Warm, comforting, and brimming with homestyle flavor, hearty stuffed pepper soup brings the beloved taste of baked stuffed peppers straight to your bowl. Loaded with tender ground beef, sweet bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, and rice simmered into a savory broth, this satisfying soup delivers all the flavors of the classic dish — without the hassle of stuffing and baking. Rich, filling, and perfect for any season, it’s a recipe families turn to again and again.
Why Stuffed Pepper Soup Is So Loved
Stuffed peppers are a timeless comfort food, but prepping them takes time — halving, filling, topping, arranging, and baking. Stuffed pepper soup captures the same flavor profile in a one-pot meal that’s faster, easier, and even cozier.
Every spoonful blends seasoned beef, vegetables, and rice in a tomato-based broth that strikes the perfect balance between thick and brothy. It’s hearty enough for dinner on its own but still light enough to enjoy alongside bread or salad. Best of all, the ingredients are simple, affordable, and familiar — no special tools or complicated steps required.
Key Ingredients for the Best Flavor
Here’s what makes this soup shine:
- Ground beef or ground turkey
- Bell peppers (green, red, or mixed)
- Onion and garlic
- Diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes
- Beef broth
- Cooked or uncooked rice
- Tomato sauce
- Herbs and seasoning
Ground beef is the flavor anchor, while colorful peppers lend sweetness and texture. Tomato sauce and broth create a rich base, and rice thickens the soup naturally as it cooks. Classic seasonings like oregano, salt, black pepper, and paprika bring everything together.
Brown the Beef and Build the Base
Start by browning the ground beef in a heavy pot or Dutch oven. Break it apart as it cooks, letting it develop caramelized edges that boost overall depth. Once browned, drain excess fat if needed.
Add chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring until softened and fragrant. This stage infuses flavor into the beef and sets the foundation for the soup.
Add Veggies, Tomatoes, and Broth
Once the aromatics are ready, stir in diced bell peppers — you can use all green peppers for earthy flavor or mix in red, yellow, and orange for a sweeter, vibrant bowl. Add tomato sauce and canned tomatoes, then pour in beef broth to create your soup base.
Season generously with salt, pepper, oregano, paprika, or even a pinch of chili flakes for heat. Bring everything to a simmer and let the flavors mingle.
Incorporate Rice and Simmer
Rice is what makes stuffed pepper soup so hearty and satisfying. You can add uncooked rice directly into the pot, allowing it to simmer and soften in the broth, or you can stir in cooked rice toward the end for a softer, looser texture.
As the soup bubbles slowly, rice absorbs liquid, the peppers grow tender, and all the ingredients meld into a warm, deeply seasoned pot of comfort. The aroma alone is enough to draw everyone to the kitchen.
Serve Hot and Add Toppings
Once vegetables and rice are tender, ladle the soup into bowls and serve steaming hot. A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the flavor, and shredded cheese adds richness if desired.
Pair the soup with crusty bread, garlic toast, or saltine crackers to complete the meal. Leftovers taste even better the next day because the flavors continue to develop as they rest.
Variations to Try
Stuffed pepper soup adapts easily to your preferences:
- Replace beef with Italian sausage for bolder flavor
- Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb variation
- Add beans for more protein
- Swap broth flavors or mix in a splash of Worcestershire sauce
- Stir in shredded cheese directly for extra creaminess
You can also adjust thickness — simmer longer for a stew-like consistency or add broth for a lighter spoonful.
A Soup for All Seasons
This stuffed pepper soup has everything you want in a comforting meal: color, nourishment, flavor, and simplicity. It’s a one-pot dish ideal for busy weeknights, chilly fall evenings, or anytime comfort cravings hit. With its familiar ingredients and cozy taste, it quickly becomes a household staple.
Make a batch once, and it won’t be the last — this soup warms hearts and satisfies stomachs every time. Enjoy every spoonful! 🫑🍲