If you love the classic flavors of stuffed peppers but crave something a bit cozier and easier to prepare, you are going to adore this Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe. It captures all the savory goodness of stuffed peppers with the comforting warmth of a slow-cooked soup, making it ideal for busy weeknights or prepping ahead for the week. Imagine tender ground meat, vibrant bell peppers, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic herbs all melding together in a rich broth, finished with tender rice that soaks up every bit of that delicious flavor. This soup is simple to make but delivers a big, satisfying bowl of ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Every item plays a crucial role in balancing taste, texture, and color — from the savory meat to the freshness of the bell peppers and the aromatic broth that ties everything together.
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey: Your protein base that provides heartiness and richness.
- 1 onion, diced: Adds a sweet and savory depth that enhances every bite.
- 2 bell peppers, chopped: Bright and crisp, these bring freshness and vibrant color to the soup.
- 1 can diced tomatoes: Offers acidity and juiciness, essential for that stuffed pepper flavor.
- 1 can tomato sauce: Helps create a smooth, rich tomato base with comforting warmth.
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that ties the ingredients together, making the soup hearty.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds the perfect aromatic touch.
- ½ cup uncooked rice: The final ingredient that thickens the soup and adds chewy texture.
- Salt & pepper: Simple seasonings to bring out and balance all the flavors.
How to Make Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Onions
Start by heating a skillet and browning the ground beef or turkey along with the diced onion. This step not only cooks the meat through but also develops a rich, caramelized flavor. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy and to allow the bright vegetable flavors to shine.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Next, pour your cooked meat and onions into the slow cooker. Add the chopped bell peppers, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give everything a gentle stir so the flavors start to mingle even before cooking. The slow cooker will do its magic from here, infusing all these ingredients together slowly for the best taste.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Soup
Set your slow cooker to LOW for 6 to 8 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. This low-and-slow method ensures the flavors deepen beautifully while the vegetables soften perfectly without losing their character.
Step 4: Stir in the Rice
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked rice. This timing is crucial because it allows the rice to cook through yet remain tender without turning mushy. You’ll end up with spoonfuls of comforting goodness and just the right bite to your soup.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the rice is cooked, your Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe is ready to be savored. Ladle it into bowls and, if you like, top with shredded cheese for an extra layer of melty, savory flavor that feels just like a hug in a bowl.
How to Serve Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese, freshly chopped parsley, or a dollop of sour cream can elevate this soup from simple to spectacular. These toppings bring additional creaminess and fresh herbal zing that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with a crusty baguette, garlic bread, or even a light green salad. These sides complement the hearty flavors without overwhelming your taste buds, making for a balanced, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in small bread bowls for an interactive dining experience. Or, if meal prepping, portion it into individual containers for a quick grab-and-go lunch. Either way, the presentation can be as inviting as the flavors inside!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your soup has cooled, transfer any leftovers to airtight containers and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it perfect for easy reheating during busy weekdays or leftovers for lunch.
Freezing
This Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then freeze in individual portions or family-size containers. When properly stored, it can last up to 3 months. Note that if you plan on freezing, you might want to undercook the rice slightly or add it fresh after reheating to prevent over-softening.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much. For convenience, it also reheats well in the microwave in short bursts, stirred between intervals.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative and still delivers plenty of flavor when cooked with the vegetables and seasoning.
Can I substitute rice for another grain or vegetable?
Yes! Cauliflower rice is an excellent low-carb substitution, and you can also try quinoa or barley, but cooking times and texture will vary slightly.
Is this soup gluten-free?
As written, the recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your broth and canned items to ensure no added gluten ingredients.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Adding diced zucchini, corn, or even chopped carrots adds extra texture and nutrients, making the soup even more hearty and colorful.
How thick should the soup be?
The soup has a nice balance between broth and fullness from the rice and vegetables, creating a soup that’s hearty yet spoonable without being too thick or thin.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe a try — it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm, satisfying embrace on a chilly evening. The ease of prep, the comforting flavors, and the versatility make it a fantastic addition to your weeknight meal rotation. Once you’ve experienced this cozy bowl of goodness, I’m confident it will become a beloved favorite in your home too!
Print
Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup captures all the delightful flavors of classic stuffed peppers in a comforting and hearty soup form. Perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep, this recipe is easy to prepare, slow-cooked to perfection, and serves as a delicious, warming meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup uncooked rice
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey along with the diced onions until meat is fully cooked and onions are translucent. Drain excess fat to keep the soup lighter.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked meat and onions into a slow cooker. Add the chopped bell peppers, canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef or chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well.
- Cook the Soup: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add Rice: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the uncooked rice to the soup. This will cook the rice perfectly and thicken the soup slightly.
- Serve: Once the rice is tender, give the soup a good stir. Serve hot, optionally topped with shredded cheese for extra flavor and creaminess.
Notes
- This soup is freezer-friendly after cooking. Cool completely and store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a low-carb or diabetic-friendly version.
- Add diced zucchini or corn with the peppers for extra texture and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hrs
- Category: Soup, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
