Stuffed Pepper Soup with Ground Beef and Rice Recipe

If you love the nostalgic flavors of classic stuffed peppers—hearty ground beef, colorful bell peppers, a cozy tomato base, and tender rice all mingling together—you’re in for a treat with this Stuffed Pepper Soup with Ground Beef and Rice! This recipe transforms that well-loved, comforting dish into a soul-warming soup that comes together with minimal fuss in a single pot. Whether you want to feed a hungry family, whip up a weeknight favorite, or meal prep for chilly days, this soup delivers pure comfort and plenty of nutrition in every ladleful.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a few simple, staple ingredients, you can create a soup packed with vibrant color, bold taste, and satisfying heartiness. Each element brings its own delightful character to this bowl of Stuffed Pepper Soup with Ground Beef and Rice—don’t skip any, and feel free to use what you have on hand!

• Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps brown the beef to perfection.
• Ground beef: Forms the savory, meaty foundation for every spoonful—choose lean for lighter soup or higher fat for extra flavor.
• Onion (chopped): Provides sweetness and depth, balancing the tomato and beef.
• Bell peppers (red, green, or yellow, chopped): Bring gorgeous color and a signature sweetness reminiscent of classic stuffed peppers.
• Garlic (minced): Delivers irresistible aroma and undertones that elevate the entire soup.
• Crushed tomatoes (28 oz can): Offer a rich, tangy base that ties all the flavors together.
• Tomato sauce (15 oz can): Smooths out the broth and deepens the tomato flavor.
• Beef broth: Adds body, savoriness, and just the right amount of saltiness.
• Italian seasoning: Brings herby, aromatic notes that round out the soup’s flavor profile.
• Smoked paprika: Lends a gentle smokiness that elevates the earthy, savory notes.
• Salt: Wakes up every ingredient and ensures your soup is never bland.
• Black pepper: Provides just the right touch of warmth on the finish.
• Cooked white (or brown) rice: Makes the soup satisfyingly hearty—swap in brown rice for a slightly nuttier bite.
• Fresh parsley (chopped): Brightens up the soup and adds a burst of fresh color right before serving.
• Shredded cheddar or Parmesan (optional for topping): Melts decadently into hot soup and takes it to comfort food heaven.

How to Make Stuffed Pepper Soup with Ground Beef and Rice

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large, sturdy pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon, letting it cook until it’s no longer pink and has developed those delicious crispy brown bits. If there’s a lot of grease, drain off the excess—it keeps the soup from becoming too heavy or oily.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Once your beef is browned, stir in the chopped onion and vibrant bell peppers. Sauté everything for about 5 minutes, until the onions are translucent and the peppers begin to soften. The colors will brighten and the aroma will be irresistible—it’s the beginning of true stuffed pepper flavor magic!

Step 3: Add the Garlic

Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute, just until fragrant. Garlic scorches quickly, so keep an eye on it! The kitchen will be filled with a savory, mouthwatering scent that signals your Stuffed Pepper Soup with Ground Beef and Rice is on its way to deliciousness.

Step 4: Build the Soup Base

Time to pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir and bring your bubbling pot to a gentle boil. This tomato-rich base is what makes the soup so full of depth and hearty flavor.

Step 5: Simmer and Blend the Flavors

Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes. This is the moment where the ingredients blend together and the soup starts to taste like it’s been cooking all day. You’ll see the colors deepen and the texture thicken, and the whole kitchen will smell homey and inviting.

Step 6: Add the Rice

Stir in the cooked white or brown rice and let it simmer for another five minutes. The rice soaks up all of that saucy, beefy, peppery goodness, transforming the dish into the Stuffed Pepper Soup with Ground Beef and Rice you know and love.

Step 7: Finish with Fresh Parsley

Take the soup off the heat and sprinkle in a generous handful of fresh parsley. Taste and adjust your seasonings as needed—sometimes just a pinch of salt or dash of pepper brings all the flavors perfectly together.

Step 8: Serve and Top

Ladle hot soup into big bowls and, if you like, shower with shredded cheddar or Parmesan. The cheese will melt into the hot soup, adding one more layer of pure comfort!

How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Soup with Ground Beef and Rice

Garnishes

Nothing finishes a beautiful bowl like the right garnish! Sprinkle plenty of chopped fresh parsley over each serving for color and a hint of freshness. A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese is optional, but adds both richness and a tiny bit of indulgence—a finishing touch that makes your Stuffed Pepper Soup with Ground Beef and Rice truly memorable.

Side Dishes

This soup is wonderful on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider serving it with warm, crusty bread or classic garlic toast for dipping. A crisp green salad also makes a great, refreshing counterpart that cuts through the richness of the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party twist, serve your Stuffed Pepper Soup with Ground Beef and Rice in hollowed-out bell pepper bowls! Or try ladling it into oversized mugs for a cozy, fireside supper vibe. If you’re feeding a crowd, set out toppings like cheese, hot sauce, or even a swirl of sour cream for a build-your-own soup bar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover soup cool completely after dinner, then transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and the flavors deepen even more as it sits—some say the next day is even tastier!

Freezing

If you want to save some for busy days, Stuffed Pepper Soup with Ground Beef and Rice freezes beautifully. Ladle cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little room for expansion. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months for a hearty meal on demand.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the soup gently in a pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat until hot and bubbly again—add a splash of water or broth if needed to thin. You can also microwave individual servings for a fast, comforting lunch.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice or another grain instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice is a fantastic choice if you prefer a slightly nutty flavor and chewier texture. You can even use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version of this Stuffed Pepper Soup with Ground Beef and Rice.

What’s the best way to make this soup vegetarian?

To go vegetarian, simply swap the ground beef for plant-based ground “meat” or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The flavor will still be wonderful and hearty!

How spicy is this soup?

The recipe as written yields a mild, family-friendly soup. If you want extra heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the pot—or let each person spice up their own bowl to taste.

Can I prepare this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the ground beef first on the stovetop, then add it along with the other ingredients (except the rice and parsley) to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, stir in the cooked rice and parsley near the end, and serve hot.

Is Stuffed Pepper Soup with Ground Beef and Rice gluten-free?

As long as you use gluten-free broth and check your tomato products, this soup is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to double-check your labels if you’re serving someone with celiac or gluten sensitivity.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something hearty, homey, and satisfying any night of the week, you simply can’t go wrong with Stuffed Pepper Soup with Ground Beef and Rice. It’s an easy one-pot wonder that’s sure to bring comfort to your table—and offers up those nostalgic flavors we all adore. Go ahead and make a pot—you’ll be savoring every spoonful!

Print