Craving the comforting flavors of stuffed peppers but want an easier method? This Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe is your answer! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines all the beloved elements of the classic stuffed pepper into a warm and hearty soup that practically cooks itself.
Imagine coming home to the delicious aroma of savory spices and tender vegetables simmering away in your crockpot. The ease of this recipe means you can toss everything in before you leave and return to a satisfying meal that’s ready to serve.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers for lunch, this soup is both filling and flavorful. It’s a great way to sneak in veggies and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Comforting Flavors in a Bowl
The Stuffed Pepper Soup Crockpot Recipe brings a delightful combination of flavors that evoke the essence of traditional stuffed peppers, minus the fuss of actual stuffing. This soup features a rich tomato-based broth that serves as the base for a vibrant medley of red, green, and yellow bell peppers, all harmoniously blended with ground meat and rice.
As the soup simmers throughout the day, it fills your home with an inviting aroma that makes it hard to resist. Each ingredient melds beautifully, creating a dish that conjures feelings of warmth and nostalgia. The joy of coming home to a pot of this soup waiting for you is a treat in itself.
Ingredients That Shine
This soup is all about simple yet effective ingredients that contribute to its hearty nature. The base consists of ground beef or turkey, which adds protein and depth, while the variety of bell peppers introduces a colorful twist and a subtle sweetness.
Chopped onions and minced garlic enhance the flavor profile, providing essential aromatic notes. As the soup cooks, the diced tomatoes and broth form a rich liquid that envelops the other ingredients, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Finishing touches like Worcestershire sauce and Italian seasoning bring everything together, resulting in a satisfying dish.
Effortless Cooking Method
One of the appealing aspects of this recipe is its simplicity. With a few steps, you can have a comforting meal awaiting you at the end of a busy day.
Start by browning the ground meat, then toss everything into the slow cooker. Let the machine do the work while you attend to other tasks. This hands-off approach means you can enjoy the comfort of a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Customization Options
This soup is incredibly flexible, allowing for various adaptations to suit personal tastes. If you’re aiming for a vegetarian option, swapping out meat for lentils or a meat substitute is a breeze. Simply adjust the broth to vegetable broth to maintain that comforting essence.
Additionally, feel free to experiment by adding other vegetables like corn, zucchini, or carrots. This is a wonderful opportunity to incorporate seasonal produce or clear out the fridge of leftover veggies.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes time to serve, consider pairing the soup with crusty bread, a side salad, or even cheese quesadillas for a delightful meal experience. The soup stands well on its own, but these sides can elevate the dining experience.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a hint of freshness. The visual appeal combined with the inviting aroma makes this dish hard to resist.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers are part of the charm with this soup. It can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days, allowing you to enjoy the comforting flavors multiple times throughout the week.
If you want to keep it longer, freezing is an option as well. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to the freezer. Properly stored, it can last up to three months, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal.
Delicious and Hearty Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup
This stuffed pepper soup is a savory blend of bell peppers, rice, ground beef, and tomatoes, all cooked together in a slow cooker until perfectly melded. The flavors are rich and comforting, making it a go-to recipe for chilly evenings or any time you’re craving a bowl of something warm.
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Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 bowls 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 bell peppers, diced (any color)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable or beef broth
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Combine Ingredients: In the slow cooker, combine the browned meat, chopped onion, diced bell peppers, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the peppers are tender.
- Add Rice: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cooked rice to heat through.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
Nutrition
- Calories: 250cal
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 15g
FAQ: Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe
1. Can I use uncooked rice instead of cooked rice?
Yes! If using uncooked rice, add it to the slow cooker about 1 hour before the soup is done and increase the broth by 1 additional cup to ensure the rice absorbs enough liquid.
2. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground meat for lentils, plant-based crumbles, or extra veggies like mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a full vegetarian option.
3. Can I use ground chicken or ground sausage instead of beef or turkey?
Yes! Ground chicken works for a leaner option, while ground sausage adds extra flavor and a bit of spice.
4. Can I cook this soup on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Yes! To make it on the stovetop, brown the meat and sauté the onions, garlic, and bell peppers in a large pot. Then, add the tomatoes, broth, and seasonings. Simmer for 30-40 minutes before stirring in the rice.
5. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes! Freeze it before adding the rice to prevent it from getting mushy. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, cook fresh rice separately and stir it in before serving.
6. How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
7. What’s the best way to thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the broth slightly or mash some of the cooked vegetables before serving.
8. Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes! This soup is versatile—add carrots, corn, celery, or zucchini for extra texture and nutrition.
9. What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread, grilled cheese, cornbread, or a side salad for a complete meal.
10. How can I make this soup spicier?
For extra heat, add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce while cooking.