Stuffed Pepper Soup

10 Prep
35 Cook
45 Total
6 Serves

Stuffed pepper soup takes everything you love about classic stuffed peppers and turns it into a cozy, soul-warming bowl of comfort food.

Stuffed pepper soup with ground beef, bell peppers, rice and melted cheddar cheese in a white bowl

All of those incredible flavors, the savory ground beef, the sweet bell peppers, the tender rice, and a rich tomato broth that ties it all together.

But here is the best part. You do not have to fuss with hollowing out peppers and carefully baking them in the oven.

Everything goes into one pot, simmers together, and you have dinner on the table in about 45 minutes. Super easy!

Why This Stuffed Pepper Soup Is So Good

There is a reason this soup is a crowd-pleaser. It has all the hearty, comforting flavors of stuffed bell peppers without any of the effort.

The ground beef gets beautifully browned and seasoned, the diced peppers add that perfect sweet crunch, and the rice plumps up right in the broth.

Overhead view of stuffed pepper soup showing rich red tomato broth with ground beef, bell peppers and rice

And that tomato broth? Rich, savory, and just a little sweet from the peppers. It is comfort in every single spoonful.

Top it with a mountain of shredded cheddar cheese and you are in for a real treat.

Tips for the Best Stuffed Pepper Soup

Use a mix of green and red bell peppers. The green adds a slightly earthy, savory flavor while the red brings natural sweetness. Together, they make the soup taste so much more complex and interesting.

Do not skip the Italian seasoning. It gives the broth that warm, herbaceous flavor that makes this soup taste like it has been simmering all day, even when it has not.

Closeup of stuffed pepper soup showing ground beef crumbles, diced peppers, rice and melting cheese

Cook the rice separately or add it right at the end. If you add it too early, it will soak up all the broth and you will end up with more of a stew than a soup.

Shred your own cheddar from a block for the best melt. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make it clumpy.

What to Serve with Stuffed Pepper Soup

A thick slice of warm, crusty French bread is the perfect companion for this soup. It is ideal for dunking right into that tomato broth.

A simple side salad with a zesty Italian dressing pairs perfectly, too. The crisp, cool greens are a great contrast to the warm, hearty soup.

Cornbread is another fantastic option. The slightly sweet, crumbly cornbread alongside the savory soup is a match made in heaven.

Stuffed pepper soup served in a white bowl with crusty bread on the side

How to Store Leftovers

This soup stores beautifully. Let it cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

If anything, it tastes even better the next day once all those flavors have had time to meld together. Trust me on that one!

You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove. Add a splash of beef broth if the soup thickens up too much.

Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe

Stuffed pepper soup with ground beef, bell peppers, rice and melted cheddar cheese in a white bowl
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4.90 from 5 votes

Stuffed Pepper Soup

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

For the Soup

  • 1 lb ground beef 85% lean
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 large green bell pepper diced
  • 1 large red bell pepper diced
  • 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes undrained
  • 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1.5 cups cooked white rice

For Topping

  • 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese freshly shredded from a block
  • fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until fully browned, about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
  • Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the diced green and red bell peppers and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they begin to soften.
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything together.
  • Add the Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
  • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir in the cooked white rice and let it heat through for 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use a mix of green and red bell peppers for the best flavor. Green adds savory depth while red brings natural sweetness.
Cook the rice separately or add it in the last 15 minutes to prevent it from absorbing all the broth.
Shred your own cheddar cheese from a block for the smoothest melt. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents.
Do not boil the soup vigorously once all ingredients are in. A gentle simmer keeps the flavors balanced and the vegetables tender.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Add a splash of beef broth when reheating.

Final Thoughts

If you love stuffed bell peppers but want something faster and easier, this stuffed pepper soup is the way to go.

It is hearty, cheesy, and loaded with all those classic flavors you know and love. One pot, minimal effort, maximum comfort.

Give it a try on your next chilly evening. I promise your whole family will be asking for seconds!

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