Created on September 20th, 2025 at 10:56 am
Hearty, Cozy, and Full of Flavor
There’s something so satisfying about a big bowl of stuffed pepper soup — it’s like comfort food in a bowl but way easier than stuffing actual peppers! This stuffed pepper soup is a cozy, healthy twist on a classic dish, made with lean ground beef, sweet bell peppers, and pantry staples. The best part? You can make it in the crockpot, Instant Pot, or right on the stovetop, depending on how much time you have. It’s perfect for fall evenings, busy weeknights, or meal prepping lunches for the week. If you’ve been searching for a slow cooker stuffed pepper soup recipe that’s both healthy and satisfying, this is the one to save!

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This unstuffed pepper soup is a total weeknight win! It’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have, and it’s flexible enough for whatever kitchen tools you’ve got. Whether you’re using your Instant Pot, stovetop, or crockpot, this hearty soup always turns out flavorful and filling. Kids love the sweet peppers, adults love the cozy vibes, and cleanup is a breeze since it’s a one-pot wonder. Plus, it freezes beautifully — so make a big batch and enjoy leftovers all week. It’s budget-friendly, delicious, and packed with nutrients — a must-have for your fall soup recipes lineup.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 37 minutes
- Total Time: 47 minutes
- Servings: 6 (2.5 cups each)
📝 Ingredients List
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup diced onion
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 cups diced red, orange, or yellow bell peppers
- 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 3 cups water
- 2 cups low sodium beef broth
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ⅔ cup long grain white rice
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free:
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Crockpot, Instant Pot, or large soup pot
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
Stovetop Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for 10 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
- Stir in onion and garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant. 🧄
- Add bell peppers, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, broth, herbs, spices, and rice. Stir everything together. 🌶️
- Cover and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally (about 10 minutes).
- Remove cover, reduce to medium heat, and simmer uncovered for 2 minutes.
- Turn off heat and let sit for 10 minutes uncovered — rice will continue to cook and thicken the soup.
- Remove bay leaf. Serve warm with Parmesan and parsley if desired. 🌿
Instant Pot Instructions
- Set Instant Pot to Sauté. Heat oil for 3 minutes until shimmering.
- Add beef and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in garlic and onion. Cook for 2 more minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients. Scrape bottom to avoid burn notice.
- Seal lid and pressure cook on High for 2 minutes. Let it come to pressure (8–10 min), then quick release.
- Remove bay leaf and serve with toppings.
Crockpot Instructions
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and brown beef for 10 minutes.
- Add garlic and onion; sauté for 2 more minutes.
- Transfer to crockpot. Add all remaining ingredients and stir.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Remove bay leaf. Serve with toppings.
Optional: Cook rice separately and stir in before serving to avoid overcooking.
💡 Pro Tips
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Substitutions: Ground turkey or chicken works great if you want a lighter version.
- Meal Prep: Make a big batch and portion into containers for grab-and-go lunches.
- Serving Idea: Add a side of crusty bread or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for extra comfort.
📊 Nutrition Table
Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2.5 cups | 327 | 20g | 31g | 14g | 4g | 9g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Enjoyed this recipe? Leave a review!
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.