Unstuffed Pepper Soup

Hearty & Healthy Stuffed Pepper Soup: A Wholesome Family Favorite

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly easy and unbelievably delicious Stuffed Pepper Soup. It takes all the savory, homestyle flavors of classic stuffed bell peppers – robust ground beef, tender brown rice, sweet tomatoes, and crisp bell peppers – and transforms them into a comforting, nutrient-packed soup. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, this soup is designed to nourish your body and delight your taste buds. It’s not just hearty and flavorful; it’s also a smart choice for a balanced diet, often noted for being low in carbs, high in fiber, and mindful of calories.

Two bowls of hearty Stuffed Pepper Soup, garnished with fresh parsley.

Imagine the rich, savory essence of your favorite Stuffed Peppers, but simplified into a warm, inviting bowl. That’s exactly what this Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup delivers! Crafted with lean ground beef, a vibrant medley of tomatoes, fluffy brown rice, and fresh bell peppers, it’s a recipe guaranteed to please everyone at the table. This isn’t just another soup; it’s a deconstructed classic, offering all the beloved flavors without the fuss of individual stuffing. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary and deeply satisfying.

This hearty soup bursts with bold, homestyle flavors, making it an ideal choice for a healthy and satisfying weeknight dinner. Its wholesome ingredients and comforting profile make it a standout dish that truly feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s no wonder this Stuffed Pepper Soup has become a treasured family favorite, earning rave reviews and repeat requests from young and old alike. Its simple yet profound taste makes it a culinary staple that provides both comfort and wholesome nutrition, ensuring every meal is both delicious and good for you.

Looking for more warm and delicious soup ideas to add to your repertoire? Be sure to explore our tempting Instant Pot Vegetable Beef Soup for a quick and robust meal that’s packed with garden-fresh goodness, or indulge in the creamy goodness of our Creamy Cabbage & Bleu Cheese Soup for something uniquely flavorful and wonderfully decadent. These recipes, like our Stuffed Pepper Soup, are designed to bring joy and warmth to your kitchen.

A close-up of delicious Stuffed Red Pepper Soup in a white bowl, ready to be enjoyed.

Understanding Stuffed Pepper Soup: A Deconstructed Delight

Stuffed Pepper Soup is essentially a deconstructed version of traditional stuffed bell peppers. Instead of laboriously baking individual peppers filled with a mixture of meat, rice, and tomatoes, all the delicious ingredients are combined and simmered together in a savory broth. This method creates a rich, flavorful soup that captures the essence of the classic dish in an easier, more versatile format. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy those beloved flavors without the time-consuming process of individual stuffing, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a hearty, home-cooked meal.

One of the greatest advantages of this Stuffed Pepper Soup is its remarkable adaptability. You can easily tailor it to suit your family’s preferences, dietary needs, or whatever fresh ingredients you have on hand. For instance, you can transform it into a vibrant roasted red pepper soup by opting for fire-roasted tomatoes instead of regular diced tomatoes and using red, orange, or yellow bell peppers in place of green. This simple swap introduces a deeper, smokier flavor profile and a touch of sweetness, adding another dimension to this already delightful soup. Experiment with different ground meats like turkey or chicken, or even add a touch of spice with a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

You’ll quickly fall in love with the comforting, warm flavors that infuse every spoonful of this hearty soup. The carefully selected ingredients and spices meld together beautifully, creating a harmonious and deeply satisfying culinary experience. The tangy sweetness of the tomatoes, the savory depth of the beef, and the fresh crispness of the peppers all contribute to a complex yet approachable flavor profile. Furthermore, the inclusion of tender brown rice provides a wonderful texture contrast and makes the soup incredibly filling, ensuring it’s a complete and wholesome meal in itself. It’s the kind of soup that wraps you in warmth and leaves you completely satisfied.

A steaming bowl of Stuffed Pepper Soup, garnished with fresh herbs, showcasing its rich texture and inviting warmth.

Effortless Cooking: Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup for Busy Days

For those days when time is short but you still crave a homemade, comforting meal, making this incredible stuffed pepper soup in a slow cooker is an absolute game-changer. The slow cooker method not only simplifies the cooking process but also enhances the flavors, allowing them to meld together over hours, resulting in an exceptionally rich, tender, and deeply infused soup with minimal effort from your side. It’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it solution for a busy schedule.

To prepare this comforting crockpot stuffed pepper soup, you’ll first complete the initial browning of the lean ground beef and the sautéing of the aromatics (onions and garlic) on your stovetop. This crucial step develops foundational flavors. Once this savory meat mixture is ready, transfer it along with all the other robust ingredients – *excluding the rice* – into your slow cooker. Set your slow cooker to cook on low for approximately 6 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the peppers are wonderfully tender and the entire pot is brimming with perfectly infused flavors. You’ll be amazed at how incredibly easy it is to achieve such a robust and satisfying meal with just a few simple steps. The rice, being quick-cooking brown minute rice, should always be cooked separately and stirred into the individual servings or the main pot just before serving to maintain its perfect fluffy texture and prevent it from becoming mushy.

Meal Prep Made Easy: How to Store Leftover Stuffed Pepper Soup

One of the many fantastic benefits of this Stuffed Pepper Soup recipe is how wonderfully it lends itself to meal prepping and future enjoyment. Cook a large batch, and you’ll have delicious, wholesome meals ready for days to come! You can store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Often, the flavors of the soup deepen and become even more pronounced the next day, making it an even more delightful experience for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

However, my absolute favorite aspect of this leftover pepper soup is its exceptional freezer-friendly nature! It freezes incredibly well, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, homemade meal anytime you need it. Simply allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature, then portion it into individual freezer-safe containers or sturdy, heavy-duty freezer bags. Be sure to remove as much air as possible from freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. Label them clearly with the date, and they’ll keep fresh, maintaining their delicious flavor and quality for up to 3 months. This is particularly convenient for busy individuals, for those who meal prep, or when a family member is traveling, providing a quick, wholesome, and satisfying dinner solution that’s ready as soon as you can thaw and reheat it. For best results when freezing with rice, ensure the rice was slightly undercooked, or preferably, add freshly cooked rice when reheating if you didn’t include it in the frozen portions to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Stuffed Pepper Soup

While this hearty Stuffed Pepper Soup is incredibly satisfying and filling on its own, pairing it with a fresh side or a crusty bread can elevate your meal experience even further. The robust flavors of the soup harmonize beautifully with a variety of accompaniments.

If you’re seeking a refreshing, crisp salad to complement the rich flavors of this soup, consider whipping up our famous Copycat Olive Garden Salad & Dressing for a bright, tangy crunch that cuts through the richness. Another excellent choice is our Loaded Spinach Salad with Homemade Creamy Roasted Garlic Dressing, which adds a layer of rich, garlicky goodness and a delightful variety of textures, making it a more substantial salad option.

For those who appreciate a little extra texture or simply want to “carb it up” slightly, this Stuffed Pepper Soup is absolutely delicious topped with some crunchy Homemade Croutons. These add a delightful crispness and soak up the flavorful broth beautifully, enhancing every spoonful. Alternatively, a thick slice of warm, crusty Peasant Bread, a soft dinner roll, or a slice of cheesy garlic bread makes for an ideal accompaniment, perfect for dipping and savoring every last drop of this incredible, wholesome soup. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley or shredded cheese on top for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal!

A vibrant selection of fresh ingredients laid out for making Stuffed Green Pepper Soup.

Essential Ingredients for Your Delicious Stuffed Green Pepper Soup

Crafting the perfect bowl of Stuffed Green Pepper Soup begins with a thoughtful selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the robust flavor and satisfying texture of this beloved dish, ensuring a truly exceptional culinary experience:

  • Brown Minute Rice: This quick-cooking brown rice is fantastic for adding a hearty, filling texture to your soup in just about 10 minutes. It absorbs the rich broth beautifully, adding substance and a satisfying chewiness to every spoonful. For a slightly different texture or if you prefer, traditional white rice can be used as an alternative, though it may alter the cooking time slightly and nutritional profile.
  • Lean Ground Beef: As the star protein, lean ground beef brings a savory depth and satisfying richness to the soup. It’s packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants, making it a wholesome and robust choice. If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent leaner options that will still provide a delicious base while keeping the soup light.
  • Onion: Finely chopped onion provides an aromatic foundation for the soup. As it sautés, it caramelizes slightly to add a subtle sweetness and a deep, complex layer of flavor that complements the peppers and tomatoes perfectly, acting as a flavor enhancer for the entire dish.
  • Green Bell Pepper: These vibrant peppers are a cornerstone of traditional stuffed pepper flavor. Low in carbs and a rich source of vitamins and nutrients, green bell peppers offer a crisp, fresh texture and a distinct, slightly bitter-sweet flavor that balances the richness of the meat and tomatoes without adding any heat.
  • Vine Peppers (Tri-colored, Sliced): Incorporating sweet vine peppers, especially tri-colored varieties like red, yellow, and orange, introduces a lovely natural sweetness and additional vibrant color to the soup. They blend harmoniously with the green bell peppers and other ingredients, adding layers of fresh, bright flavor and visual appeal.
  • Garlic: A few cloves of freshly minced garlic are absolutely essential for infusing the soup with its characteristic savory aroma and robust, pungent flavor. Garlic is a common and cherished element in many stews and soups, providing a depth that is irreplaceable.
  • Diced Tomatoes: These provide the foundational tangy and slightly sweet tomato flavor, as well as a pleasant chunky texture that mimics the traditional filling. For those who enjoy a spicier or smokier kick, fire-roasted tomatoes are a fantastic alternative that will deepen the complexity and introduce a subtle char flavor to the soup.
  • Tomato Sauce: Essential for creating the classic rich, thick, and velvety base of the soup, tomato sauce smooths out the texture, enriches the overall flavor profile, and contributes significantly to its comforting consistency, making every spoonful luxurious.
  • Beef Broth: Combined with the tomato sauce, beef broth forms the savory liquid base of the soup. It’s crucial for adding umami notes, ensuring adequate moisture, and for tying all the individual flavors together into a cohesive and delicious broth that makes the soup truly sing.
  • Marjoram: This delicate herb is a classic companion to tomato-based dishes and ground meats. Marjoram adds a subtle, slightly sweet, and earthy aroma that beautifully enhances the overall flavor of the soup without overpowering other ingredients, contributing to its homestyle charm.
  • Salt and Pepper: The fundamental seasonings, added to taste, are vital for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors. They bring out the best in each ingredient, ensuring the soup is perfectly seasoned and utterly delicious, customized exactly to your preference.

A close-up shot of Stuffed Pepper Soup in a white bowl, with a spoon resting in it, ready to be eaten.

Crafting Your Perfect Bowl: How to Make Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup

Making this hearty Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup is a straightforward process, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal fuss. Follow these simple steps for a perfect bowl every time, and you’ll be enjoying a comforting, home-cooked meal in no time:

STEP 1: PREP & BROWN THE BEEF

Step-by-step image showing how to add onion and garlic to browned ground beef in a Dutch oven.

In a large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot, brown your lean ground beef over medium-high heat. As it cooks, break it apart with a spoon to ensure even browning. Season generously with a little salt and pepper to taste, enhancing the beef’s natural flavors. Once the beef is fully browned and no pink remains, carefully drain any excess fat from the pot. This step is crucial for a lighter, healthier soup base.

STEP 2: SAUTÉ AROMATICS & PEPPERS

After draining the beef, return the pot to the stove. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the same pot. Sauté these aromatics for about 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and wonderfully fragrant. This step builds a crucial flavor base for your soup. Next, incorporate the chopped green bell peppers and sliced vine peppers, continuing to cook for another 5 minutes until they begin to soften slightly, but still retain a bit of their crispness.

STEP 3: SIMMER FOR FLAVOR

Now, it’s time to bring all the delicious components together. Pour in the diced tomatoes (along with their flavorful juices), the rich tomato sauce, and the beef broth. Stir in the dried marjoram, and give everything a good mix to combine all the ingredients thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes. This simmering time is essential as it allows all the incredible flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a harmonious and deeply satisfying broth, and ensures the peppers become tender.

STEP 4: PREPARE RICE & SERVE

Image showing how to prepare rice and add it to the hot Stuffed Pepper Soup just before serving.

While your soup is simmering and its flavors are developing, prepare your brown minute rice according to its package directions. You want the rice to be freshly cooked and warm. Right before serving the soup, stir the prepared rice directly into the hot soup. This method ensures the rice retains its best texture, absorbing some of the broth without becoming mushy. Serve your homemade Stuffed Pepper Soup piping hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of your favorite shredded cheese for an extra layer of flavor and appeal. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!

A bowl of delicious Stuffed Pepper Soup, emphasizing its rich, comforting nature.

Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!

Don’t let this incredibly warm, satisfying, and easy Stuffed Pepper Soup recipe slip away! Make sure to save it to your favorite recipe board on Pinterest so you can easily find it whenever a craving for comforting, homestyle soup strikes. Pin it now, and ensure you always have this delicious meal at your fingertips!

A single stuffed bell pepper in a white bowl, garnished with herbs.

Explore More Stuffed Pepper Creations and Other Comfort Soups

If you’re a returning visitor to our kitchen, you already know my undeniable passion for all things stuffed pepper! The classic combination of savory meat, fluffy rice, and sweet peppers is simply irresistible, and I love finding new ways to enjoy these beloved flavors. Beyond this fantastic Stuffed Pepper Soup, I have countless creative and delicious ways for you to enjoy the traditional flavors of stuffed peppers, alongside some unique and delightful twists that are sure to become new family favorites.

Dive into these other beloved recipes:

  • Stuffed Pepper Skillet: All the savory flavors of stuffed peppers, simplified into a quick and convenient one-pan wonder, perfect for busy evenings.
  • Classic Stuffed Peppers (pictured above): The original, hearty meal that inspired it all, featuring bell peppers generously filled and baked to perfection.
  • Stuffed Pepper Casserole: A comforting, bake-and-serve version that layers all the delicious elements of stuffed peppers into an easy-to-manage casserole, ideal for feeding a crowd.
  • “Stuffed Pepper” Meatballs: A fun, bite-sized take on the traditional flavors, where the essence of stuffed peppers is infused directly into juicy meatballs.
  • Philly Cheese Steak Stuffed Peppers: A creative fusion that brings bold, new flavors and a cheesy, savory twist to your table, combining two classic dishes.

See ALL Our Irresistible Soup Recipes Here!

A beautifully presented bowl of Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup, invitingly warm and rich, garnished with fresh parsley.

Now that you’re well-acquainted with the deliciousness, versatility, and ease of this recipe, let’s get right to the detailed instructions so you can start enjoying a piping hot bowl of this incredible Stuffed Pepper Soup in your own home!

Michaela Kenkel's signature logo for An Affair from the Heart.

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Two bowls of hearty Stuffed Pepper Soup, garnished with fresh parsley.
Print Recipe

Stuffed Pepper Soup

This easy Stuffed Pepper Soup is made with hearty, flavorful ingredients like brown rice, lean ground beef, tomatoes and various peppers. It’s low carb, high in fiber and low in calories!

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 40 mins

Total Time: 50 mins

Course: Soup | Cuisine: American | Keyword: Stuffed Pepper Soup

Servings: 8 servings | Calories: 272kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Equipment

  • 12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
  • Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven. Classic Red Enamel Dutch Oven (Island Spice Red)
  • AmazonBasics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue
  • Crock-Pot Cook & Carry 6-Quart Oval Portable Manual Slow Cooker

Ingredients

  • 1 cup brown minute rice (prepared, about 1 1/2 cups prepared)
  • 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef (browned and drained)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 large green bell pepper (cut into smaller pieces)
  • 6 sweet vine peppers (tri-colored, sliced)
  • 5 cloves of garlic (minced)
  • 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
  • 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (32 ounce) container beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon marjoram
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. In a Dutch oven, brown ground beef with a little salt and pepper. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add in the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook for about 5 minutes until fragrant. Next, add in the bell peppers and vine peppers and cook for 5 minutes more until slightly softened.
  3. Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, beef broth, and marjoram. Stir everything to combine.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
  5. Prepare your brown minute rice according to package directions.
  6. Right before serving, add the prepared rice to the hot soup and stir gently to combine.
  7. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting Stuffed Pepper Soup!

Notes

Slow Cooker Method: To make this soup in a slow cooker, complete the first two steps (browning beef and sautéing aromatics/peppers) on the stovetop. Then, transfer the meat mixture along with all other ingredients (except the rice) into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Prepare the rice separately and add it just before serving.

Freezing: This soup freezes exceptionally well! Allow the soup to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add fresh rice when reheating for best texture.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Serving: 1 | Calories: 272kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 76mg | Sodium: 356mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g

This delightful recipe was originally shared on September 11, 2013. It has been thoroughly updated and refreshed on April 27, 2022, to provide an even better user experience, enhanced instructions, and additional tips for perfect results.

A close-up view of Stuffed Pepper Soup in a white bowl, ready to be savored.