If you love stuffed peppers but don’t feel like going through all the work of hollowing out peppers, stuffing them, and baking them — this Stuffed Pepper Soup is the answer! It takes all the classic flavors of the beloved comfort dish and turns them into a hearty, warming soup that’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.
This soup is packed with tender ground beef, sweet bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, broth, and rice to make it a complete meal in one pot. It’s budget-friendly, simple to make, and tastes even better the next day — making it a family favorite that’s perfect for meal prep, too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Comforting and hearty – a warm hug in a bowl! Easy one-pot recipe – less mess and cleanup.
Affordable ingredients – pantry staples and fresh veggies. Make-ahead friendly – tastes great the next day.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
1 large onion, diced
2 green bell peppers, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
Cook the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a splash of olive oil over medium-high heat
. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Drain excess fat if needed. Sauté the vegetables: Add diced onion and bell peppers to the pot.
Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Add the tomatoes and broth: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer: Let the soup cook uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together and the peppers are tender.
Add rice: Stir in the cooked rice just before serving. (Adding it earlier can cause it to absorb too much broth.)
Taste and adjust: Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with fresh parsley or shredded cheese on top if desired.
Tips & Variations
Make it low-carb: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice. Add spice: Stir in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. Make it cheesy: Add a handful of shredded mozzarella or cheddar before serving. Meal prep tip: Keep the rice separate and add to each bowl before serving to prevent mushy leftovers.
What to Serve With Stuffed Pepper Soup
This hearty soup pairs beautifully with:
Warm crusty bread or garlic bread A simple green salad Grilled cheese sandwiches
Storing & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezer: Freeze soup without the rice for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and add fresh rice when reheating. Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.
⭐ Final Thoughts:
Stuffed Pepper Soup is the ultimate cozy, comforting meal that brings all the nostalgia of classic stuffed peppers in a much easier form. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or chilly nights when you need something hearty and satisfying!
