There is nothing quite like settling in with a warm, comforting bowl of soup that instantly reminds you of home. The Easy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe captures all the classic flavors of stuffed peppers in a delicious, hearty soup that is extraordinarily simple to prepare. With savory ground beef, mildly spiced Italian sausage, and vibrant bell peppers slow-cooked alongside rich tomatoes and herbs, this soup is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner or an easy meal to prepare ahead of time, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each element plays a vital role in building a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color that makes this soup truly special.
- 1 pound ground beef: Brings a rich, meaty base and hearty texture to the soup.
- 1/2 pound mild Italian sausage: Adds a gentle spice and depth of flavor.
- 1 cup chopped onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic foundation.
- 1 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper: Offers crunch and a fresh, slightly bitter profile.
- 1 cup chopped red bell pepper: Contributes a natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 3 cloves minced garlic: Infuses the dish with savory warmth and pungency.
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes (undrained): Delivers tanginess and juicy body to the broth.
- 14 ounces tomato sauce: Thickens the texture while amplifying tomato flavor.
- 4 cups beef broth (or more for thinner soup): Creates a rich, savory soup base that ties everything together.
- 1 cup cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice: Adds satisfying substance and absorbs all those lovely flavors.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: Blends fragrant herbs like oregano and basil for authentic taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor with a gentle punch.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and brightening all the flavors.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Brown the Meat
Start by sautéing the garlic, onions, and bell peppers in a skillet until they become tender and fragrant. This step helps develop a depth of flavor that will shine through in the soup. Then add the ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking until the meat is browned and no longer pink. Be sure to drain off any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Transfer Ingredients to the Crockpot
Once your veggies are soft and meat is browned, transfer everything to your crockpot or slow cooker. This transition allows the flavors to meld perfectly over low, slow heat, making your kitchen smell absolutely divine.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Seasonings
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, the tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. These seasonings are the secret to getting that cozy stuffed pepper taste in soup form.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Soup
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Slow cooking allows all the flavors to deepen and the vegetables to soften to perfection.
Step 5: Add Cooked Rice
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice. This step allows the rice to soak up the delicious broth without getting mushy, giving you that comforting stuffed pepper effect in every spoonful.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Your soup is ready to serve! Ladle it into bowls, garnish as desired, and prepare for all the compliments coming your way.
How to Serve Easy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your bowl, add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese for melty indulgence, a dollop of sour cream for creaminess, or fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and brightness. If you like a little heat, some crushed red pepper flakes work wonders.
Side Dishes
This soup stands beautifully on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread for dipping or a fresh side salad to keep the meal light and balanced. A warm baguette or classic garlic bread make fantastic companions too.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl to wow your guests or pack it in mason jars for a portable, lunch-friendly option. You can garnish each bowl with different toppings for a fun and interactive meal experience that everyone will enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it one of those meals that tastes even better as leftovers.
Freezing
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 3 months. Perfect for busy days when you want a homemade meal without the fuss.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results. The rice may thicken the soup upon standing, so add a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the consistency.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or even chicken sausage will lighten the dish while keeping the delicious flavor profile intact. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the meat is cooked through.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the meats for hearty plant-based alternatives or add extra beans and vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to maintain rich flavor without the meat.
Can I prepare this recipe on the stovetop instead of a crockpot?
Definitely. The instructions include stovetop directions where you simmer the soup after browning your ingredients. It’s a great option if you don’t have a slow cooker or need the meal faster.
How can I adjust the soup for low-carb or keto diets?
Replace the brown rice with cauliflower rice or omit the rice altogether. This reduces the carbs but still keeps the hearty texture and filling nature of the soup.
What are some good toppings to add?
Shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, and crushed red pepper flakes are all fantastic choices. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
Treat yourself and your loved ones to this warm, comforting Easy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe that brings all the best parts of stuffed peppers to a bowl. So simple to prepare, bursting with flavor, and endlessly customizable, this soup is destined to become a staple in your recipe arsenal. Have fun making it your own and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Easy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup combines the traditional flavors of stuffed peppers into a hearty, comforting soup form. Featuring ground beef, mild Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, and savory herbs, this slow-cooked recipe delivers a warm, flavorful meal that’s simple to prepare and perfect for cozy days.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound mild Italian sausage
Vegetables
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 1/2 cups chopped green bell pepper
- 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Canned Goods
- 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 14 ounces tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth (more if preferred thinner)
Grains
- 1 cup cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Onions & Peppers; Brown Meat: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the garlic, chopped green and red bell peppers, and onions until tender. Remove the vegetables, then cook the ground beef and Italian sausage in the same skillet until browned. Drain the excess fat.
- Transfer to Crockpot: Add the cooked meats and sautéed vegetables to your Crockpot or slow cooker.
- Add Liquid: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, and beef broth into the Crockpot.
- Season: Stir in the Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Cover & Cook: Cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.
- Add Rice: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice to allow it to absorb the soup’s flavors.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheese, fresh parsley, or your favorite toppings as desired.
Notes
- For a keto or low-carb option, substitute cooked cauliflower rice instead of brown rice.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh parsley, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- This recipe is very customizable; add drained corn, beans, celery, carrots, or other vegetables to your preference.
- Serve with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal, or enjoy it as a filling main dish on its own.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days, reheating on the stovetop or microwave.
- Freeze cooled soup in airtight freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
