If you have a soft spot for comforting, hearty meals that make your house smell like a warm hug, you’re going to love this Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe. It captures all the delicious flavors of stuffed bell peppers, but in an easy-to-make, cozy soup form that tastes like it’s been cooking all day. Imagine tender ground beef, vibrant diced peppers, garlic, and tomato-rich broth mingling with perfectly cooked rice, all slow-simmered to develop layers of savory goodness. This soup is a winner for chilly evenings, family dinners, or whenever you crave a bowl of pure comfort without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, trusty ingredients come together beautifully to create a soup that’s rich in flavor and satisfying in texture. Each element plays a crucial role, from the hearty ground meat to the colorful bell peppers that brighten the bowl.
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey: Provides a savory and protein-packed base that’s full of flavor.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds gentle sweetness and depth when cooked down with the meat.
- 3 bell peppers, diced (any color): Bring vibrant color, crunch, and a subtle sweetness to the soup.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Offers inviting aroma and bold, savory notes.
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes: Gives the soup a fresh and slightly tangy tomato kick.
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce: Creates a smooth, rich base for the soup broth.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor with a deep umami boost.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Infuses classic herbs that meld perfectly with the soup’s savory profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional): Adds a subtle smoky warmth that enhances the depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors in the soup.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a hint of gentle heat to keep things interesting.
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth: Serves as the flavorful cooking liquid that brings everything together.
- 3/4 cup uncooked white or brown rice: Adds heartiness and a comforting texture to the soup.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Provides a fresh, bright finish to each bowl.
How to Make Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Onion
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef or turkey with the diced onion. This step ensures the meat develops a flavorful crust while the onions soften and sweeten. Once the meat is fully cooked and browned, drain any excess fat to keep the soup rich but not greasy.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the cooked meat and onions to your slow cooker. Add the diced bell peppers, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika (if you’re using it), salt, black pepper, broth, and the uncooked rice. Give everything a good stir to mix all the flavors and ingredients evenly.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow simmer allows the rice to absorb all the savory liquid, the peppers to become tender, and the flavors to meld into a deeply comforting soup that tastes like it cooked for hours.
Step 4: Final Touches Before Serving
Before ladling the soup into bowls, stir it well and taste to adjust seasoning as needed. If you feel like it, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top to add a pop of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich broth.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes is a wonderful way to personalize each bowl of this Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe. A sprinkle of chopped parsley brightens the presentation, while shredded cheese melted on top brings extra creaminess and indulgence. For a little zing, a dollop of sour cream or a dash of hot sauce can also complement the spices perfectly.
Side Dishes
This soup stands beautifully on its own, but pairing it with a crusty loaf of bread, garlic breadsticks, or even a fresh garden salad can round out the meal. If you want to keep things cozy, a simple side of roasted veggies or a light coleslaw will add texture without overpowering the soup’s flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this soup in rustic bowls with a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or crispy fried onions on top for added crunch. For an extra-special touch, ladle it into mini bread bowls for a fun, edible presentation that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe keeps really well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the freshness and flavors. When you reheat it, the soup tastes just as comforting as the first day you made it.
Freezing
Freeze leftover soup in portioned freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace since the rice will expand. This soup freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prepping or having a ready-to-go dinner on busy nights. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened up, adding a splash of broth or water will help loosen it to the perfect consistency while retaining all those delicious flavors.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic leaner option that works just as well in this Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe, offering great texture and flavor while keeping it lighter.
What if I want firmer rice in my soup?
If you prefer a firmer rice texture, cook the rice separately and stir it into the soup just before serving. This way, the rice won’t continue to soften as the soup sits.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free broth and check that your tomato products don’t have any hidden gluten ingredients, this soup is a perfect gluten-free-friendly comfort meal.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Definitely! Feel free to add diced zucchini, carrots, or even corn for extra color and nutrition. Just keep in mind the cooking times so everything finishes tender.
How spicy is the smoked paprika in the recipe?
Smoked paprika adds a mild smoky warmth without intense heat. If you want more kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes along with or instead of the paprika.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that fills your kitchen with cozy aromas and your belly with satisfying warmth. It’s simple to prepare, full of wholesome ingredients, and so delicious you’ll want to make it again and again. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become one of your favorite go-to meals for any day you crave comfort in a bowl. Give it a whirl and enjoy every spoonful!
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Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that captures the flavors of classic stuffed peppers in a warm, delicious soup form. Made with ground beef or turkey, bell peppers, tomatoes, rice, and aromatic seasonings, it’s an easy one-pot meal perfect for busy days. The slow cooker method allows the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 bell peppers (any color), diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Base
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Liquids and Rice
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 3/4 cup uncooked white or brown rice
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the meat and onions: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and fully cooked through. Drain off any excess fat to keep the soup lighter.
- Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Transfer the cooked meat and onions into your slow cooker. Add the diced bell peppers, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika if using, salt, pepper, broth, and uncooked rice. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow cook the soup: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This ensures the rice becomes tender and the flavors meld together perfectly.
- Final touch and serving: Before serving, stir the soup to ensure everything is mixed well. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh touch.
Notes
- If you prefer firmer rice texture, cook the rice separately and add it to the soup just before serving.
- This soup freezes well; cool completely before storing in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- For extra comfort, top with a sprinkle of shredded cheese just before serving.
