Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Stuffed Pepper Soup
This Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Stuffed Pepper Soup is an easy, hearty dinner that brings all the comforting flavors of classic stuffed peppers to the table without the extra work. Ground beef, tender rice, sweet bell peppers, and tomato pasta sauce simmer together in the slow cooker to create a rich, satisfying soup that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Instead of stuffing and baking individual peppers, everything cooks together in one pot. Once the ingredients are combined, the slow cooker takes care of the rest, making this a convenient make-ahead dinner that can easily stretch into leftovers for lunch the next day.
Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Pepper Soup
This easy soup is perfect when you want a comforting meal without complicated preparation.
- Only 4 main ingredients
- Made in the slow cooker
- Hearty and filling
- Budget-friendly
- Great for busy weeknights
- Makes plenty for leftovers
- Uses familiar pantry ingredients
- Tastes like classic stuffed peppers in soup form
Ingredients
The four main ingredients are simple:
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 2 large bell peppers, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice
- 2 (24-ounce) jars tomato pasta sauce or marinara
You’ll also use water, salt, black pepper, and optional Italian seasoning to bring everything together.
How to Make Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break the beef apart as it cooks and continue until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat.
While the beef is cooking, remove the seeds and cores from the bell peppers and chop them into bite-size pieces.
Lightly spray your slow cooker, then add the cooked ground beef, chopped peppers, rinsed rice, tomato pasta sauce, and water. Stir everything together until well combined.
Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning or dried oregano if desired.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the rice is tender and the peppers are soft.
If the soup becomes thicker than you prefer, stir in another 1/2 to 1 cup of hot water or broth until you reach your desired consistency.
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with shredded cheese or a spoonful of sour cream if desired.
What to Serve With Stuffed Pepper Soup
This soup is filling enough to serve as a complete meal, but a few simple sides work beautifully.
Serve it with crusty bread, warm dinner rolls, or buttered toast for soaking up the tomato-rich broth. A simple green salad or sliced cucumbers can add something fresh and crisp to the meal.
For an extra comforting bowl, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top just before serving.
Easy Variations
Use Ground Turkey
For a leaner variation, replace the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Cook the meat completely before adding it to the slow cooker.
Try Brown Rice
Brown rice can be used instead of white rice, although it may require additional cooking time. If the soup becomes too thick, add another splash of water or broth.
Add Extra Vegetables
If you have vegetables available, chopped onions, extra peppers, or other vegetables can be added to make the soup even heartier.
Make It Cheesy
Top each bowl with shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or another favorite melting cheese for an extra creamy finish.
Storage and Leftovers
This recipe makes a generous batch, making it useful for meal prep and leftovers. Store leftover soup in covered containers in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.
The rice will continue absorbing liquid as the soup sits, so you may want to add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen the consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make stuffed pepper soup without a slow cooker?
The provided recipe is specifically written for slow cooker preparation, so the supplied directions do not give an alternative stovetop method.
Can I use different colored bell peppers?
Yes. The recipe specifically suggests using a mixture of red and green bell peppers.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the ground beef, provided it is fully cooked before adding it to the slow cooker.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but brown rice may take longer to become tender. The recipe recommends using the higher end of the cooking time and adding extra water if necessary.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Stuffed Pepper Soup is a simple way to turn the familiar flavors of stuffed peppers into an easy one-pot meal. With savory ground beef, tender rice, sweet bell peppers, and tomato-rich sauce, it’s hearty, comforting, and practical enough for a busy weeknight.
Serve it with warm bread and your favorite toppings for an easy dinner that can feed the family and leave you with delicious leftovers for the next day.
