Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup

The rich flavors of this Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup make it an irresistible comfort dish for any day of the week. With the convenience of a crockpot and a handful of wholesome ingredients, it transforms into a deeply satisfying, hearty bowl of warmth. The bell peppers, rice, and ground beef simmer together in a savory tomato-based broth, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over hours.

Perfect for cold evenings, easy meal prep, or family-style dinners, this soup captures the essence of classic stuffed peppers in a warm and cozy format. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and fills your home with mouthwatering aromas as it slowly cooks. Plus, it’s a one-pot dish that saves you time and cleanup ideal for busy days and relaxed weekends alike.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 3 cups beef broth

• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 3/4 cup uncooked white rice

Directions:

1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onion until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.

2. Transfer the beef and onion to your slow cooker.

3. Add diced bell peppers, beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

5. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in uncooked rice. Cover and continue cooking until the rice is tender.

6. Serve warm and garnish with chopped parsley or shredded cheese, if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

When the weather starts to cool or you simply crave a hearty, comforting meal, nothing hits the spot quite like Stuffed Pepper Soup. This slow-cooked version transforms the familiar flavors of traditional stuffed bell peppers into a warm, savory, and filling soup that is both easy to make and delicious to eat. Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish offers all the comfort of a home-cooked meal with minimal effort.

Thanks to the magic of the slow cooker, this recipe allows all the ingredients beef, rice, bell peppers, and tomatoes to simmer together for hours, developing rich and layered flavors without any babysitting required. It’s a wholesome, one-pot meal that delivers big on taste and is sure to please the whole family.

The Appeal of Stuffed Pepper Soup

Stuffed bell peppers are a beloved dish in many cultures, known for their balance of savory beef or pork, soft grains like rice or quinoa, and sweet roasted peppers. While traditional stuffed peppers are delicious, they can be time-consuming to prepare and require careful assembly.

Stuffed Pepper Soup takes the essence of that dish the same core ingredients and flavors and simplifies it. Instead of stuffing peppers and baking them in the oven, all the ingredients are combined in one pot and cooked together, allowing you to enjoy the same comfort food experience in soup form.

This makes the dish not only easier to prepare but also more versatile. It’s more forgiving in terms of measurements and ingredient swaps, and it scales easily to feed a crowd or fill up your freezer with leftovers.

Why Use a Slow Cooker?

The slow cooker (or crockpot) is a time-saving kitchen hero. It allows for hands-off cooking, and dishes like soups, stews, and roasts thrive in its low-and-slow environment. With this method, the flavors have time to meld, and tougher ingredients like peppers or meats become beautifully tender.

For stuffed pepper soup, the slow cooker offers multiple benefits:

• Convenience: Set it and forget it. After a quick browning of the meat (optional, but recommended), everything goes into the slow cooker. Hours later, dinner is ready.
• Enhanced Flavor: The longer cooking time deepens the flavor of the broth and enhances the sweetness of the bell peppers.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a large batch and refrigerate or freeze the leftovers for meals throughout the week.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing meals ahead of time, a slow cooker helps streamline the process without sacrificing flavor.

Nutritional Highlights

One of the best parts about this soup is that it’s not just delicious it’s also nourishing and balanced. Here’s why it’s a healthy and satisfying option:

• Protein-Packed: The addition of ground beef adds essential protein to keep you full and satisfied.
• Vegetable-Rich: With a generous helping of bell peppers and tomatoes, this soup is loaded with vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and fiber.
• Complex Carbohydrates: The rice (or alternative grains) provides energy and adds heartiness to the dish.
• Low Sugar, High Flavor: With natural sweetness from tomatoes and bell peppers, this soup requires no added sugar and remains low on the glycemic index.
• Customizable Nutrition: You can easily adapt the recipe to suit dietary needs use ground turkey for a leaner version, swap in cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist, or go meatless with lentils or beans.

It’s a well-rounded dish that offers comfort without compromise.

Flavor Profile

This dish is the epitome of comfort food with a rustic, homey charm. Here’s a breakdown of its flavor components:

• Savory and Umami: From browned ground beef and tomato sauce
• Sweet and Earthy: Thanks to bell peppers, especially red and yellow ones
• Herbaceous: The Italian seasoning blend gives it a subtle, aromatic lift
• Warm and Slightly Tangy: Tomatoes offer a hint of acidity that balances the richness

Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese or fresh herbs on top before serving, and you’ve got a bowl that feels like a cozy embrace.

Ways to Customize This Soup

One of the joys of stuffed pepper soup is how versatile and forgiving it is. You can easily tailor it to suit your taste or dietary requirements:

1. Switch the Meat

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
• Try Italian sausage for a bolder, spicier flavor.
• Go meatless with lentils, black beans, or plant-based ground meat.

2. Grain Alternatives

• Substitute brown rice, quinoa, or farro for added nutrition.
• Use cauliflower rice or skip grains altogether for a keto-friendly option.

3. Boost the Veggies

• Add chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for even more plant power.
• Use different types of bell peppers for a colorful and diverse taste.

4. Spice It Up

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne if you like heat.
• Stir in a spoonful of smoked paprika for extra depth.

5. Toppings Galore

• Top each bowl with shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan, fresh parsley, or even a dollop of sour cream.
• Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving:
Stuffed Pepper Soup is best served hot in a bowl with your favorite toppings. It’s a meal on its own but pairs well with fresh bread or a green salad.

Storage:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Freezer: This soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Note: Rice may soften further when thawed, so consider cooking it separately and adding it fresh to each serving.

Ideal Occasions for Enjoying Stuffed Pepper Soup

This soup is suitable for a variety of occasions:

• Weeknight Dinners: Just prep in the morning and come home to a warm meal.
• Potlucks & Gatherings: It’s crowd-pleasing and easy to transport.
• Meal Prepping Sundays: Divide into containers for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• Cold Weather Comfort: When it’s chilly outside, this soup is a warming solution.
• New Mom Meals: Make and freeze a batch for anyone who needs an easy, nourishing dish ready to go.

Conclusion: A New Classic You’ll Make Again and Again

Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup is one of those recipes that checks every box: it’s easy, filling, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. It brings the nostalgic flavors of traditional stuffed peppers into a simple, cozy soup form that can be made with little effort and enjoyed any time of year.

Whether you’re looking for a new go-to weeknight dinner, a meal prep favorite, or a dish to impress your family without spending hours in the kitchen, this soup is an ideal choice. It’s a hearty hug in a bowl that will make its way into your regular recipe rotation and likely stay there for years to come.