Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup with Minute Rice

Is there anything better than a big bowl of comfort food on a chilly evening? I don’t think so! And that’s why I’m SO excited to share my Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup with Minute Rice recipe with you. It’s seriously the easiest way to get that classic stuffed pepper flavor without all the fuss.

My family LOVES stuffed peppers, but honestly, who has time to make them during the week? All that stuffing and baking… it’s a weekend project for sure. But this soup? This is weeknight magic! You basically just dump everything in the slow cooker and let it do its thing. It’s like a deconstructed stuffed pepper, but in soup form. Total genius, right? Trust me, this is gonna become a new family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup with Minute Rice

Okay, let’s be real – you’re gonna be obsessed with this soup. Why? Lemme tell ya:

Quick and Easy Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup with Minute Rice

Seriously, it’s dump-and-go! Minimal chopping, no pre-cooking (except browning the beef, but that’s quick!), and the slow cooker does all the work. I’m all about easy!

Classic Stuffed Pepper Flavor in a Soup

All those yummy flavors you love from stuffed peppers – the beef, the peppers, the tomatoes, the spices – they’re ALL there! It’s like a warm, comforting hug in a bowl.

Minimal Cleanup

Who wants to spend hours scrubbing pots and pans? Not me! Since it’s a slow cooker recipe, cleanup is a breeze. Just one pot to wash. Hallelujah!

Family-Friendly Meal

Even my picky eaters gobble this up! It’s hearty, flavorful, and you can customize the toppings to please everyone. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies.

Gluten-Free Option

Yep, you read that right! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect option for those with dietary restrictions. Just double-check your broth and tomato sauce labels to be 100% sure!

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup with Minute Rice

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup with Minute Rice. Don’t skimp on the good stuff! Exact measurements are key for that perfect flavor.

Meats

1 lb ground beef, browned and crumbled

I usually go for lean ground beef – it keeps things a little healthier. Brown it up real good and crumble it before tossing it in the slow cooker. Trust me, it makes a difference!

Vegetables

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1 red bell pepper, diced

Dice these up into about 1/2 inch pieces. Nothing too big, nothing too small. Ya know?

1 green bell pepper, diced

Same goes for the green pepper – 1/2 inch dice. Adds that classic stuffed pepper flavor!

1 sweet yellow onion, diced

Again, about 1/2 inch dice for the onion. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect, it’s all going in the soup!

2 garlic cloves, minced

Fresh garlic is a MUST. Mince it up nice and fine so it flavors the whole soup.

Liquids

30 oz chicken broth

I like to use low-sodium chicken broth so I can control the saltiness. You can always add more salt later!

15 oz can tomato sauce

Look for a no-salt-added tomato sauce if you’re watching your sodium intake.

14.5 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes

Don’t drain these! The juices add extra flavor. Fire-roasted tomatoes give the soup a little something special, but regular diced tomatoes work fine too.

Spices

1 tsp oregano

Dried oregano is what you need here.

1/2 tsp dried basil

Yep, dried basil too!

1/2 tsp salt

Adjust to your taste, of course!

1/4 tsp pepper

Freshly ground pepper is always best, if you have it!

Grains

1/2 cup uncooked Minute Brand Rice

Gotta use Minute Rice for this recipe – it cooks super fast and doesn’t get mushy in the slow cooker. Trust me on this one!

Toppings

Mozzarella cheese, for topping

Shredded mozzarella is my go-to, but you can use whatever cheese you like! A little sprinkle on top makes it extra yummy.

How to Make Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup with Minute Rice

Okay, ready to get cooking? This is the easiest part, I promise! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup with Minute Rice in no time.

Preparing the Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup Base

Combine Ingredients

Alright, here’s where the magic starts! Grab your slow cooker and toss in the browned ground beef, diced bell peppers, diced onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, tomato sauce, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Yep, all of it! Give it a good stir to make sure everything’s mixed together nicely. This is important so the flavors distribute evenly while cooking.

Slow Cooking the Stuffed Pepper Soup

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Cooking Times

Now for the easy part – just pop the lid on your slow cooker and let it do its thing! You’ve got two options here: cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours. I usually go for the low setting when I’m at work all day. If I’m home and want it sooner, high works great! Either way, you’ll end up with a super flavorful soup. Don’t peek too much, though! You want to keep that heat in for even cooking.

Adding the Minute Rice to the Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup

Stirring the Rice

Okay, this is important! After the soup has cooked for either 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low, it’s time to add the Minute Rice. Open the lid and sprinkle in the uncooked rice. Give it a good stir to make sure the rice is evenly distributed throughout the soup. This is key so you don’t end up with clumps of rice in one spot.

Then, replace the lid and let it cook on HIGH for just 20 minutes more. This is all it takes for the Minute Rice to cook perfectly. You don’t want to overcook it or it’ll get mushy. Trust me, nobody likes mushy rice!

Serving Your Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup with Minute Rice

Topping Suggestions

Alright, the moment you’ve been waiting for! It’s time to serve up your delicious Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup with Minute Rice. Give it one last stir to make sure everything’s well combined, then ladle it into bowls. And don’t forget the toppings! My favorite is a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. But you can also add a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, or even a dash of hot sauce if you’re feeling spicy. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup with Minute Rice

Want to take your Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup with Minute Rice from good to AMAZING? Here are a few tips that I’ve learned along the way!

Browning the Ground Beef

Don’t skip this step! Browning the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker adds SO much flavor. It creates a nice, rich base for the soup. Trust me, it’s worth the extra few minutes!

Adjusting the Seasoning

Taste, taste, TASTE! Everyone’s taste buds are different, so make sure to adjust the seasoning to your liking. Add more salt, pepper, oregano, or basil until it’s just right for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Don’t Overcook the Rice

This is key! Minute Rice cooks super fast, so make sure you only cook it for 20 minutes on high. Overcooked rice gets mushy, and nobody wants that in their soup!

Choosing Your Peppers

I like to use a mix of red and green bell peppers for both flavor and color. But you can also add yellow or orange peppers for even more variety! It’s all about what you like!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup with Minute Rice

Okay, so maybe you’re missing an ingredient or just wanna switch things up a bit? No problem! Here are some easy substitutions you can make in this Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup with Minute Rice:

Ground Beef

Not a beef fan? No worries! Ground turkey or even ground chicken work great in this soup. You could even use Italian sausage for a little extra kick!

Minute Rice

Okay, I really recommend Minute Rice for this recipe, but if you’re in a pinch, you *could* try using a different quick-cooking rice. Just keep a close eye on it and adjust the cooking time accordingly. But seriously, Minute Rice is the way to go!

Chicken Broth

If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, beef broth or vegetable broth will also work just fine. They’ll each give the soup a slightly different flavor, but it’ll still be delicious!

Bell Peppers

Don’t have red or green bell peppers? No sweat! Use whatever color you have on hand. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, add some poblano peppers for a little bit of heat! Just be careful when you handle them, those things can be spicy!

Variations on Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup with Minute Rice

Wanna get a little creative? This Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup with Minute Rice is super versatile! Here are a few fun variations to try:

Spicy Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup with Minute Rice

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a diced jalapeño, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a little kick! You could even use a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Ooh, that sounds good!

Vegetarian Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup with Minute Rice

Skip the ground beef and add an extra can of diced tomatoes and a can of drained and rinsed lentils or black beans. You could also add some chopped mushrooms for a meaty texture. So yummy!

Adding Beans

A can of drained and rinsed kidney beans, black beans, or cannellini beans adds extra heartiness and flavor. Just stir them in with the Minute Rice during the last 20 minutes of cooking. Easy peasy!

FAQ About Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup with Minute Rice

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked about my Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup with Minute Rice.

Can I use regular rice instead of Minute Rice in Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup with Minute Rice?

Okay, so I *really* recommend Minute Rice for this recipe because it cooks so quickly and doesn’t get mushy in the slow cooker. But, if you’re really set on using regular rice, you can! You’ll need to add it much earlier in the cooking process – probably about an hour before you want to serve the soup. Keep an eye on it and add more broth if needed, because regular rice soaks up more liquid. Honestly, though, Minute Rice is just easier!

Can I freeze Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup with Minute Rice?

Yep! This soup freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to leave a little room at the top, because the soup will expand as it freezes. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. So easy!

Can I make Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup with Minute Rice in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, the Instant Pot is your best friend. Just follow the same steps for adding the ingredients, then cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure. Stir in the Minute Rice and cook on sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Boom! Dinner is served in a flash!

How long does Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup with Minute Rice last in the refrigerator?

This soup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. It’s perfect for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers for lunch!

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup with Minute Rice?

This soup is pretty hearty on its own, but it’s also delicious with a side of crusty bread for dipping. A simple side salad is also a great option. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, you can top it with a dollop of sour cream and some chopped fresh parsley. Yum!

Storing and Reheating Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup with Minute Rice

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This soup tastes even better the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat it like a pro.

Storing Leftover Soup

Once the soup’s cooled down (don’t leave it sitting out for more than 2 hours!), just pop it into an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Easy peasy!

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready for round two, you’ve got options! You can reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. Or, if you’re in a hurry, just microwave it for a few minutes, stirring every now and then, until it’s nice and hot. Just be careful – it can splatter!

Nutritional Information for Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup with Minute Rice

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Okay, quick disclaimer: I’m not a nutritionist, so I can’t give you exact nutritional info for this Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup with Minute Rice. It really depends on the specific brands and ingredients you use! But, I just wanted to let you know that it’s a hearty and relatively healthy meal. Enjoy!

Enjoy Your Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup with Minute Rice!

Alright, that’s it! I really hope you give this Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup with Minute Rice a try. It’s seriously one of my favorite easy weeknight meals, and I think you’ll love it too!

If you do make it, please come back and leave a rating and comment – I’d love to hear what you think! And if you snap a picture, be sure to share it on social media and tag me. Happy cooking!