Stuffed Pepper Soup

This Stuffed Pepper Soup has all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers in a cozy, hearty bowl Made with ground beef, rice, bell peppers, and a rich tomato broth it’s an easy, comforting, one-pot dinner perfect for busy nights.

Stuffed Pepper Soup (Comforting & Hearty One-Pot Meal)

If you love the comforting taste of classic stuffed bell peppers, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Stuffed Pepper Soup. It captures everything you love — tender beef, sweet bell peppers, and savory tomato rice — all simmered together in one pot to create a soul-warming, easy weeknight meal.

This recipe is perfect for those chilly nights when you crave something filling and flavorful but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With its rich tomato base, aromatic seasonings, and hearty texture, every spoonful feels like a warm hug.

What makes this soup so special is its versatility — it’s easy to customize, stores beautifully, and tastes even better the next day. Whether you serve it with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a sprinkle of cheese on top, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 pound (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for browning)
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 bell peppers, chopped (use a mix of red, green, and yellow for color)
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (use fire-roasted for more flavor)
4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Optional Garnishes

Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan)
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Crusty bread or garlic toast, for serving

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Cook the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through.
Drain excess grease if necessary.

Pro Tip: Want to reduce fat? Use 90% lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot.
Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Stir in the chopped bell peppers and cook another 3 minutes, until slightly tender.

The combination of onions, garlic, and colorful peppers will fill your kitchen with the most amazing aroma!

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce.
Sprinkle in basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
Mix everything well so the flavors blend together.

This is where the soup begins to develop its signature rich, tomato-based flavor — a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory.

Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in the beef broth and stir well.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Simmering allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the vegetables to soften perfectly without losing their texture.

Step 5: Add the Rice

Once the soup has simmered and thickened slightly, stir in the cooked rice.
Simmer for an additional 5–10 minutes until the rice absorbs the flavors and the soup reaches your desired consistency.

Tip: If you prefer a thicker soup, add a bit less broth. For a lighter version, add extra broth or water.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Before serving, taste your soup and adjust the seasonings — add more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.

If you enjoy a little heat, you can sprinkle in extra red pepper flakes or even a splash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot Stuffed Pepper Soup into bowls and top with:

Shredded cheese
Fresh herbs
A slice of warm crusty bread or garlic toast on the side

Serve it piping hot and enjoy the cozy comfort of stuffed peppers in soup form!

Variations and Substitutions

This soup is wonderfully flexible. Here are some easy ways to make it your own:

Protein Options:
Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for different flavors.
Low-Carb Version:
Skip the rice and add cauliflower rice or diced zucchini for a keto-friendly option.
Vegetarian Stuffed Pepper Soup:
Replace the meat with lentils or black beans and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Cheesy Twist:
Stir in ½ cup shredded cheese directly into the soup before serving for a creamy texture.
Tomato Lovers’ Version:
Add a tablespoon of tomato paste for extra richness and depth.
Add More Veggies:
Include corn, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Stuffed Pepper Soup with:

Warm garlic bread or buttered rolls
Simple green salad with vinaigrette
Grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting combo
A side of mashed potatoes for a heartier meal

Tip: Sprinkle fresh parmesan or cheddar on top right before serving — it melts beautifully into the hot soup!

Storage and Freezing Tips

To Store:

Cool the soup completely.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To Freeze:

Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Freezing Tip: If you plan to freeze, store the rice separately and add it when reheating to prevent it from becoming mushy.

To Reheat:

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick.

Health Benefits

This hearty soup is not just comforting — it’s also nutrient-rich and balanced:

Protein: From the ground beef or turkey
Fiber & Vitamins: From bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions
Whole Grains: If you use brown rice
Low in Sugar & Gluten-Free: Naturally satisfying and wholesome

It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a comforting meal that still fits into a balanced diet.

Expert Tips for the Best Stuffed Pepper Soup

Use Fresh Peppers: The sweetness and crunch of fresh peppers make all the difference.
Brown the Meat Well: Browning adds depth and a savory, caramelized flavor.
Simmer Slowly: Letting the soup cook on low heat helps all the ingredients blend perfectly.
Add Rice Last: Prevents the rice from becoming too soft or absorbing too much broth.
Double the Batch: This soup freezes beautifully — make extra for quick, easy meals later.
Adjust Thickness: Add more broth for a lighter soup or simmer longer for a thicker texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use uncooked rice in this soup?
Yes, but add an extra cup of broth and simmer longer (about 15–20 minutes) until the rice is fully cooked.

Q2: Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the meat first, then add everything (except rice) to your slow cooker. Cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours, then stir in cooked rice at the end.

Q3: What kind of rice works best?
White rice, jasmine, or brown rice all work great. You can even use wild rice for a heartier twist.

Q4: How can I make it spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to give it a kick.

Q5: Can I use quinoa instead of rice?
Yes! Quinoa adds protein and texture — cook it separately and stir in before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 290 kcal
Protein: 22 g
Carbohydrates: 26 g
Fat: 12 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sodium: 680 mg

(Nutritional values will vary based on ingredients and substitutions.)

Final Thoughts

This Stuffed Pepper Soup is the ultimate comfort food — warm, flavorful, and wonderfully filling. It delivers all the deliciousness of classic stuffed peppers but in a simpler, cozier, one-pot form that’s perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead meals.

The combination of tender beef, colorful bell peppers, savory tomato broth, and soft rice creates a harmony of taste and texture that’s simply irresistible. Every spoonful brings nostalgic flavors and heartwarming satisfaction.

Whether you’re serving it for family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or freezing it for later, this soup is guaranteed to become a repeat favorite.

It’s comfort in a bowl — hearty, wholesome, and absolutely delicious!