There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup. It has all the cozy, familiar flavors of classic stuffed peppers—savory ground beef, sweet bell peppers, tender rice, and a rich tomato broth—but with none of the fuss. Everything simmers low and slow until the flavors meld into a hearty, soul-warming soup that feels like home in every spoonful.

I still remember the first time I made this recipe on a chilly evening when the house felt just a little too quiet and the weather begged for something warm and soothing. Within an hour, the aroma filled the entire kitchen, and suddenly it felt like the kind of night where you slow down, gather close, and savor something special.

This recipe promises all that goodness with almost zero effort. A few everyday ingredients, a bit of chopping, and the slow cooker does the rest. It’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and absolutely satisfying—perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something warm and nourishing without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup

Hearty Comfort in a Bowl

Imagine everything you love about stuffed peppers—juicy ground beef, sweet peppers, cozy seasonings—slow-cooked into a warm, rich tomato base. The broth becomes thick and flavorful, the rice softens just enough, and every bite feels like a comforting hug. This soup brings all the nostalgic charm of the classic dish with even more richness and depth thanks to slow cooking.

Simple, Everyday Ingredients

One of the best things about this recipe is how approachable the ingredients are. Fresh bell peppers, ground beef, onion, garlic, tomatoes, and broth—these are things many of us already keep in our kitchens. There's no need for specialty items or fancy seasonings. Just simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully and affordably.

Hands-Off Cooking in Your Slow Cooker

This is the kind of recipe that works for you while you go about your day. After browning the beef, everything goes straight into the slow cooker. From there, you can step away and let the flavors build slowly and gently. Whether you're working, running errands, or simply relaxing, dinner is quietly cooking itself in the background.

Customizable to Your Taste

Another reason this soup shines is how easily it adapts to your preferences. Swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken, add extra veggies for more nutrition, or use cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. You can make it vegetarian, spicy, extra hearty—anything you like. It’s one of those recipes that naturally welcomes creativity.

Ingredients

Full List of Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need, along with simple notes about each ingredient’s role in building the flavor of this comforting soup:

1 lb ground beef — brings savory richness and hearty texture.
1 green bell pepper, diced — adds freshness and a hint of earthiness.
1 red bell pepper, diced — provides sweetness and bright flavor.
1 yellow bell pepper, diced — adds color and natural sweetness for balance.
1 medium onion, chopped — creates a flavorful aromatic base.
3 cloves garlic, minced — infuses the soup with warmth and depth.
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes — adds chunky texture and tomato richness.
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce — creates the smooth, savory broth.
4 cups beef broth — the foundation that ties all the flavors together.
1 cup cooked white rice — makes the soup hearty and satisfying.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning — brings herbal warmth.
1 teaspoon paprika — adds mild sweetness and color.
½ teaspoon salt — brightens and enhances the flavors.
½ teaspoon black pepper — adds a subtle kick.

Simple, familiar, and easy to keep on hand—just the way a great comfort meal should be.

How to Make Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this soup is wonderfully simple. The steps are easy to follow, even on a busy weekday, and the slow cooker handles most of the work:

Brown the beef.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned. Drain off any excess fat to keep the soup from feeling too heavy.
Add to the slow cooker.
Transfer the cooked beef into your slow cooker, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
Add the vegetables.
Sprinkle in the diced green, red, and yellow bell peppers, along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. These will soften beautifully as they cook.
Pour in the tomatoes and broth.
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Give everything a gentle stir so the flavors start mingling.
Season the soup.
Stir in the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This simple blend creates a well-rounded, cozy flavor profile.
Slow cook it.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to deepen and the peppers to become tender.
Add the rice.
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cooked white rice. This keeps the rice from getting mushy and ensures it absorbs just the right amount of broth.
Taste and adjust.
Give your soup a final taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. A little extra salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning can brighten it right up.

This slow cooker stuffed pepper soup is warm, comforting, and wonderfully simple—a dish that truly tastes like it was made with love, even when it took very little effort.

What to Serve with This Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup

When you have a steaming bowl of Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup on the table, it practically begs for the perfect sidekick. This soup is hearty enough to shine all on its own, but pairing it with something warm, fresh, or lightly sweet can turn an everyday dinner into a cozy, well-rounded meal. Whether you're feeding the whole family or enjoying a quiet night in, these pairings make the soup feel even more comforting and complete.

Suggested Pairings

Here are some easy, delicious sides that complement the flavors of stuffed pepper soup beautifully:

Bread Sides
- Crusty French bread
- Garlic knots
- Soft, buttery breadsticks
Fresh Salads
- Peppery arugula salad
- Creamy ranch coleslaw
- Mixed greens with balsamic
Drinks
- Refreshing iced tea
- A smooth glass of red wine
- Warm apple cider for a cozy touch
Desserts
- Chocolate chip cookies
- Cinnamon apple crisp
- Berry or peach cobbler

These simple additions make your meal feel comforting, balanced, and just a little extra special.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the things I love most about Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup is how flexible it is. Whether you want to lighten it up, make it vegetarian, or adjust it to the ingredients you already have on hand, this soup adapts beautifully. Here are some easy, tried-and-true variations so you can tailor the recipe just the way you like it.

Ground Turkey or Chicken Variation

If you’re looking for a slightly lighter version, swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken is an easy and delicious choice. The cooking method stays exactly the same—simply brown the meat, season it, and add it to the slow cooker with the rest of your ingredients. The result is a flavorful, protein-rich soup that’s just as cozy and satisfying but naturally a bit leaner.

Vegetarian or Vegan Option

You can absolutely enjoy this soup without any meat. For a vegetarian or vegan twist, replace the ground beef with lentils, plant-based crumbles, or even chopped mushrooms for a hearty texture. Just be sure to use vegetable broth in place of beef broth. Everything simmers together into a warm, nourishing soup that still feels wonderfully comforting and flavorful.

Low-Carb Version

If you’re cutting back on carbs or simply want a lighter bowl, try swapping the cooked rice for cauliflower rice. It soaks up the flavor beautifully without changing the texture too much. Add it during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking so it stays tender but not mushy. It’s a simple swap that keeps all the coziness while trimming the carbs.

Extra Veggie Boost

Looking for more color, nutrients, or texture? Toss in extra veggies like carrots, zucchini, spinach, or even celery. Add hearty vegetables at the beginning so they soften as the soup cooks, and stir in leafy greens like spinach during the last few minutes for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Storage Instructions

One of the best things about this recipe is how beautifully it reheats. Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup makes a fantastic next-day lunch or meal prep option, and with just a few simple storage tips, you can enjoy it fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cozy even after it’s been chilled or frozen.

Refrigerator Storage

Allow the soup to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. As the soup sits, it tends to thicken slightly—especially because of the rice—so when you reheat it, feel free to add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the texture. A gentle stir and a few minutes on the stovetop can bring it right back to its rich, comforting goodness.

Freezing Tips

This soup freezes wonderfully, but for best results, freeze it without the rice. Rice tends to soften too much in the freezer, so simply add it fresh when reheating. Pour the soup (without rice) into freezer-friendly containers, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. It will stay fresh for up to 2–3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge or gently reheat from frozen.

Reheating Instructions

Reheating this soup is as easy as it gets. Warm it on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave it in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating. If it has thickened, just add a bit of broth or water until it reaches your preferred consistency. Once hot, stir in cooked rice (if freezing without it) and enjoy that same comforting flavor you loved the first time.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

A great Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup doesn’t need much fussing, but a few small tweaks can make it even more flavorful and satisfying. Here are some tried-and-true tips to help you get the best results every time:

Brown the meat properly.
Take a few extra minutes to get a good sear on the ground beef. Browning adds richness and depth, giving the soup a hearty, homemade flavor that you just can’t get from skipping this step.
Add the rice at the end.
To avoid mushy or overly soft rice, stir it in during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking. This keeps the texture tender and pleasant without absorbing too much liquid.
Adjust seasoning after cooking.
Flavors soften as they cook slowly, so a final sprinkle of salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning right before serving can brighten everything beautifully.
Use homemade broth when possible.
If you have homemade beef broth on hand, it adds incredible depth and warmth to the soup. Even adding just a cup alongside store-bought broth makes a wonderful difference.

These little touches help bring out all the cozy, comforting notes that make this soup a family favorite.

Related Recipes

Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup – another hearty slow-cooker soup perfect for cold nights.
Easy Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup – cozy and rich, full of savory Italian flavors.
Comforting Cabbage Roll Soup – hearty soup with beef, rice, and tomato base, similar comforting vibe.
Comforting Shepherd’s Pie Soup – another ground beef soup with warming flavors.
Copycat Outback Baked Potato Soup – creamy comfort soup option (great as contrast).

FAQs

Can I use different types of rice?

Absolutely! Long-grain white rice holds its shape best, while instant rice tends to soften more quickly. If using instant rice, add it just before serving. Brown rice is also an option, but cook it separately beforehand since it takes much longer to soften. Each type adds a slightly different texture, so choose what fits your preference.

Can I make this soup without a slow cooker?

Yes—you can easily make this on the stovetop. After browning the meat, add the remaining ingredients to a large pot, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for about 30–40 minutes until the peppers soften. Add the rice near the end, just as you would with the slow cooker version. It’s just as cozy and delicious.

Can I freeze stuffed pepper soup with rice?

It’s best to freeze the soup without the rice. Rice tends to absorb moisture and become mushy once thawed. Simply freeze the soup base, then add freshly cooked rice when reheating. This keeps the texture hearty and satisfying.

How do I make it more flavorful?

A few simple additions can really deepen the flavor. Try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce, extra garlic, fresh herbs, a touch of smoked paprika, or even sautéed vegetables like carrots and celery. These little boosts create a fuller, richer taste.

Can I substitute ground beef for turkey?

Definitely. Ground turkey is a wonderful leaner option and works beautifully in this recipe. It absorbs the seasonings well and creates a lighter but still hearty soup. Chicken or plant-based crumbles are great alternatives too.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup is one of those recipes that feels like a warm invitation to slow down, breathe, and enjoy something comforting. It brings together simple ingredients—ground beef, colorful peppers, tomatoes, and rice—into a rich, cozy bowl that feels like it’s been simmering with love all day long.

It’s easy, versatile, and wonderfully nourishing, making it the kind of go-to meal you’ll want to tuck into your weekly rotation, especially on busy nights or chilly days. And the best part? The slow cooker does almost all the work for you.

Try it tonight and tell me how you tweaked it! I love hearing how different families make this cozy classic their own.