Stuffed pepper soup has a way of making even the gloomiest weeknight feel a little more cheerful and a lot more delicious. Somehow, every time I simmer up a pot, the whole kitchen smells like a cozy hug. Maybe it’s the colorful bell peppers or just the way the steam fogs up my glasses (every single time, without fail).
Honestly, I stumbled into stuffed pepper soup on a desperate hunt for a dinner that would please both picky eaters and veggie lovers. The first spoonful was an accidental triumph—messy, hearty, and packed with flavor. Now, it’s my go-to for chilly evenings when I want something comforting, but don’t want to fuss with fussy steps.
So, if you’re looking for a simple soup that feels like a celebration of fall veggies and family dinners, stuffed pepper soup is about to become your new favorite. Grab a big pot and get ready for a little kitchen chaos (and a lot of happy faces at the table).
Personal Anecdote
First, let me confess—stuffed pepper soup was never on my radar until a wild Tuesday when dinner was a total mystery and my fridge was a jumble of half-used bell peppers. I figured, why not toss everything into a pot and see what happens? My kids hovered, suspicious but hungry, and I stirred like a mad scientist hoping for the best. The rice nearly stuck to the bottom (oops!), but the aroma was so inviting that we couldn’t wait for it to cool.
Also, this recipe has earned a permanent spot in our dinner rotation, right next to our Best Easy Mississippi Chicken Recipe For A Cozy Family Dinner. Stuffed pepper soup is hearty, forgiving, and perfect for those evenings when everyone’s schedules are all over the place. Even my husband, who claims to be a “meat and potatoes” guy, always asks for seconds.
Why This Recipe is Special
So, what really makes stuffed pepper soup stand out for dinner? For starters, it’s one of those Fall Soup Recipes that feels like a big, warm sweater for your soul. You get all the classic flavors of stuffed peppers—savory beef, sweet peppers, and tender rice—but in a way that’s so much easier and way less fussy. No need to stuff anything, just scoop and serve!
However, if you’re a fan of Crockpot Soup Recipes, this dish is super flexible. It slides right into the slow cooker and bubbles away while you tackle your to-do list. And if you need more cozy dinner inspiration, you’ll love our Best Cozy Merry Me Chicken Pasta For A Hearty Family Dinner too. Finally, stuffed pepper soup is healthy enough for weeknights but comforting enough for a Sunday family dinner—plus, it’s a lifesaver for using up stray veggies before they wilt. Pure soup magic, honestly.
Ingredients breakdown
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Diced onion | 1 cup |
| Minced garlic | ½ tablespoon |
| Diced red, orange, or yellow bell peppers | 2 cups |
| Petite diced tomatoes | 14½ oz can |
| Tomato sauce | 15 oz can |
| Water | 3 cups |
| Low sodium beef broth | 2 cups |
| Dried parsley | ½ teaspoon |
| Dried basil | ½ teaspoon |
| Dried oregano | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Bay leaf | 1 |
| Red pepper flakes | ¼ teaspoon |
| Long grain white rice | ⅔ cup |
Utensils and substitutions
For this stuffed pepper soup, you’ll want a large pot, a sturdy wooden spoon, and a sharp knife to make prep easy. If you’re going the slow cooker route, a crockpot is a must — and honestly, there’s something so comforting about letting everything simmer together. If you don’t have a crockpot, you can always use a Dutch oven or even an Instant Pot; both work well for these family-friendly soup recipes too.
Sometimes, folks want to lighten things up. You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to make this a version. Brown rice or quinoa works if you’re looking for extra fiber. For the broth, vegetable stock is a great substitute to keep things vegetarian.
Also, don’t stress if you’re missing an herb or two — the flavors will still come together beautifully. If you love hearty fall soup recipes, you might also enjoy this chicken burrito bowl as a cozy dinner option. And for families, it’s always smart to check trusted resources like MyPlate for tips on balanced, nutritious meals at home.
Step-by-step method for a stuffed pepper soup Dinner
Step 1
First, heat extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat for a couple of minutes. Add the ground beef and cook for about 10 minutes. Make sure the beef is browned and there are no pink spots left. Then, toss in your diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté for another 2 minutes until the kitchen starts to smell amazing.
Step 2
Next, stir in the diced bell peppers, petite diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, beef broth, dried parsley, basil, oregano, black pepper, bay leaf, red pepper flakes, and rice. Give everything a good mix so the flavors begin to blend. Cover the pot, turn the heat to high, and bring your stuffed pepper soup to a gentle boil. Stir occasionally, especially if you’re multitasking during a busy Dinner prep.
Step 3
Once boiling, remove the lid and reduce heat to medium. Let the soup cook uncovered for 2 minutes. After that, take the pot off the heat and let it sit uncovered for 10 minutes. This step helps the rice finish cooking and lets the flavors settle. Finally, discard the bay leaf, and serve your stuffed pepper soup hot, topped with Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. If you like it more soupy, just add extra broth while reheating leftovers. This recipe makes a cozy Dinner, especially for those craving on chilly nights.
Tips and tricks to make this Dinner recipe shine
For a truly Stuffed Pepper Soup Healthy spin, swap out the white rice for brown rice or even cauliflower rice. Also, if you’re a fan of and easy prep, try making this as an Unstuffed Pepper Soup Crockpot version by following the slow cooker instructions. Remember, rice tends to soak up broth as it sits, so add a splash more broth when reheating for a soupier feel. If you love easy Dinner ideas, check out Best Creamy Ranch Chicken Dinner Easy Kid Friendly Family Approved and Easy Dump Go Marry Me Chicken Best 5 Star Dinner Recipe for more family favorites. Don’t forget to taste before serving and adjust salt or pepper if needed—sometimes I add a pinch more after a quick taste test!
What to serve with this Dinner recipe
First, nothing brings out the cozy flavors of stuffed pepper soup like a warm, crusty bread. Next, you might want to pair it with a simple green salad for a fresh bite between spoonfuls. Also, if you’re looking for a Mediterranean twist, this Best Easy Mediterranean Chicken Piccata makes a bright, zesty side. Sometimes, I even serve a small portion of Best Easy Mediterranean Flatbread Pizza for dipping right in the soup!
However, keep things simple if you’re in a rush—just a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon can round out your bowl perfectly. Finally, for those who love variety, a tray of roasted vegetables or a classic rice pilaf will never go wrong. There’s really no strict rule here—just follow your cravings and enjoy every spoonful!
How to store and reheat
First, let your soup cool fully before transferring it to airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to four days. Next, if you’re meal prepping or making a big batch, you can freeze portions for up to three months. Just remember to leave a little space for expansion.
When you’re ready to reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring now and then. Also, you can microwave single servings for a quick meal—just cover loosely and stir halfway through. Finally, if your soup thickens in the fridge, add a splash of broth or water to bring it back to your favorite consistency. This way, you always have a taste of fall ready to go!
FAQ
Can I make stuffed pepper soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Many folks love a Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe for its hands-off cooking. Just toss in your ingredients, set it, and let the flavors meld.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Cool it completely, store in airtight containers, and you’ll have a cozy meal ready whenever you need it.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Of course! Swap in your favorite plant-based protein and use veggie broth for a Stuffed Peppers Healthy twist.
What kind of rice works best in this soup?
Any cooked rice will do. However, brown rice or wild rice add a hearty texture and make the soup extra satisfying.
Can I use a crockpot for unstuffed pepper soup?
Yes—Unstuffed Pepper Soup Crockpot versions are popular for easy weeknight dinners. Just layer your ingredients and let the crockpot do the work.
Print
Stuffed Pepper Soup – Full recipes (ingredients + preparation)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: High Protein
Description
This stuffed pepper soup combines ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, and rice in a flavorful broth with herbs and spices. It can be prepared on the stovetop, in an Instant Pot, or in a crockpot for a comforting and nutritious meal.
Ingredients
extra virgin olive oil
ground beef
diced onion
minced garlic
diced red, orange, or yellow bell peppers
petite diced tomatoes
tomato sauce
water
low sodium beef broth
dried parsley
dried basil
dried oregano
black pepper
bay leaf
red pepper flakes
long grain white rice
Parmesan cheese (optional)
fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown ground beef for about 10 minutes until no longer pink.
2. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté for 2 minutes.
3. Stir in diced bell peppers, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, beef broth, dried parsley, basil, oregano, black pepper, bay leaf, red pepper flakes, and rice. Mix well.
4. Cover the pot, bring to a boil over high heat, stirring every few minutes to prevent rice from sticking, about 10 minutes.
5. Remove lid, reduce heat to medium, cook uncovered for 2 minutes.
6. Remove pot from heat and let sit uncovered for 10 minutes for rice to finish cooking.
7. Discard bay leaf before serving. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley as desired.
8. For Instant Pot, sauté beef, garlic, and onion, then add remaining ingredients; cook on high pressure for 2 minutes followed by quick release.
9. For crockpot, brown beef, garlic, and onion in skillet; transfer to crockpot, add remaining ingredients, cook on low 6 hours or high 4 hours; remove bay leaf and garnish before serving.
Notes
Rice absorbs broth while cooking; add extra broth when reheating for a soupier texture.
To avoid overcooked rice in slow cooker, reduce water by 1 cup and cook rice separately, then add cooked rice after slow cooking.
Discard bay leaf before serving.
Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop, Instant Pot, Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
There you have it—stuffed pepper soup is a true comfort dish, perfect for cool nights, busy weeks, or when you just need a hug in a bowl. I hope these tips and serving ideas spark inspiration in your own kitchen. If you’re hungry for more dinner ideas, check out our Mediterranean Chicken Piccata or try a slice of Mediterranean Flatbread Pizza for your next meal. Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for even more cozy recipes and fresh ideas for every meal type. Thanks for joining me in the kitchen—your stories and feedback always make these recipes even more special!