Vegetarian Slow Cooker Southwestern Stuffed Peppers Plus Vegan Option Food

VEGETARIAN SLOW COOKER SOUTHWESTERN STUFFED PEPPERS (PLUS VEGAN OPTION)

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and celery and cook, stirring often, until they start to brown, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds or so, then remove from the heat. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and oregano.
• Place the rice, beans, corn, tomato, chipotle pepper, and cooked onion mixture in a large bowl and stir together. Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and pith. Spoon the rice mixture into each of the peppers, packing lightly. If you want to add cheese, fill a pepper halfway, add some shredded cheese, then fill to the top. Do not add cheese on top yet.
• Place the bell peppers in a slow cooker. Fill the area around the peppers with about 1/2 inch of water (I used 2 cups; be careful not to get any water inside the peppers) and cook on low for 3.5-4 hours, until they are easily pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. If you prefer your peppers with a bit of crunch, go for the shorter time. In the last 15 minutes of cooking, add cheese on top if you like and cook until melted.
• Remove the peppers from the cooker with tongs. Spoon 1-2 tablespoons enchilada sauce onto the top of each pepper and serve immediately, with more enchilada sauce on the side.

VEGETARIAN STUFFED PEPPERS

Steps:

• Place the first 12 ingredients in a large bowl; mix lightly to combine. Cut and discard tops from sweet peppers; remove seeds. Fill peppers with rice mixture. , In a small bowl, mix spaghetti sauce and water; pour half the mixture into an oval 5-qt. slow cooker. Add filled peppers. Top with remaining sauce. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese., Cook, covered, on low 3-1/2 to 4 hours or until heated through and peppers are tender. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese.

VEGETARIAN STUFFED PEPPERS (SLOW-COOKER STYLE)

Steps:

• 1. Cut tops off peppers, remove seeds, rinse and set aside. Prepare rice as per package directions.
• 2. In a large bowl, combine rice, tomatoes, corn, onion, beans, Monterey Jack cheese, olives, dried cilantro, garlic, salt and pepper. Toss until well blended. Spoon into peppers.
• 3. In a separate bowl, combine spaghetti sauce and water. Pour half into bottom of 5-qt. slow cooker. Place stuffed peppers in cooker. Spoon remaining sauce over peppers. Top peppers with Parmesan cheese.
• 4. Cover and cook on low 3 1/2 - 4 hours or until peppers are tender and filling is heated through. Serve warm.
• 5. Nutrition Info per serving: Calories 474 Total Fat 9.8g /Sat Fat 4.2g Cholesterol 15mg Sodium 423mg Total Carbs 81.5g/ Dietary Fiber 10.7g /Sugars 10.9g Protein 17.4g

SLOW-COOKED SOUTHWEST STUFFED PEPPERS - VEGETARIAN

Steps:

• Cut tops off peppers and remove seeds and white pith. Set aside.
• In large bowl, combine the beans, cheese, salsa, onion, corn, rice, chili powder and cumin. Spoon into peppers. Place in 5-quart slow cooker coated with cooking spray.
• Cover and cook on Low for 3-4 hours or until peppers are tender and filling is heated through. Serve with sour cream if desired.