If you’re craving the comforting flavors of stuffed peppers but want something even easier and heartier, you’ll absolutely love this Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe. It’s like your favorite stuffed pepper casserole threw on a cozy soup outfit—rich, hearty, and packed with all the good stuff without any fuss. Trust me, once you try this, it might just become your go-to weeknight meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Off Cooking: Just set it and forget it in your slow cooker for hours while the flavors meld beautifully.
- Packed with Flavor & Nutrition: Loaded with beef, bell peppers, and rice to keep everyone satisfied and nourished.
- Flexible & Family-Friendly: Easy to customize based on your favorite peppers and seasoning preferences.
- Comfort Food Made Simple: A cozy twist on a classic that tastes way more impressive than the effort it takes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe plays a delicious part. I like how the beef and bell peppers combine with beef broth and tomatoes to create a comforting base while the rice gives it that filling touch. Here’s what I recommend looking for when you shop:
- Ground Beef: Go for lean ground beef to keep it flavorful without too much grease.
- Onion: A medium yellow or white onion works well for that classic sweetness.
- Bell Peppers: Use any colors you like—red, green, yellow—for a vibrant, fresh taste.
- Beef Broth: Homemade adds richness, but store-bought works great too.
- Petite Diced Tomatoes: I love these for their tender size—they blend perfectly into the soup.
- Tomato Sauce: Adds body and that deep tomato flavor that ties everything together.
- Granulated Garlic: Divided use helps layer the garlic flavor just right.
- Parsley: Fresh or dried works; it brightens up the soup nicely.
- Salt: Adjust to taste but don’t skip—it enhances all other flavors.
- Cooked White Rice: I usually use 2 cups for heartiness but cut back if you prefer less rice.
Variations
I love how adaptable this Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe is! You can tweak it a ton to suit what you have on hand or what your taste buds are craving. Don’t be afraid to make it your own.
- Vegetarian Variation: Swap the ground beef for cooked lentils or beans to keep the protein and texture hearty.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a subtle heat—I discovered this trick when I wanted more zip!
- Rice Alternatives: Try cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist that still feels satisfying.
- Cheesy Finish: Stir in shredded cheddar or sprinkle on some parmesan before serving to add a melty, savory dimension.
How to Make Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Onion
This is where all your savory flavor starts. Brown your ground beef with 1 teaspoon of granulated garlic, salt, and pepper to taste in a skillet over medium heat. Once the beef is mostly cooked, toss in the diced onion and let them soften together for a few minutes. This little sauté step deepens the taste—plus, you drain excess grease so your soup won’t be greasy.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Once your beef and onions are ready, add them to the crockpot along with the diced bell peppers, beef broth, canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, remaining granulated garlic, parsley, and salt. Give everything a good stir to get those flavors mingling before you set the slow cooker to work its magic.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cook the soup on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooking allows the peppers to soften just right, and all the flavors to blend into one cozy, hearty soup. You’ll find your kitchen smelling amazing as it cooks.
Step 4: Stir in the Cooked Rice
About 5 to 10 minutes before serving, stir in the cooked white rice. This timing keeps the rice from getting mushy while warming it through perfectly. If you add the rice too soon, it can soak up too much moisture and change the texture.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle your slow cooker stuffed pepper soup into bowls and get ready for the warm, rich tastes that remind you of home-cooked family dinners. It’s that simple but so satisfying.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe
- Drain the Beef Well: Removing excess fat after browning keeps the soup from feeling greasy.
- Add Rice at the End: Stir in rice close to serving time to maintain a perfect texture without mushiness.
- Use a Mix of Bell Peppers: Colorful peppers not only brighten the dish but also add subtle flavor differences.
- Season Gradually: I learned to taste before adding the final salt to avoid over-seasoning this flavorful soup.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing this soup with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or some shredded cheddar cheese to add creaminess. A dollop of sour cream or a few fresh basil leaves also bring a nice freshness that cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
This soup stands strong on its own but pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm garlic rolls for dipping. A crisp green salad on the side makes it a well-rounded, hearty meal that my family always asks for again.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, I once served this soup in hollowed-out mini bell peppers as “soup bowls” for a party—it was a hit both for presentation and flavor! You could also top servings with crispy fried onion strings or a swirl of pesto for a gourmet touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually cool it quickly, then pop it in the fridge so the flavors stay fresh and the rice doesn’t soak up all the liquid.
Freezing
I’ve found this soup freezes well, but it’s best to freeze before adding the rice or with less rice added, as it can get mushy after thawing. Freeze in portions for easy defrosting during busy weeks.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup thickened too much. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and keep the rice tender.
FAQs
-
Can I use ground turkey or chicken in this Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great leaner alternatives. Just brown them the same way you would the beef, and the soup will still be delicious and comforting.
-
What kind of rice works best in this soup?
White rice is traditional and cooks up nicely in this recipe, but you can also use brown rice if you pre-cook it first. Just add it toward the end to avoid overcooking and mushy texture.
-
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time and freeze it?
Yes! To keep texture intact, freeze before adding rice or with less rice included. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently when ready to serve.
-
How do I make this soup spicier?
Try adding jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce. I discovered adding a bit of heat really kicks the flavor up and keeps everyone asking for seconds.
-
Is this Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! As long as your beef broth and tomato products are gluten-free (which many are), this recipe is perfect for gluten-sensitive diets.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe is honestly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. I love how simple it is to throw together in the morning, come back to an irresistible aroma, and then enjoy a wholesome, satisfying dinner with minimal effort. Whether you’re a busy parent, a weeknight warrior, or just love cozy meals, give this soup a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
PrintSlow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting slow cooker stuffed pepper soup that combines browned ground beef, colorful bell peppers, onions, and rice simmered in a flavorful tomato and beef broth. This hearty soup is a cozy twist on the classic stuffed peppers recipe, perfect for effortless weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 bell peppers, diced (any colors)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 14.5 oz can petite diced tomatoes
- 14.5 oz can tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons granulated garlic, divided
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups cooked white rice (use 1 cup if you prefer less rice)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with 1 teaspoon of granulated garlic, salt, and pepper to taste. When the beef is almost fully browned, add the diced onion and cook until the onion softens.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned beef and onions into the crockpot. Add the diced bell peppers, beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, remaining teaspoon of granulated garlic, and parsley. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook the Soup: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften perfectly.
- Add Cooked Rice: During the last 5 to 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the cooked white rice. Continue cooking just until the rice is heated through.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve warm for a filling and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Slow cooker stuffed pepper soup offers a cozy, hands-off way to enjoy the classic flavors of stuffed peppers without the fuss of baking individual peppers.
- You can customize the soup with different colored bell peppers for added vibrancy and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of rice based on your preference for soup thickness and texture.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper when browning the beef.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freeze nicely for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg