There’s something so comforting about a bowl full of hearty flavors — that’s why I’m excited to share this Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe with you. It’s like all the best parts of stuffed peppers, but in a cozy, spoonable form that comes together quicker and just as deliciously. Let’s dive into why this soup is a total winner and how you can nail it in your own kitchen!

stuffed pepper soup - A close-up view of a ladle full of a thick stew showing three layers: the top layer has small, bright red tomato chunks mixed with green parsley flakes, the middle layer contains soft white rice grains, and the bottom layer features crumbly brown ground meat pieces all mixed in a reddish-orange tomato broth with some green vegetable bits scattered throughout, resting in a large white pot with steam rising in the background over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Stuffed Pepper Soup hits all the right notes in my book: it's comforting, packed with flavor, and super versatile. What really keeps me coming back to this recipe is how easy it is to customize depending on what you have on hand or your mood. Plus, it warms you up better than just about anything on a chilly day.

All the flavors of stuffed peppers: You get tender beef, sweet peppers, and that rich tomatoey base all blended into a warm, satisfying soup.
Simple, wholesome ingredients: It’s easy to find everything you need at the store, and everything works beautifully together.
Customizable to your taste: Whether you want it spicy, loaded with extra veggies, or a heartier meatier version, it’s your call.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep: It’s quick to make and stores well, so you’ll have comforting leftovers ready to go.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe balances fresh veggies, savory beef, and tomatoes so well that the flavors meld beautifully during simmering. Here’s a breakdown of what each ingredient brings to the party and a few tips for picking and prepping them.

stuffed pepper soup - Flat lay of fresh red and green bell peppers with their smooth, shiny skins, a bright yellow onion diced into small pieces with its crisp layers visible, plump garlic cloves with slightly papery white skins, a mound of raw lean ground beef showing its rich red color and fine texture, ripe diced tomatoes bursting with vibrant red juiciness, fresh Italian parsley sprigs with deep green, delicate leaves, and a small heap of uncooked long grain white rice grains with a pearly, smooth finish, all beautifully arranged in natural groupings with contrasting colors and textures, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Lean ground beef: I always use lean beef to keep it hearty without excess grease, plus it gives the soup a satisfying richness.
Olive oil: A good quality olive oil makes the sautéed veggies taste fresh and flavorful.
Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity from the tomatoes.
Garlic: Can't forget that comforting garlicky punch—mince it finely so it distributes evenly.
Red and green bell peppers: The stars of this soup, bringing sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color.
Diced tomatoes and tomato sauce: These form the rich, tangy tomato base that ties the soup together perfectly.
Beef broth: Gives depth and body to the soup, plus it keeps it nice and juicy.
Worcestershire sauce: Just a splash adds subtle umami and a savory boost.
Sugar (optional): I often add a bit to cut through the acidity if the tomatoes seem tart.
Italian seasoning: Brings herby warmth that's classic and comforting.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to taste, don't be shy here!
Cooked long grain white rice: Adding the rice separately keeps your soup from getting too mushy or absorbing all the liquid.
Fresh Italian parsley: A sprinkle at the end adds freshness and color that brightens every bite.
Shredded cheddar or mozzarella (optional): Because who doesn’t love a melty cheesy topping?

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I switch it up depending on what leftovers I have or what I’m craving, and you’ll love making it your own.

Variation: Sometimes I swap ground beef for Italian sausage when I want a spicier, meatier vibe — it adds an extra layer of flavor that’s amazing!
Vegetable boost: If I’m feeling green, I toss in some chopped spinach or mushrooms toward the end of cooking for extra nutrients and texture.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños wakes up the soup nicely without overpowering it.
Make it soupier: For a lighter bowl, I add extra beef broth because I like slurping a broth-forward bowl, but you can keep it as thick as you like.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe

Step 1: Browning the Beef Perfectly

Start by heating your Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. I like to keep stirring and breaking the meat up so everything browns evenly — that caramelization is what builds flavor here. When it’s mostly cooked, drain off the excess grease if there's any, then season with salt and pepper. Set the beef aside for now; we’ll come back to it soon.

Step 2: Sautéing Your Veggies Just Right

In the same pot, add a tablespoon of olive oil and toss in your diced onions and chopped bell peppers. Let these cook down gently for about 5 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant—that’s when their natural sweetness really pops. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for just another 30 seconds to avoid any bitterness. Don’t rush this part; those softened veggies are the heart of your soup’s flavor.

Step 3: Bringing It All Together

Now, stir your browned beef back into the pot along with the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and if you like, a tablespoon of sugar — that little bit of sweetness cuts the acidity perfectly. Give it a taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Once everything’s mixed, bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring now and then.

Step 4: Adding the Rice and Finishing Touches

If you’re planning to eat all the soup right away, stir in your cooked rice and the chopped parsley, then simmer just until everything's heated through, about 1-2 minutes. I personally prefer keeping the rice separate if I have leftovers — that way, it doesn’t soak up all the broth and get mushy. Just heat the rice up when serving and mix it into your bowl. Finally, add a sprinkle of shredded cheese if you want that melty, cheesy finish that feels like a warm hug.

Top Tip

Over the years of making this Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe, I’ve noticed a few tricks that really boost flavor and texture — and save some prep frustration. These little touches can make your kitchen time smoother and the soup taste even better.

Drain the beef properly: I learned the hard way that skipping this step leaves your soup greasy. Taking a moment to drain really lightens the final dish.
Add the rice at the very end: Cooking rice in the soup lets it soak up all the broth and turn mushy. I always cook it separately and add it last to keep the texture just right.
Don’t rush simmering: Those 15-20 minutes let the flavors marry properly. Stir occasionally, but don’t fuss—just let the soup do its magic.
Taste as you go: Adjust seasoning gradually. Sometimes you need a little extra salt or a dash more Worcestershire, so keep tasting and tweak until it feels perfect.

How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe

stuffed pepper soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I swear by sprinkling a handful of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese right on top while the soup’s still hot — it melts into gooey goodness that makes each spoonful extra cozy. A fresh pinch of Italian parsley or even a little chopped basil can also brighten up the bowl. If you like it spicy, a few red pepper flakes on top never hurt either.

Side Dishes

Pairing this soup with crusty garlic bread or warm dinner rolls is my go-to — perfect for dipping and soaking up every last bit. A simple green salad with lemony vinaigrette also balances the richness nicely. And for days when you want to keep it simple, just an extra sprinkle of Parmesan alongside the soup hits the spot.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or casual get-togethers, I like serving the soup in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out bell peppers to echo the stuffed pepper vibe. It makes for a fun presentation and gets people talking! Another neat trick is layering with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a few crispy bacon bits on top for a rich finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store the soup and cooked rice separately in airtight containers. The soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days, and when I’m ready to eat, I reheat the soup gently on the stove and warm the rice separately before combining. This way, the rice doesn’t swell and turn mushy, and the soup stays perfectly saucy.

Freezing

This Stuffed Pepper Soup freezes well, but I recommend freezing it without the rice if possible. Freeze the soup in portion-sized containers, and keep any cooked rice in the fridge or freeze it separately. When you thaw and reheat, cook the rice fresh or warm up your frozen cooked rice before adding.

Reheating

Reheating is best done gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If you need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up, go for it — sometimes leftover soups thicken up a bit overnight. Once hot, stir in the rice or add it to your serving bowl.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap out the ground beef for your favorite plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add extra veggies like mushrooms or beans to keep it hearty.

Should I add the rice while cooking the soup or after?

It’s best to cook the rice separately and add it to each bowl or stir it in at the very end. If you add raw rice to the soup and cook it there, it will soak up too much liquid and make the soup thick and mushy.

Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then add all ingredients except the rice to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add cooked rice and parsley just before serving.

How can I make the soup spicier?

Try adding red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a flavorful kick. Remember to add spicy ingredients gradually and taste as you go!

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening and a reliable go-to for busy weeknights. I love how flexible and forgiving it is — perfect for whatever you have on hand or however you like your soup. Give it a try, tweak it to your taste, and enjoy watching it quickly become a favorite in your home, just like it did in mine.