This Stuffed Pepper Soup gives you every cozy flavor of classic stuffed peppers — tender beef, rice, peppers and a rich tomato broth — without stuffing a single pepper. It all comes together in one pot in about 45 minutes, so cleanup is quick and dinner is on the table fast, even on your busiest weeknights.
This soup is hearty, filling, and has become a regular in our dinner rotation right alongside my lasagna soup recipe and taco soup recipe. It’s the cozy, no-fuss version of stuffed peppers — perfect for an easy weeknight or to make ahead for the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pot, less cleanup – everything cooks together, including the rice, so there’s no extra pot to wash.
- Budget-friendly – simple pantry and freezer staples keep this an affordable dinner for the whole family.
- Ready in about 45 minutes – faster than making traditional stuffed peppers, with all the same cozy flavor.
- Great for leftovers – it reheats well for lunches or a second dinner later in the week.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef – We love using lean ground beef to limit the grease. We have even added in sausage for even more flavor. Substitute with Ground Turkey or Ground Chicken
- Make it Vegetarian – Skip the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add a can of drained kidney or black beans for protein.
- Onion – Use white or yellow onion
- Bell Pepper – I like to dice up Red Bell Pepper and Green Bell Pepper. Frozen chopped bell peppers work too — no need to thaw, just add a couple extra minutes to the simmer time.
- Minced Garlic – Learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves
- Petite Diced Tomatoes – Easily swap with regular diced tomatoes
- Tomato Sauce – Gives the soup the tomato base
- Beef Broth – You can substitute with chicken broth
- Uncooked White Rice – We use long grain rice but you can substitute with brown rice. For a low-carb version, swap in cauliflower rice — add it during the last 5-10 minutes of simmering since it cooks much faster than regular rice.
- Italian Seasoning – See Homemade Italian Seasoning Recipe
- Worcestershire Sauce – See Homemade Worcestershire Sauce Recipe
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Optional Topping
A Quick Note on the Rice: This recipe uses uncooked rice added directly into the pot — no separate pan needed. The rice cooks right in the broth as the soup simmers, soaking up all that stuffed pepper flavor as it goes. Just keep the heat at a gentle simmer (not a hard boil) so the rice cooks evenly, and give it a stir now and then so it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
How to Make Stuffed Pepper Soup
Step 1 – Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2 – Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add in the minced garlic and cook until aromatic.
Step 3 – Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, rice, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is tender. The rice is ready when it’s soft all the way through with no firm center, and the peppers should be tender enough to easily cut with the side of a spoon.
Step 4 – Check the consistency of the soup and add more water if needed to thin out the soup based on your preference. Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with shredded cheddar cheese, if desired. Enjoy!
Can I Make This in the Slow Cooker?
Yes! Brown the ground beef on the stovetop first and drain it, then add it to the slow cooker with the onion, peppers, garlic, tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth and seasonings (leave out the rice). Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Cook the rice separately on the stovetop, then spoon it into each bowl before ladling the soup on top. For full details, see my crockpot stuffed pepper soup recipe.
Stuffed Pepper Soup
Ingredients
- 1 pounds ground beef
- ½ onion diced
- 1 Red Bell Pepper diced
- 1 Green Bell Pepper diced
- 1 Tablespoon Minced Garlic
- 1 can 14.5 ounces each Petite diced tomatoes
- 1 can 15 ounce tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Shredded cheddar cheese for serving
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Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add ½ diced onion, 1 diced red bell pepper, and 1 diced green bell pepper to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add 1 tablespoon minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in 1 can (14.5 ounces) petite diced tomatoes, 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce, 4 cups beef broth, 1 cup uncooked white rice, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, until the rice is tender. The rice is ready when it's soft all the way through with no firm center, and the peppers should be tender enough to easily cut with the side of a spoon.
- Check the consistency of the soup and add more water if needed to thin out the soup based on your preference.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with shredded cheddar cheese, if desired. Enjoy!
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
- Add in Extra Veggies – This is a great soup to sneak in additional veggies. Add in chopped celery, carrots or potatoes for added flavor.
- Fresh Herbs – For added flavor, add in fresh herbs such as fresh basil, fresh parsley, or oregano. Start with ½ tsp and add more to taste.
- Spicy Flavor – For a slight kick, add in 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
Nutrition Facts
Make It Stretch
Need to feed a bigger crowd without spending more? Add an extra cup of broth and ½ cup more rice, or stir in a drained can of kidney beans. Both add heartiness and extra servings without needing more meat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not draining the beef. Extra grease left in the pot can make the soup taste heavy and greasy instead of light and brothy.
- Skipping the stir while it simmers. Rice can settle and stick to the bottom of the pot. Give the soup a stir once or twice while it cooks.
- Adding the rice too early or with the heat too high. A hard boil can cause the rice to cook unevenly. Keep the heat at a gentle simmer once the rice goes in.
- Serving it too thick. Rice keeps absorbing liquid the longer it sits. If your soup thickens up more than you’d like, just stir in a little extra broth or water until it’s the consistency you want.
What to Serve with Stuffed Pepper Soup
This delicious soup is perfect served on its own since it’s rich and hearty. But we love adding a side of Homemade Garlic Bread or a Grilled Cheese Sandwich for a comforting, filling meal. A simple side salad or a warm pan of cornbread are also easy, budget-friendly ways to round out dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Yes, once the soup has cooled, place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Keep in mind the rice will keep absorbing liquid as it sits, so frozen and reheated soup will be thicker than fresh — if you’re making a batch specifically to freeze, pull the pot off the heat about 5 minutes early, while the rice still has a little bite left. It’ll finish softening when you reheat it, so it won’t turn mushy after time in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then stir in a splash of extra broth or water as you reheat to loosen it back up.
Warm gently on the stove or microwave. Add extra broth if it thickens too much.
Yes, frozen chopped bell peppers work great in this soup. Add them straight from frozen — no need to thaw first, just simmer for a few extra minutes until tender.
That’s just the rice continuing to absorb liquid — totally normal. Stir in extra broth or water a little at a time when you reheat until it’s back to the consistency you like.
More Easy Soup Recipes
We love hearing from you! If you make Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.
We love soups, and these are perfect for my husband and I, sometimes I send some of the leftovers with my daughter. She doesn’t cook, so these are healthy for her. Yummy
I love that you’re able to share the leftovers with your daughter! This soup is perfect for an easy, comforting meal. Thank you so much for sharing, Linda!
Tasty and savory. Loved it.
I love stuffed pepper soup. Can’t wait to try it!
Carrie – I so love this soup! I made it with ground turkey and chicken broth and it was super flavorful! I think it is so cool that you made an old fashioned recipe into something new and different! It also felt like a fun take on chili with the shredded cheese. Keep these recipes coming!! YUM!!! PS. I will share it on my next Menu Monday!! Appreciate you! Susan
Thank you so much, Susan! I love your idea of using ground turkey and chicken broth, and I’m so glad it was flavorful. I really appreciate you sharing it for Menu Monday too!
Love this soup. It’s a perfect fall recipe and we have tons of peppers from the garden. I’ve made it tons of times.
I’m so glad you love it! Using fresh peppers from the garden makes it even better.
I have been making my own version of this soup for years but I really like this recipe for stuffed pepper soup. I will be making it soon. Thank you for sharing it.
Delicious, nutritious and easy!
Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed how easy and delicious it is.
LOVE this amazing soup ~ especially in the slow cooker!
I’m so glad you loved it! The slow cooker makes it so easy.
With all the peppers from the garden, this recipe’s timing is perfect!
Hello from Canada
Stuffed pepper soup looks delicious. I canned tomatoes this summer and can see a jar of my tomatoes will be perfect for this soup. Lastly, do I have to add the cheese to this soup? Take care, Wilhelmina Boustead
Hello from the USA! Your canned tomatoes will work great in this soup. The cheese is optional, so you can leave it out if you prefer.
This sounds good, but my family aren’t really soup people… How can I thicken this to a chili-like texture?
Great soup!!
Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
Loved this!!
I love hearing that! Thank you so much.
Family loved this soup ! So easy to make with a lot of portion. You need to make this!
I’m so glad your family loved it! It’s an easy and filling meal.
Looks Yummy! I am growing tomatoes and peppers as we speak.
Fresh tomatoes and peppers from the garden will be delicious in this soup!
Delicious & economical!! Can’t beat it on a chilly night!
Easy to make really tasty thank you so much
Thank you! I’m glad you found it easy and delicious.
This recipe looks amazing! I can’t wait to try it
Thank you! I hope you enjoy it.
This soup sounds amazing, Will be fixing it after I go to the grocery and purchase necessary vegetables.
Thank you for all of these great recipes.
You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy it!
I can’t wait to try this!
Regan – Hope you love it.
I made this and loved it! So simple.
Kristina – I’m so happy to hear this! Thanks for leaving a comment.
This soup recipe looks perfect,since I used to not like green peppers,but this would be just the ticket to try them,a little at a time.
Mark – Thank you so much! Let me know what you think.
I tried to hit the stars on my review but it wouldn’t take. So this is added to my review. Very good soup using diced frozen cauliflower in place of rice.
Cassie – I’m so glad everyone loved it! Thanks for leaving a comment.
This soup is easy and so good. I usually omit the rice and use diced frozen cauliflower in place of it. I add the last ½ hour of cooking.
Cassie – Thank you so much! I’m thrilled you loved it!
Will definitely make this soup! Love stuffed bell peppers and this will give me the taste with less work. Plus it’s soup time!
Sharon – That’s great. I’m so happy to hear!
I love it i have made it many times over i did ad other spices
That’s wonderful to hear. Thank you!
This was absolutely delicious…my family loved it …and asked if I’d make it again soon …..a nice change and so good for you ??
Mina – Thank you for sharing. I’m glad your family enjoyed it.
Excellent! Very easy to prepare and my family loves it.
Nina – Thank you so much. I appreciate you leaving a comment.
cant wait to try
This soup is so delicious and easy to make. My grandkids absolutely love this recipe!!!! Will definitely make this again. A definite favorite!
Laurie – I am thrilled to hear the grandkids loved it too! Thanks so much.
I recently lost my mother who lived to be over 100. She said coup is good for you. she made a pot full every week and shared it. With the Stuffed pepper soup recipe it will be stored with mom’s hand me down soup recipes. You are a very enjoyable to watch. Don’t stop.
Sorry I spelled soup wrong
Can’t wait to try this!
Kim – Hope you enjoy it!
This came out great – thank you for posting.
I used poblano peppers this time, will definitely make again.
Billie – I’m so glad it turned out great!
Sounds good
Definitely will try
Rita – Thank you! Hope everyone enjoys!
I love stuffed peppers! Stuff pepper soup on a cold night….Seriously? Genius!
I am anxious to make this as soon as our temperatures cool off. Will enjoy for a lunch or dinner, thanks.
I LOVE stuffed peppers but hate making them…this was an easy and delicious way to have them! Love your recipes!
Andi – Thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it and found it easy.
This soup was amazing. My husband doesn’t like bell peppers but he loved this soup.
Loretta – I’m so happy to hear this. Thank you for sharing.
I made this. Very tasty and easy to make.
Rodney – Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed this soup.
I LOVE stuffed bell peppers so I know this recipe is going to be delicious! I saved it to try very soon.
I hope you love it!
I made this before and come out amazing! Perfect in a cold night!
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
this soup is going on next week’s dinner menu!
I’m so happy to hear this. Thank you so much!
Just the soup I was looking for with Fall fast approaching!
Penny – I’m so glad! Hope you enjoy soup season!
I’m enjoying making your recipes they’re made with everyday ingredients easy to follow and family friendly, what’s not to love ?? about that!!
Thank you so much! Easy, family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients are always my goal.
My grandson loves stuffed bell peppers. I hope to make him this soup soon! Really appreciate your recipes!
If your grandson loves stuffed peppers, I think he’ll really enjoy this soup! Thank you for your kind words.
This is soooo yummy! It really hits the spot on a cooler day. It’s filling and delicious
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! It’s such a filling and comforting meal for a cooler day.
I cannot wait to try this!!
I hope you enjoy it! Let me know what you think.
Love how all the flavors come together.
Thank you! The combination of flavors makes this soup so delicious.
Delicious!!!
Lori – Thanks so much!
My kids LOVE stuffed peppers! Can’t wait to try this fall.
I’m so glad to hear this. Thank you so much!
This soup was so tasty and quick to pull together. The family, including the kids, loved it!
That’s wonderful. Thanks for leaving a comment.
Wow great recipe! My family loved it.
Patricia – I’m so glad your family enjoyed it.
Great soup! Easier to make then baking stuffed green peppers
So glad you loved it. Thank you for leaving a comment.
love this soup its easy to make and so tasty family loves it
Lori – I’m so happy to hear this!
Sounds delish! Will make soon.
Cindy – Hope you enjoy it!
I’m going to try this soup this fall. My husband loves soup of any kind.
This will be perfect for fall! I hope you and your husband enjoy it.
I will be making this soup as soon as possible. I have waited so long for a recipe like this that doesn’t have to go in the oven.
Thank you so much???
You’re so welcome! I’m glad you found the recipe you were looking for, and I hope you love it.
It sounds great to me, but my husband can’t eat the peppers.
You can leave out the peppers if needed. The flavor will be a little different, but the soup will still be delicious.
Can’t wait to try this!
I hope you enjoy it! Let me know how it turns out.
Thank you for this recipe can not wait to try.
You’re welcome! I hope you love the recipe.
So good!
Thank you, Joy!
I have made this one. It is pretty darn good!
I will try the cheddar broccoli next!
I’m so glad you loved it and want to try more recipes!
This sounds delicious, especially with Autumn coming up. Will add this to my list of musts!
Will be cooking this, it really looks good.
Barbara – Thanks so much!
I love this soup! It goes good with tortilla chips also!
Thank you so much!
Could I do this in a crockpot or Instapot? If so. what would you recommend for cook times, etc..
Very good soup!! My grandkids ate it up!!
Adding this to my Plan to Eat menu to try.
I’m so excited you plan to try it!
I have made this before and for sure hearty, tasty, and filling. A little too warm to make for this week. Thanks Carrie!
This soup was one of my late husband’s favorite. I have not made it since he passed a year ago.
Holly – I’m so very sorry to hear of your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful memory about making this soup.
I can’t wait to make this with my homegrown peppers & tomatoes. Can it be made in the crockpot?
Karen – Yes, we actually have a slow cooker version. I will link it below. Hope you enjoy!
https://www.eatingonadime.com/crockpot-stuffed-pepper-soup/
I just made stuffed peppers, and the idea of making them into a soup is wonderful. My husband doesn’t really like eating out of the pepper, so maybe he’ll like this better. I can’t wait to try it.
This one is a staple in my house too! We love this one for the colder weather, hits the spot everytime. Thanks for your recipes as always! 🙂
Sara – You’re very welcome! Thanks for sharing!
I love stuffed peppers! I love the idea of making it as a soup. With fall around the corner, I cannot wait to try it. There’s nothing cozier than a warm bowl of soup on a crisp fall day.
I loved this stuffed pepper soup it is one of my favorites. Along with chicken Tortilla soup and Bean with ham.
Thanks for the recipe
Wahoo! Thanks for sharing! I’m so glad.
Easy instructions to make this delicious soup. Grandchildren love it and make a large pot always.
Thanks so much! I’m thrilled the kids love it too!
Easy! Great tips about ways to use rice/when to add it for best serving-time texture.
I especially appreciate your swapping beans for meat (handy during Lent and/or Meatless Fridays.
I’m so glad the tips were helpful. Hope you have a great day.
One of our favorite soups. We love it more than stuffed peppers themselves. My only swap is quinoa in place of rice as my Dad chokes on rice for some reason great recipe.
Perfect for feeding the family on a budget and it tastes so delicious!!!
This soup is absolutely delicious! My family loved it! Thanks for always sharing scrumptious recipes!
Thank you so much Everett! I love hearing this!
Everett – That is great! Thanks for letting us know!
This soup is amazing! I used ground turkey, and it was delicious. The seasoning is perfect. I have made similar recipes, but this one is, by far, the best. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you, Rebecca. You made our day! I appreciate so much the time you took to comment.
Amazing Flavor! Loved that everything cooked in one pot and my entire family requested I make it again.
What a wonderful tasting soup for game day in a crockpot!!
Elizabeth – I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much for sharing and for the positive review!