If you have ever loved the bold, comforting flavors of stuffed peppers but wished for an even cozier, hands-off meal, you’re going to be over the moon with this Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe. This dish captures all the rich, savory goodness of classic stuffed peppers in a warm, hearty soup that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Imagine tender ground beef or turkey mingling with tender bell peppers, garlic, and rice all swimming in a tomato-rich broth seasoned just right to hit every satisfying flavor note. This soup is a soul-hug in a bowl, making dinner effortless and delicious every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward yet essential to build that perfect flavor profile and hearty texture. Each component adds something special—from the savory ground meat to the fragrant herbs and the bright bell peppers that bring color and crunch.
- Ground beef or turkey: Choose your favorite for a rich, meaty base that packs protein and flavor.
- Onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth once softened in the slow cooker.
- Green bell peppers, chopped: The star vegetable, delivering the classic pepper bite and vibrant color.
- Garlic, minced: A punch of aroma and zest that brings everything to life.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and body to the soup’s tomato foundation.
- Tomato sauce: Thickens and enriches the tomato flavor for a smoother, comforting texture.
- Beef or chicken broth: Creates a flavorful, hearty liquid that ties all ingredients together beautifully.
- Uncooked white or brown rice: Cooks inside the soup to add heartiness and soak up every delicious drop.
- Paprika: Gives a subtle smoky warmth that elevates the overall flavor.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to bring classic Mediterranean savory notes to the soup.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every element.
How to Make Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
The secret to deep, savory flavor starts right here—browning your ground beef or turkey in a skillet allows the meat to develop a beautiful crust, locking in juices and flavor. Once it’s nicely browned and cooked through, drain any excess fat to keep your soup hearty but not greasy.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Transfer the browned meat into your crockpot and add the diced onion, chopped green bell peppers, and minced garlic. Then pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and your choice of broth. Finally, add the uncooked rice along with the paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to marry the flavors from the start.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your crockpot to LOW and let this lovely mixture cook for 6 to 7 hours, or if you’re short on time, the HIGH setting for 3 to 4 hours works great too. The long, gentle cooking not only tenderizes the rice but allows the savory flavors to deepen and blend perfectly.
Step 4: Final Stir and Adjustments
Before serving, give your soup a hearty stir and taste to adjust the seasoning if needed. This is your chance to make it truly your own, adding a little more salt or pepper if you like, ensuring that every bite is just right.
How to Serve Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To make your serving sparkle with added richness and texture, consider topping your soup with shredded cheese that melts delightfully into the hot broth. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a dollop of sour cream can also brighten the bowl and add extra creaminess.
Side Dishes
This soup is satisfying on its own, but paired with crusty bread or warm garlic rolls, it turns into a full dinner experience. A simple green salad on the side adds freshness to balance the hearty soup beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe inside hollowed-out mini bell peppers or thick bread bowls—this adds a playful, impressive flair perfect for entertaining or family dinners that want a wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, transfer any leftover soup to airtight containers and refrigerate. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making weekday lunches or quick dinners simple and delicious.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months and remains just as flavorful when properly thawed and reheated.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up, preserving that perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in the Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Brown rice works well here and adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber. Just note it may take longer to cook, so check for tenderness before serving and adjust the cooking time if needed.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth and tomato products, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I prepare this soup without meat for a vegetarian version?
Definitely! Swap the ground beef or turkey for hearty mushrooms or plant-based crumbles, and use vegetable broth to keep it veggie-friendly while maintaining satisfying flavor and texture.
Should I cook the rice separately to prevent thickening?
If you prefer a thinner soup or want to avoid the rice absorbing too much liquid, cooking rice separately and adding it just before serving works perfectly. It also keeps the rice texture more distinct.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Yes! Feel free to toss in diced carrots, zucchini, or celery to boost nutrition and add more flavor layers—just chop them finely so they cook well during the slow-cooking process.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe has become a beloved go-to for anyone craving all the comfort of stuffed peppers with the ease of slow cooking. It’s a satisfying, nourishing dish that’s easy to love and even easier to make. Give it a try and watch how it quickly earns a permanent spot in your cozy meal rotation.
Print
Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
All the flavors of classic stuffed peppers transformed into a comforting and hearty slow-cooker soup. This easy crockpot stuffed pepper soup combines ground meat, rice, bell peppers, tomatoes, and savory seasonings into a warming meal perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 green bell peppers, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth
Grains and Spices
- 1/2 cup uncooked white or brown rice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the cooked meat to the slow cooker. Add diced onion, chopped green bell peppers, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, uncooked rice, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix Well: Stir all ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors and ingredients.
- Cook the Soup: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the rice is tender and all flavors have melded together.
- Final Touches: Stir the soup before serving, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Optionally, add shredded cheese on top for extra richness.
Notes
- Adding shredded cheese on top enhances the flavor and richness of the soup when serving.
- For a thinner texture, cook the rice separately and add it to the soup just before serving to prevent thickening during slow cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
