Delicious Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe

Are you in the mood for a hearty and flavorful meal that requires minimal effort? Look no further than Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup! This recipe encapsulates all the cozy goodness of traditional stuffed peppers but in a convenient and soul-warming soup form. Picture tender bell peppers, seasoned ground beef, rice, and a medley of herbs simmering together in a rich tomato broth, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.

I discovered this Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup on a crisp fall evening when I yearned for a comforting dish without the hassle of stuffing individual peppers. Since then, it has become my go-to recipe for busy weeknights when I want to please the whole family with minimal fuss. With the slow cooker doing the heavy lifting, all you need to do is savor the aroma as this delightful soup cooks to perfection. So, whether it’s a chilly winter day or a laid-back summer gathering, this soup promises to bring warmth and comfort to your table with each spoonful.

Quick Benefits

• Convenient and Easy: This slow cooker stuffed pepper soup offers all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed peppers with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy days.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with ingredients like ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or beans for a vegetarian version, catering to different dietary preferences.
• Make-ahead and Freezer-friendly: This soup can be prepared in advance, frozen in portions for later use, and reheated easily for a quick and satisfying meal option.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe Recipe

• Effortless Comfort Food: This recipe captures the comforting flavors of stuffed peppers in a cozy and easy-to-make soup, perfect for busy days.
• Rich and Satisfying: The combination of tender bell peppers, savory ground beef, tomatoes, rice, and herbs in a rich broth satisfies the taste buds and leaves you feeling content.
• Convenient Slow Cooker Meal: Let the slow cooker do most of the work for you while you go about your day, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Easily customize this recipe by swapping the ground beef for turkey or chicken, or skip the meat altogether and add beans for a vegetarian version.
• Great for Meal Prep: The soup keeps well in the fridge for up to four days and can also be portioned and frozen for up to three months, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal option.
• Year-Round Comfort: While extra comforting in the winter, this soup can be enjoyed in any season and is a hit at summer gatherings too.
• Creative Twists: Enhance the flavors with variations like adding corn kernels, fire-roasted tomatoes, or spinach for different textures and tastes.
• Generous and Heartwarming: Share the love by gifting this soup to friends or family—it’s like sending a warm hug in a bowl to brighten their day.
• Easy Freezer Meal: Prepare a batch ahead of time by freezing all ingredients together (except rice and parsley) in a bag, making for a quick dump-and-cook meal when needed.
• Family Favorite: Serve this soup in wide bowls with crusty bread, extra rice, or shredded cheese for a satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients for Delicious Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe

Main

• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 bell peppers, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup cooked white rice

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Pro Tips for Delicious Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe

For a lighter alternative, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Brown them first for added flavor.

To maintain the texture of the rice, add it towards the end of cooking. This prevents it from becoming mushy as the soup simmers.

Feel free to make a big batch of this soup as it reheats well and develops even more flavor over time. Just give it a good stir before serving.

For easy meal prep, prepare all the ingredients except the rice and parsley, freeze them together, and then dump into the slow cooker when ready to cook. This saves time and makes for a convenient weeknight dinner.

How to Make Delicious Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink, stirring often.

Step 2: Drain and Transfer Beef

Remove any excess fat from the cooked beef and place it in the slow cooker.

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Garlic

Place diced onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic in the slow cooker along with the beef base.

Step 4: Incorporate Tomato Base and Broth

Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the pot. Mix thoroughly to combine.

Step 5: Season the Soup

Combine dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring well to mix the seasonings.

Step 6: Slow Cook

Cook covered on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until vegetables are tender and flavors are developed.

Step 7: Add Cooked Rice

30 minutes before serving, mix in the cooked rice and heat until warmed.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Spoon the soup into bowls and top each serving with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side if desired.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a sealed container in the refrigerator. The soup can be stored in the fridge for up to four days, during which time the flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious with each passing day. When reheating the soup, simply give it a good stir before serving to ensure an even distribution of flavors.

For longer-term storage, you can freeze the soup once it has cooled down. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion, and store it in the freezer for up to three months. To enjoy the frozen soup, thaw it overnight in the fridge before gently reheating it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Freezing the soup in individual portions allows for easy reheating whenever you crave a comforting bowl of stuffed pepper goodness.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can be used as alternatives to ground beef in this soup. Simply brown the turkey or chicken as you would the beef for a flavorful base.

To prevent the rice from becoming too soft during cooking, it is recommended to add already cooked rice towards the end of the slow cooker process. This will help maintain the rice’s texture and prevent it from getting mushy.

If you prefer a thinner consistency for the soup, you can add more beef broth or simmer the soup with the lid off to let some of the liquid evaporate and allow the soup to thicken to your desired preference.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion with the Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup, consider setting up a DIY soup bar. Include bowls of shredded cheese, chopped fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions, a dollop of sour cream, and a side of crispy tortilla strips or cornbread. Let your guests customize their soup with their favorite toppings for a fun and interactive dining experience.

Another creative idea is to serve the Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup in hollowed-out mini bell peppers for a cute and festive presentation. Simply cut off the tops of mini bell peppers, remove the seeds, and fill each pepper with a ladle of soup. Garnish with a sprinkle of cheese and fresh parsley before serving these adorable mini soup bowls at a party or gathering to impress your guests.

FAQs for Delicious Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work well as alternatives and give a lighter flavor.

When should I add the cooked rice?

Use cooked rice. Adding it later prevents it from becoming overly soft as the soup simmers.

Does this soup reheat well?

Absolutely. This soup reheats well and the flavors deepen over time. Just stir before serving.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, let it cool fully, then freeze in airtight portions. Thaw and reheat gently for best texture.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup is truly a comforting and versatile dish that brings together the flavors of classic stuffed peppers in a cozy soup form. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight dinner or a dish to share with friends and family, this soup is sure to hit the spot. The colorful bell peppers, savory ground beef, and aromatic herbs simmered in a rich tomato broth make every spoonful a delight.

Don’t hesitate to customize this Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup to suit your preferences. From swapping the ground beef for turkey or chicken to adding your favorite seasonal vegetables, the possibilities are endless. Whether you enjoy it with a side of crusty bread, extra rice, or a sprinkle of cheese, make it your own and savor the comforting flavors with each bite.

So, let this Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup become a staple in your kitchen, bringing warmth and nourishment to your table. With its ease of preparation and heartwarming flavors, it’s a recipe that will surely become a favorite for years to come. Embrace the cozy vibes and enjoy the comfort of a bowl of this delicious soup any day of the week.