Name: Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 bell peppers; 1 lb. ground beef; 1/2 cup onion; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/3 cup ketchup; 1 egg; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp dried parsley; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 1/2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1 inch cubes; 1/2 cup water; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/4 cup sour cream; 2 to 3 tbsp butter

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 11 reviews

If you’re dreaming of a hearty dinner with minimal fuss and maximum comfort, you’ll fall for this Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers Recipe. Imagine zesty bell peppers cradling juicy, flavor-packed meatloaf, all slow-cooked to perfection, sharing the stage with creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes—no extra pots, no juggling oven space, just one cozy meal that brings smiles to the whole table. This family favorite marries convenience and big, bold flavors in every forkful!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish is that every ingredient plays an important role—delivering vibrant color, irresistible texture, and those savory notes you crave in home-cooked classics. Let’s take a closer look at why these simple ingredients make all the difference in your Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers Recipe.

Bell peppers: Choose firm, vividly colored bell peppers—they become sweet and tender, and beautifully hold all that savory filling.
Ground beef: Opt for a blend with a bit of fat (like 80/20) for juicy, flavorful meatloaf centers.
Onion: Finely diced onion subtly sweetens and moistens the filling, adding depth to every bite.
Breadcrumbs: These help your meatloaf mixture stay perfectly tender and hold together while cooking.
Ketchup: A classic for a reason—ketchup binds and brightens the meatloaf, and doubles as a tangy topping.
Egg: Don’t skip it! The egg is your glue, ensuring your meat mixture is deliciously cohesive.
Worcestershire sauce: Just a splash delivers umami richness that sets this recipe apart.
Garlic powder, dried parsley, salt: The trifecta of flavor, boosting homemade comfort in every bite.
Black pepper: For just the right amount of warmth and spice to balance the sweetness of the peppers.
Russet potatoes: Their starchy creaminess is pure mashed potato magic and soaks up the savory juices while cooking.
Water: Just enough to steam the potatoes and keep them super moist.
Garlic powder, onion powder (for potatoes): These season the potatoes as they cook, making every spoonful pop.
Sour cream: Adds the ultimate tangy creaminess to your mashed potatoes.
Butter: Because is it even mashed potatoes without a little buttery richness?

How to Make Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Bell Peppers

Start by slicing the tops off your bell peppers, then gently clean out seeds and membranes inside. You want those pepper “cups” standing upright, ready to hold all the delicious meatloaf filling. Discard the tops and shake out any remaining seeds—it’s that easy!

Step 2: Mix Up the Meatloaf Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, ketchup, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix just until everything’s evenly combined—don’t over-mix, or the filling can get tough! Divide this savory mix evenly among the prepared peppers, packing it gently into each one.

Step 3: Layer the Potatoes in the Slow Cooker

Peel and cube your russet potatoes into even 1-inch pieces and spread them in a snug layer on the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour in the water and sprinkle garlic powder and onion powder over the top. These flavors will swirl right into your mashed potatoes as they cook—no draining required later!

Step 4: Cook Everything Together

Arrange the stuffed peppers upright, nestled on top of the potatoes. Pop on the lid and set your slow cooker to HIGH for 3 to 4 hours or LOW for 6 to 7 hours. Everything will cook at the same cozy pace—the peppers become tender, the meatloaf sets perfectly, and the potatoes get irresistibly soft.

Step 5: Crisp and Mash (Optional!)

When cooking time is up, use tongs to lift out the peppers. If some fat has pooled inside, just tip them carefully to let it drain out. For a restaurant-style finish, pop the peppers in a baking dish, spoon a swirl of ketchup on top, and broil for 2 to 3 minutes. Meanwhile, mash the potatoes right in the slow cooker with sour cream and butter until smooth and creamy. Season to taste and you’re ready to serve!

How to Serve Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top of each pepper instantly brings life and color to your Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers Recipe. A little extra drizzle of ketchup or even a dash of hot sauce can also add a tantalizing tang—and let’s be honest, it looks so inviting!

Side Dishes

Since you already have creamy mashed potatoes cooked right alongside your peppers, serving up a green salad or some sautéed green beans rounds out the meal nicely. If you’re feeling fancy, some crusty bread is perfect for scooping up every last bit of meaty, saucy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers Recipe into entertaining magic by serving each pepper atop a fluffy cloud of potatoes on individual plates—restaurant style! Or, place the peppers on a big platter surrounded by mashed potatoes and let everyone dig in family-style. For picky eaters or little hands, slice the peppers in half and layer the filling with mashed potatoes in bowls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have some Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers Recipe leftovers (lucky you!), place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Store the mashed potatoes separately if you can, to keep everything tasting super fresh and flavorful.

Freezing

These peppers freeze surprisingly well! Cool them down completely, then wrap each pepper individually or arrange in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. The mashed potatoes can also be frozen—spoon them into a separate airtight bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months, and always label with the date for stress-free meal planning.

Reheating

To reheat your Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers Recipe, warm the peppers gently in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil until heated through. For a quick fix, use the microwave in short bursts so the filling stays juicy, and stir the mashed potatoes once or twice for even heating. A fresh drizzle of ketchup or a knob of butter after reheating makes leftovers taste as vibrant as day one!

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are delicious, lighter swaps for ground beef in your Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers Recipe. Just note that leaner meats may need an extra splash of ketchup or a little olive oil to stay moist.

What kind of breadcrumbs work best?

Regular store-bought or homemade breadcrumbs both work well here. For a gluten-free option, try ground oats or gluten-free breadcrumbs—your Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers Recipe will be just as tasty!

Do I need to pre-cook the bell peppers?

Nope! The magic of this recipe is that the peppers become perfectly tender as everything slow cooks together, soaking up all those savory juices from the meatloaf filling. No extra steps needed!

Can I prepare this meal in advance?

Definitely. You can assemble the meatloaf stuffing and peppers the night before and keep them in the fridge. When you’re ready, just add the potatoes and cook as usual for a fuss-free weeknight dinner.

Is it possible to make this recipe in the oven?

Yes! Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, scatter the potatoes around them, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F for about 50–60 minutes. The slow cooker is just handy for set-it-and-forget-it convenience.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers Recipe in your own kitchen. It’s hearty, comforting, and impressively simple—truly a weeknight dinner that tastes like a weekend treat. Gather around the table and savor every bite—you might just find it becomes a new family favorite!