Stuffed Pepper Soup takes everything you love about traditional stuffed peppers—savory ground beef, tender bell peppers, rice, and tomato sauce—and transforms it into a warm, comforting, hearty soup. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or cozy family meals.

This soup is easy to make, flavorful, and satisfies the same cravings as classic stuffed peppers—without the fuss of stuffing individual peppers.

Why Stuffed Pepper Soup Is So Popular

This soup is a favorite because it:

Captures the classic stuffed pepper flavor in a simple, spoonable form
Is hearty and filling without being heavy
Is easy to make in one pot

Works well for freezing and meal prep
Is kid-friendly and family-approved

It’s comfort food in a bowl that hits all the right notes: savory, slightly sweet, and lightly tangy.

Flavor & Texture Profile

A great Stuffed Pepper Soup should deliver:

Tender ground beef with savory seasoning
Sweet bell peppers that are soft but not mushy

Rice or grain for heartiness
Tomato-based broth rich with herbs
Balanced seasoning—savory, slightly sweet, and a touch of spice

The result is a soup that tastes like stuffed peppers without the work.

Key Ingredients Explained

Ground Beef

Lean or 80/20 beef works best
Adds hearty flavor and protein

Bell Peppers

Red, green, or yellow
Provide sweetness, color, and crunch

Onion and Garlic

Aromatics for depth of flavor

Rice

Adds bulk and heartiness
Can use white, brown, or instant

Tomatoes

Crushed or diced for a rich base

Canned or fresh can be used

Broth

Beef or chicken broth enhances savory notes

Seasonings

Salt, black pepper, paprika, Italian herbs

Optional dash of sugar balances tomato acidity

How to Make Stuffed Pepper Soup (Overview)

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Cook onions and garlic in a pot with a little oil until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking up clumps.

Step 3: Add Peppers

Stir in chopped bell peppers and cook until slightly softened.

Step 4: Add Rice and Tomatoes

Add rice, diced or crushed tomatoes, and broth. Stir to combine.

Step 5: Season

Add herbs, salt, pepper, and optional sugar.

Step 6: Simmer

Cover and simmer until rice and peppers are tender, about 20–25 minutes.

Step 7: Adjust and Serve

Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or shredded cheese.

Pro Tips for the Best Soup

Use fresh peppers for the best flavor and color

Do not overcook the rice—it will continue cooking slightly after the heat is off
Simmer gently to let flavors meld
Optional: add shredded cheese or sour cream on top for richness

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mushy Peppers

Cook peppers gently to avoid over-softening.

Dry or Bland Rice

Use sufficient broth and check doneness before serving.

Too Acidic

A small pinch of sugar balances the tomato acidity.

Over-seasoning

Taste before adding salt—broth and canned tomatoes may already have salt.

Delicious Variations

Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup

Cook everything in a slow cooker for 4–6 hours on low

Ground Turkey or Chicken Version

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for leaner protein

Low-Carb Stuffed Pepper Soup

Replace rice with cauliflower rice

Spicy Stuffed Pepper Soup

Add crushed red pepper or cayenne for a kick

Vegetarian Stuffed Pepper Soup

Skip meat and add beans or lentils

What to Serve With Stuffed Pepper Soup

Crusty bread or garlic bread
Simple green salad
Cornbread or biscuit

Shredded cheese for topping
A dollop of sour cream for richness

This combination makes a complete, hearty meal.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing

Make Ahead

Soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days

Freezing

Freeze in portions for up to 3 months

Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently

Is Stuffed Pepper Soup Kid-Friendly?

Yes—kids love:

Mildly sweet bell peppers

Savory beef and rice combination
Tomato-based broth that’s flavorful but not spicy

It’s perfect for a family-friendly dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice?

Yes, but increase the cooking time and liquid slightly.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely—cook on low 4–6 hours, adding rice in the last 30–40 minutes.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, freeze before adding rice for best texture.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes—zucchini, carrots, or corn work well.

Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation

Stuffed Pepper Soup is:

Easy to make in one pot

Cozy, hearty, and satisfying
Highly customizable
Freezer-friendly and meal-prep friendly

Loved by both kids and adults

It’s the perfect family dinner that tastes like a classic comfort food without extra work.

Final Thoughts

If you love stuffed peppers but want a quick, easy version, Stuffed Pepper Soup is the answer. With savory beef, tender peppers, hearty rice, and flavorful broth, it delivers all the flavor and comfort of traditional stuffed peppers in a bowl.

One pot, minimal effort, and maximum flavor—this soup will quickly become a go-to dinner recipe in your household.

Stuffed Pepper Soup: All the Flavor of Stuffed Peppers in a Cozy Bowl

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Instructions

Brown beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add ground beef and onion; cook 5–6 min until beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess fat if needed.
Sauté veggies: Stir in garlic and bell peppers; cook 3–4 min until slightly softened.

Simmer: Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, rice, paprika, oregano, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Cook: Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 20–25 minutes (for white rice) or until rice is tender and soup is thickened.
→ For brown rice, simmer 40–45 min or use pre-cooked.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Add red pepper flakes if desired.

Serve hot, topped with cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh herbs.

💡 Make it lighter: Swap beef for ground turkey and use low-sodium broth.

Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving, serves 6):