandmother, Fred and Shirley Stabbert as well as Great Grandma Nellie.