Welcome the cozy embrace of autumn with a hearty and comforting meal that practically makes itself! This **Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup** is an absolute game-changer for busy weeknights, offering all the delightful flavors of classic stuffed peppers in an easy-to-enjoy soup form. Imagine tender ground beef, aromatic onions, vibrant bell peppers, and fluffy rice simmering in a rich, savory tomato broth – it’s a bowl of pure comfort that promises to warm you from the inside out. Perfect for those crisp fall evenings, this slow cooker recipe simplifies dinner prep without compromising on taste, making it a beloved staple in many households.
Effortless Comfort: The Best Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of soup to chase away the chill, and this **Stuffed Pepper Soup Crockpot Recipe** delivers on all fronts: it’s incredibly filling, bursting with flavor, and remarkably simple to prepare. As the weather cools and our cravings turn towards more comforting, soul-satisfying dishes, this slow-cooker marvel rises to the occasion. It’s a wholesome meal that effortlessly combines delicious taste with plenty of vegetables, making it a family favorite year after year.
The beauty of using a slow cooker for this recipe lies in its set-it-and-forget-it nature. You can enjoy a leisurely morning or tackle your errands knowing that dinner is gently simmering, developing deep, rich flavors all on its own. The aroma alone will make your home feel inviting and cozy. For anyone seeking an easy, yet incredibly satisfying **comfort food soup**, this recipe is a must-try. It’s perfect for those chilly fall days when you crave something warm and nourishing but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients for an Amazing Stuffed Pepper Soup
Crafting this flavorful **Stuffed Pepper Soup** requires just a handful of straightforward ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. The combination creates a balanced, savory, and slightly sweet profile reminiscent of classic stuffed peppers.
Here’s what you’ll need for this epic **Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup**: The full recipe with precise measurements and detailed instructions is provided below in the recipe card.
- Extra-Lean Ground Beef: Forms the hearty base of the soup, mimicking the traditional filling.
- Onion: Adds essential aromatic depth and a touch of sweetness.
- Diced Tomatoes with Roasted Garlic and Onions: A fantastic shortcut for adding complex tomato flavor with a hint of savory garlic and onion.
- Tomato Sauce: Creates the rich, robust tomato broth.
- Green and Red Peppers: These provide the signature “stuffed pepper” flavor, vibrant color, and a slight crunch.
- Beef Broth: The liquid foundation, infusing the soup with a deep, meaty essence.
- Dried Basil: An aromatic herb that complements the tomato and beef beautifully.
- Cooked Rice: Added towards the end to maintain its texture and complete the “stuffed” element.
- Salt and Pepper: To season to your desired taste.
Essential Equipment for Your Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup
Making this soup is incredibly easy, especially with the right kitchen tools. Here’s what we recommend to ensure a smooth cooking experience:
- Crockpot (Slow Cooker): We highly recommend using a slow cooker with a digital timer that automatically switches to a “warm” setting once cooking is complete. This feature is invaluable as it ensures your meal cooks perfectly without overcooking and keeps it at an ideal serving temperature until you’re ready to eat, eliminating any stress about timing.
- Skillet: Necessary for browning the ground beef and sautéing the onion before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Kitchen Spoon/Similar Cooking Utensil: For stirring ingredients and serving.
- Soup Bowls: Because a great soup deserves a great bowl!
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup
Preparing this **easy stuffed pepper soup** couldn’t be simpler. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours. Here’s a quick overview, with complete detailed instructions found in the recipe card below.
- Brown the Beef and Onion: In a skillet, brown the extra-lean ground beef with the chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is fully cooked and the onion is softened. This step is crucial for building a rich flavor base. Feel free to add a pinch of garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the meat for an extra layer of taste.
- Drain and Transfer: Once cooked, drain any excess grease from the beef and onion mixture. Transfer the seasoned beef and onion into your slow cooker.
- Combine Main Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes (including their juices), tomato sauce, chopped green and red peppers, beef broth, and dried basil to the slow cooker with the beef mixture. Stir everything gently to combine.
- Cover and Cook: Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Cook on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the flavors are fully developed and the peppers are tender.
- Stir in Rice: Approximately one hour before the end of the cooking cycle, add the cooked rice to the soup. Stir it in thoroughly so it can absorb some of the delicious broth and heat through. If you prefer, you can add cooked rice directly to individual bowls when serving.
Preparation, Storage, and Reheating Tips
This **Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup** is not only easy to make but also incredibly convenient for meal prepping and enjoying later.
- Make Ahead: This soup is an excellent candidate for making ahead. Its flavors often deepen and improve overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
- Storage: Store any leftover Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Freezing/How to Freeze: For longer storage, this soup freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled leftovers into an airtight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will remain good for about three months. Making a large batch and freezing portions is a fantastic way to ensure you always have a comforting meal on hand.
- How to Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy your soup again, refrigerated leftovers can be reheated in the microwave, on the stovetop over medium-low heat, or in your slow cooker on the low setting for 1-2 hours. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator or partially at room temperature to reduce reheating time and ensure even heating. Reheat gently until piping hot.
Recipe Variations & Tips for the Best Stuffed Pepper Soup
One of the joys of this **Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup** is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit different dietary needs or taste preferences.
- Substitutions for Ground Beef:
- Ground Turkey: For a leaner option, ground turkey is an excellent substitute. If using ground turkey, consider replacing the beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth to complement the flavor profile.
- Ground Sausage: Swap the ground beef for Italian sausage (mild or spicy) to create an Italian-inspired Stuffed Pepper Soup. Ground chicken or pork can also be used for a different twist.
- Bell Pepper Choices: While we use green and red bell peppers for their classic flavor and color contrast, this recipe works wonderfully with any color bell pepper you enjoy – yellow, orange, or even a mix!
- Rice Options: Both white and brown rice work equally well. Choose your preference. For a low-carb alternative, consider using riced cauliflower. Make sure any rice added directly to the slow cooker for the last hour is already cooked.
- Vegetarian & Vegan Option: Easily transform this into a vegetarian or vegan delight by replacing the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute (like Beyond Meat or similar crumbles) and swapping beef broth for a flavorful vegetable broth.
- Gluten-Free: This slow-cooker soup is naturally gluten-free if you ensure all your ingredients are certified gluten-free. Always double-check store-bought broths, as some brands may contain hidden gluten-containing additives.
- Make it Spicy:
- For a Southwestern kick, use a can of Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies) instead of regular diced tomatoes.
- Spicy Italian sausage is a great way to add heat while maintaining a rich, savory flavor.
- If sticking with ground beef or turkey, add red pepper flakes, finely diced jalapeño peppers, or even habanero peppers to taste during the browning stage.
- Sugar-Free: The original recipe contains about 7 grams of sugar per serving. To make it sugar-free, opt for sugar-free canned tomatoes and tomato sauce, as some brands add sugar.
- Serving Size Adjustments: The provided recipe yields six generous servings using one pound of ground beef. You can easily scale the recipe up or down depending on the number of servings you need. Keep in mind that for significantly larger batches, you may need to brown the beef in multiple batches to avoid crowding the skillet.
Our goal is to make this the best **Stuffed Pepper Soup recipe** you’ll ever make, offering flexibility and delicious results every time!
What to Serve with Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup
This **Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup** is a satisfying meal on its own, but pairing it with a fresh side or a warm piece of bread can elevate your dining experience. Think of it as a deconstructed, comforting version of classic stuffed bell peppers, easily customizable for any palate. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions:
Bread:
CopyCat Cheddar Bay Biscuits,
Olive Garden Breadsticks,
Sweet Bread Rolls,
Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Bread,
Spicy Southwest Biscuits,
Garlic Cheese Muffins,
Cheesy Biscuit Bites,
Celtic Knot Rolls,
Epic Cheesy Garlic Bread. A crusty loaf for dipping is always a good idea!
Salads:
Caprese Pasta Salad,
Broccoli Bacon Salad,
7 Layer Salad,
Sauerkraut Salad,
Greek Cucumber Salad,
Orzo Pasta Salad with Bacon & Parmesan Vinaigrette,
Caprese Salad,
Broccoli Slaw,
Kale & Apple Potato Salad. A crisp, fresh salad provides a lovely contrast to the hearty soup.
Desserts:
2 Ingredient Lemon Bars,
Pumpkin Snickerdoodles,
Pumpkin Angel Food Cake,
Apple Cider Donut Cake,
Ambrosia Salad,
No Bake Peanut Butter Pie,
No Bake Pumpkin Pie,
Bisquick Apple Cobbler,
Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies,
Maple Monkey Bread Bites.
For even more ideas, check out our big list of sides for soup to help make dinner planning a breeze.
When to Serve This Delicious Soup
This **Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup** is incredibly versatile and perfect for a variety of occasions:
- Lunch: A comforting and hearty midday meal.
- Dinner: An easy and satisfying family dinner on any night of the week.
- Fall Mealtime: Its warm and savory flavors make it an ideal dish for the autumn season.
- Comfort Food Cravings: Whenever you need a bowl of pure, heartwarming goodness.
- Slow Cooker Ground Beef Recipes: When you’re looking for a simple and delicious slow cooker ground beef recipe.
More Great Crock Pot Soup Recipes
If you love the ease and flavor of slow cooker soups, be sure to explore these other fantastic recipes:
French Onion Soup
Bacon Potato Soup
Ham and Bean Soup
Zuppa Toscana Soup
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Do you love discovering new recipes? Check out our copycat recipes, dessert recipes, and our extensive collection of CrockPot Recipes.
Stuffed Pepper Soup Crock Pot
How to make this easy and filling Stuffed Pepper Soup Crock Pot Recipe! The perfect comfort food for any season.
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Author: Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 1 lb extra-lean ground beef
- 1 cup Onion, chopped
- 14.5 Ounce diced tomatoes with roasted garlic and onions
- 15 Ounce Tomato Sauce
- 2 cups green and red peppers, chopped
- 3 cups Beef Broth
- ½ teaspoon Dried Basil
- 1 cup cooked rice
Instructions
- Brown ground beef with onion in a skillet over medium heat. You can also add other spices to the meat at this stage, such as garlic powder or Italian seasoning, for extra flavor.
- Drain any excess fat from the browned beef and onions, then transfer the mixture to your slow cooker.
- Add the diced tomatoes (including their juices), tomato sauce, chopped bell peppers, and beef broth to the slow cooker. Stir everything until well combined.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the low setting for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the peppers are tender and the flavors have fully melded.
- Approximately one hour before the total cooking time is complete, stir in the cooked rice. Allow it to heat through and absorb some of the savory broth.
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker
- Skillet
- Cooking spoon
Nutrition Facts
Stuffed Pepper Soup Crock Pot
Amount Per Serving
Calories 200 (Calories from Fat 36)
% Daily Value*
Fat 4g (6%)
Saturated Fat 2g (13%)
Cholesterol 47mg (16%)
Sodium 976mg (42%)
Potassium 696mg (20%)
Carbohydrates 19g (6%)
Fiber 3g (13%)
Sugar 7g (8%)
Protein 20g (40%)
Vitamin A 765IU (15%)
Vitamin C 48mg (58%)
Calcium 59mg (6%)
Iron 3mg (17%)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
This recipe was originally shared on November 10, 2014, and has been updated for freshness and clarity.