Stuffed Pepper Soup

The combination of bold flavors and home-cooked comfort makes Stuffed Pepper Soup a must-have for your weekly dinner menu.

This soup brings together all the best parts of traditional stuffed peppers—ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, and rice—into one soul-warming bowl. It’s packed with nutrition, balanced in flavor, and easy enough for busy weeknights. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal that satisfies every craving.

Whether you’re serving a hungry family, prepping meals ahead of time, or just craving a rich, comforting dish, this soup checks every box. It’s naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable—swap ground beef for turkey or use quinoa instead of rice for a lighter take. This recipe delivers that perfect harmony of savory goodness and homestyle warmth that everyone loves.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 yellow onion, diced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

• 4 cups beef broth

• 1 cup cooked white rice

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• Optional: shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan for topping

Directions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent.

2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.

3. Stir in the garlic, diced bell peppers, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until peppers soften.

4. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.

5. Reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes, allowing flavors to blend.

6. Stir in cooked rice and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes.

7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with shredded cheese if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Hearty Stuffed Pepper Soup – A Comfort Food Classic in a Bowl

Stuffed Pepper Soup is one of those cozy, nostalgic meals that instantly reminds you of home. It takes everything people love about traditional stuffed bell peppers—tender beef, sweet and vibrant peppers, rich tomato flavor, and hearty rice—and transforms it into a warm, spoonable experience that satisfies like no other. This dish is beloved for its simplicity, nutritional value, and comfort-food appeal, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even family gatherings.

The beauty of this soup lies in its balance. It’s hearty without being heavy, rich without being greasy, and filling while still delivering essential nutrients. It makes use of common pantry staples and fresh produce, offering a meal that’s both budget-friendly and easy to prepare. Plus, the whole thing comes together in one pot, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor development. The combination of sautéed onions, colorful bell peppers, well-seasoned ground beef, and slow-simmered tomatoes creates a depth of flavor that’s both familiar and soul-warming.

Why Stuffed Pepper Soup is a Staple in Modern Kitchens

As more home cooks search for recipes that are quick, satisfying, and family-approved, stuffed pepper soup is seeing a well-deserved resurgence in popularity. The traditional stuffed pepper, while delicious, can be time-consuming to prepare—coring, stuffing, baking—all of which add to prep and cook time. This soup provides all the same flavor without the hassle. By turning the dish into a soup, you’re saving time while still delivering the same savory and satisfying experience.

This meal is incredibly versatile. You can easily swap the ground beef for turkey, chicken, sausage, or even plant-based alternatives to suit your dietary needs. You can use white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice if you’re keeping things low-carb. Bell peppers of any color—green, red, yellow, or orange—work beautifully, each adding a different touch of sweetness or earthiness to the mix. It’s the kind of recipe you can make your own, again and again.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

One of the biggest benefits of this soup is how well it stores and reheats. The flavors continue to deepen as it sits, making leftovers taste even better the next day. It freezes well, too, so if you’re the kind of person who likes to batch cook, this is an ideal recipe. Portion it into containers and stash it in the freezer for quick lunches or emergency dinners. Just heat and eat.

It’s also an excellent make-ahead meal for busy families. You can prepare the soup in the morning or even the night before, then simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave when dinner time rolls around. Pair it with a side of crusty bread, a simple green salad, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top, and you’ve got a complete, satisfying meal.

Nutritious and Family-Friendly

Stuffed pepper soup is packed with protein from the ground beef, fiber from the rice and vegetables, and vitamins from the bell peppers and tomatoes. It’s a well-rounded dish that appeals to kids and adults alike. If you’re looking for a sneaky way to get your little ones to eat more veggies, this is it. The vegetables are finely chopped and meld into the broth, so even picky eaters will find it hard to resist.

You can also boost the nutritional profile by adding extras like spinach, corn, or zucchini. The tomato base is rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which is known for its heart-healthy benefits. Combined with lean protein and complex carbohydrates from the rice, this soup becomes a balanced meal that fuels the body and warms the soul.

Ideal for All Seasons

While stuffed pepper soup is especially comforting in colder months, its vibrant flavors and colorful ingredients make it enjoyable year-round. It’s a great way to use up extra bell peppers or leftover rice. In the summer, it can be served alongside grilled bread and a cold beverage. In the fall or winter, it’s best enjoyed with a warm blanket and a cozy night in.

The aroma alone while this soup simmers on the stovetop is enough to draw everyone into the kitchen. It fills your home with the inviting scent of garlic, onions, tomatoes, and herbs—a classic medley that evokes memories of traditional family meals. It’s these sensory experiences that elevate a simple meal into something special.

Variations to Try

The base of this recipe is solid enough to support all kinds of creative twists. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or go for a smoky profile with chipotle powder or smoked paprika. Stir in a dollop of sour cream or a handful of shredded cheese at the end for a creamier finish. You can even serve it over mashed potatoes or garlic toast for an even heartier meal.

If you’re going low-carb, replacing the rice with riced cauliflower gives you all the flavor with fewer carbs. For a richer texture, try adding a splash of cream or coconut milk near the end of cooking. Want to boost the flavor further? Deglaze the pot with a bit of red wine or balsamic vinegar after browning the meat.

Serving Suggestions

This soup stands well on its own, but a few thoughtful additions can elevate the experience. A loaf of warm garlic bread or buttered dinner rolls is perfect for soaking up the rich tomato broth. A fresh, crunchy green salad provides a refreshing contrast. And for those who enjoy a bit of dairy, a sprinkle of sharp cheddar or freshly grated Parmesan on top adds a delightful finish.

Stuffed pepper soup is also a hit at potlucks and gatherings. It’s easy to transport, stays warm in a slow cooker or Dutch oven, and is sure to disappear quickly. If you’re serving a crowd, consider setting up a topping bar with shredded cheese, chopped herbs, croutons, and even sour cream for a fun, interactive experience.

Conclusion

Stuffed Pepper Soup is a warm, hearty, and satisfying dish that brings together all the beloved elements of classic stuffed peppers in a convenient and flavorful soup format. It’s a recipe that’s easy enough for beginners yet customizable enough for seasoned home cooks to make their own. With its nourishing ingredients, rich flavor, and comforting warmth, this soup is a wonderful choice for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or simply enjoying a cozy moment at home.

It’s more than just soup—it’s a bowl full of memories, a comforting hug in edible form, and a go-to recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or sharing with friends, stuffed pepper soup never fails to deliver both nourishment and joy.

Let it simmer on your stove, ladle it into bowls, and watch it become a new favorite around your table.