Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup

Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup offers all the hearty flavors of classic stuffed peppers, transformed into a comforting and easy-to-make soup. This recipe combines tender ground beef, sweet bell peppers, and savory onions with aromatic herbs like oregano and basil.

The addition of cooked rice and rich beef broth creates a deliciously satisfying meal that’s perfect for warming up on a chilly day.

By utilizing a slow cooker, this soup requires minimal effort and allows the flavors to meld beautifully over time, resulting in a robust and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Hearty and Comforting: This soup captures the essence of classic stuffed peppers in a warm, comforting bowl. With its rich beef, rice, and vegetable combination, it offers a satisfying and nourishing meal that’s perfect for cozying up on a cold day.

Convenience of a Slow Cooker: The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the ingredients to simmer and meld together over time. This hands-off cooking method is perfect for busy individuals, as it requires minimal preparation and attention.

Flavorful and Aromatic: The blend of diced tomatoes, garlic, onions, and aromatic herbs like oregano and basil creates a deliciously robust flavor profile. The slow cooking process enhances these flavors, making each spoonful a delightful experience.

Nutritious and Balanced: Packed with lean ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and nutrient-rich tomatoes, this soup offers a balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and grains. It’s a great way to enjoy a wholesome dish that feels indulgent yet healthy.

Versatile and Customizable: While the recipe is delicious as-is, it’s also versatile enough to be adapted to personal preferences. You can easily adjust the seasoning, add more vegetables, or even substitute the beef with ground turkey for a lighter option.

Key Ingredients:

Lean Ground Beef: This provides a rich, savory base for the soup, offering protein and depth of flavor. It’s browned before being added to the slow cooker to enhance its taste and texture.

Bell Peppers: Chopped green and red bell peppers add natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup, complementing the other ingredients and enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Tomatoes: Both the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes with garlic and onions contribute a robust, tangy element that enriches the soup, while adding essential nutrients and a satisfying texture.

Beef Broth: This creates a hearty, flavorful liquid base for the soup, helping to meld the flavors together and provide a comforting, warming quality.

Cooked Rice: Included in the soup to replicate the filling found in traditional stuffed peppers, the rice adds a satisfying thickness and makes the soup more filling and hearty.

Aromatic Herbs: Dried oregano and basil infuse the soup with classic Italian-inspired flavors, while a bay leaf adds a subtle depth and complexity during the slow cooking process.

Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup

Ingredients:

1 pound lean ground beef

1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce

1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes with garlic and onions

3 cups beef broth

1 cup cooked rice

1 yellow onion, finely chopped

1 green bell pepper, seeds removed, chopped

1 red bell pepper, seeds removed, chopped

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1 bay leaf

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Brown beef in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat, then drain all but 2 tablespoons of fat and set aside.

Return skillet to heat and sauté onions until softened and translucent. Season with salt and pepper.
Place beef and onions in slow cooker, then add in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, rice and bell peppers.

Season with oregano and basil and add in bay leaf.

Cover slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 6-8.

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Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary, then ladle into serving bowls and serve hot.

Notes:

Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a spicier soup, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mix. This can enhance the flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.

Substituting Ingredients: Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to make it vegetarian, but be sure to increase the seasoning for added depth.

Rice Considerations: If you plan to store leftovers, consider adding the cooked rice just before serving rather than in the slow cooker. This prevents the rice from becoming too soft or absorbing too much liquid over time.

Vegetable Variations: Additional vegetables like carrots, celery, or zucchini can be added for extra nutrition and flavor. Just chop them finely to ensure they cook evenly with the other ingredients.

Storage Tips: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or can be frozen for longer storage. When reheating, you may need to add a little extra broth or water to achieve the desired consistency, as the rice can absorb liquid over time.

Serving Suggestions: Serve the soup with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of sour cream for added richness. A side of crusty bread or a simple green salad makes a perfect accompaniment for a complete meal.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely substitute ground turkey for ground beef. It will slightly alter the flavor, but it’s a leaner option if you prefer.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes?

Certainly, you can use fresh tomatoes if you prefer. Just make sure to peel and dice them before adding them to the slow cooker.

Canned tomatoes are used here for convenience.

Is it necessary to cook the rice separately before adding it to the slow cooker?

Yes, cooking the rice separately before adding it to the slow cooker is necessary.

This helps ensure that the rice cooks evenly and doesn’t become overcooked and mushy in the soup.

Can I use other types of bell peppers or additional vegetables?

Absolutely, you can customize the recipe by using different colored bell peppers or even adding other vegetables like zucchini or carrots for extra flavor and nutrients.

How do I adjust the cooking time if I want to use the low setting on my slow cooker?

If you choose to cook on the low setting, the soup will need to simmer for about 6 to 8 hours instead of the 3 hours on the high setting.

The longer cooking time allows the flavors to develop more deeply.

Can I use ground turkey or a vegetarian substitute instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can definitely swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a meatless alternative like plant-based crumbles to make the soup lighter or vegetarian-friendly.

Is it okay to use fresh herbs instead of dried ones?

Yes, you can use fresh herbs instead of dried ones. Keep in mind that the ratio for substituting fresh herbs for dried herbs is typically 3 times the amount.

For instance, use 1.5 teaspoons of fresh oregano and basil in place of the 1/2 teaspoon of dried each.

Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

Absolutely! To make this recipe in an Instant Pot, you can brown the beef and sauté the onions using the “Sauté” function, then add the remaining ingredients (except rice) and pressure cook on high for about 8-10 minutes. Afterward, stir in the cooked rice.

Can I freeze the leftovers of this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bags.

Thaw and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

What can I serve as a side with this soup?

You can serve this soup with crusty bread, garlic bread, or even a simple side salad for a balanced meal.

The soup itself is quite hearty, so choose sides that complement its flavors.