If you’re looking for a soul-warming, satisfying dinner with a dash of nostalgia, Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup is about to become your new favorite comfort food. This delightful twist on classic stuffed peppers captures everything you love — hearty ground beef, sweet colorful peppers, savory tomatoes, and perfectly tender rice — all melded together in a cozy broth. Best of all, your slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting, leaving you free to savor the aroma as anticipation builds. Grab your ladle, because this soup brings big flavor, big comfort, and big smiles to every table.

Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup is in its simple, familiar ingredients that shine when simmered together. Each one adds something special — from rich depth to vibrant color — making this soup a true medley of flavors and textures.

Ground Beef: Browning the beef first adds delicious flavor and hearty protein to the soup.
Green and Red Bell Peppers: These classic peppers bring sweetness, crunch, and a pop of color that’s essential to the dish.
Yellow Onion: Softens and sweetens in the slow cooker, enhancing the savory base.
Garlic: A couple of cloves give the soup wonderful aroma and depth.
Diced Tomatoes (canned or fresh): Provides tangy flavor and forms the base of the broth.
Tomato Sauce: Adds a bit of body and smoothness to the liquid, making the soup silky.
Beef Broth: Infuses the soup with rich, meaty undertones that tie all the flavors together.
Cooked White Rice: Stirred in at the end so it stays fluffy, just like classic stuffed peppers.
Dried Oregano & Basil: These Italian herbs brighten and lift every spoonful.
Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, and Sugar: Essential seasonings to balance acidity and enhance every bite.
Bay Leaf: A traditional touch that adds a subtle, aromatic flavor as the soup simmers.

How to Make Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat, then add your ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned all over, draining any excess fat. Browning the beef gives the soup a satisfying depth and means you won’t end up with greasy broth later on. Transfer the cooked meat right into your slow cooker.

Step 2: Prep the Vegetables

While the beef is browning, chop your bell peppers and onion into bite-sized pieces. Crush or mince those garlic cloves for maximum flavor. There’s something therapeutic about this prep — all those bright veggies promise a beautiful finish!

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Add the chopped peppers, onions, and garlic to the slow cooker with the beef. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Sprinkle in the oregano, basil, salt, pepper, a touch of sugar, and toss in a bay leaf. Give everything a gentle stir to blend the flavors.

Step 4: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic

Set your slow cooker to low and let it gently simmer for 6 to 7 hours (or on high for 3 to 4 hours). As it cooks, those veggies mellow, the beef becomes ultra-tender, and the brothy tomato base grows richer and more inviting with every passing hour.

Step 5: Add the Cooked Rice

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cooked rice. This timing keeps the grains perfectly plump and prevents them from getting mushy. Taste and adjust the seasonings — now’s the time to add a little more salt or a sprinkle of pepper if you like.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup into big, cozy bowls. Whether you’re topping it with cheese or diving in as-is, every spoonful is full of home-cooked comfort!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup

Garnishes

Take your Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup to the next level with fresh garnishes. I love a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese, a handful of chopped fresh parsley for color, or a dollop of sour cream for a creamy contrast. Each garnish brings out different flavors and textures, letting everyone customize their perfect bowl.

Side Dishes

This soup makes a satisfying meal on its own but pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping, a crisp green salad to balance the richness, or a classic grilled cheese for the ultimate comfort food duo. If you’re going all out, garlic knots or buttery rolls soak up every last drop of that irresistible broth!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun spin, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls or pretty ceramic mugs — it’s both practical and charming for gatherings. You can even try topping each bowl with a few crunchy croutons or a scattering of toasted pumpkin seeds to add a new twist to the Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover soup cool to room temperature before transferring it into airtight containers. It’ll keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping and easy midweek lunches.

Freezing

If you want to freeze Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup, simply ladle it (without the rice, if possible) into freezer-safe bags or containers. It’ll last up to three months. To avoid mushy rice, consider adding fresh-cooked rice when reheating instead of freezing it in the soup.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened. Stir well to ensure everything is heated through, and enjoy that just-made taste all over again.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version — both will give you a deliciously cozy result while soaking up all those classic stuffed pepper flavors.

Is it okay to add uncooked rice directly to the slow cooker?

You can, but be aware that the rice may become very soft or even mushy with all-day cooking. For the best texture, stir in already-cooked rice in the last half hour or just before serving.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based crumble or simply add extra beans (like black or kidney beans) for heartiness. Use vegetable broth to keep it completely meat-free.

What’s the best way to reheat frozen Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup?

Thaw the soup in the fridge overnight, then heat gently on the stovetop. If you froze the soup without rice, add freshly cooked rice while reheating to keep the texture just right.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold the extra ingredients. Cooking time may be a bit longer, but you’ll have plenty of Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup to go around!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving classic comfort with minimal fuss, give this Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup a try. It’s a bowl full of color, warmth, and goodness that’s ready when you walk in the door. There’s nothing better than sharing such a cozy, flavorful meal with the people you love.

Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe