Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup is the kind of dish I reach for when the calendar is packed and the family is hungry. As a chef who balances fast-paced work with real-food meals, I designed this 5-ingredient slow cooker soup to deliver the cozy flavors of classic stuffed peppers with minimal hands-on time. The moment you place the beef, peppers, and tomatoes into the slow cooker, the kitchen begins to smell like Sunday supper, even on a Tuesday. This bowl-ready comfort works for busy moms and professionals craving nourishment, speed, and desk-to-dinner flavor. Let’s dive into a simple, doable approach to weeknight comfort. You can personalize with cheese, herbs, or hot sauce. It stays cozy, while saving you time and stress.
Table of Contents
What Makes Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup Special
Speaking as a home cook with many roles, I reach for Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup. It delivers all the cozy stuffed-pepper flavors in a warm, no-fuss bowl. My slow cooker does the heavy lifting while I juggle meetings and dinner later. With a handful of pantry staples—ground beef, peppers, tomatoes, broth, and cooked rice—it comes together fast.
And it fills the kitchen with childhood-scented comfort. I love that the aroma lifts spirits before the first bite. Plus, toppings let me tailor it to picky eaters.
It’s a cozy, weeknight win. It scales for a crowd or leftovers. I keep the rice optional for even quicker meals.
The cozy, weeknight-friendly appeal
This dish feels like a warm hug after a busy day. With five core ingredients, it’s easy to remember and easy to love. I appreciate the hands-off finish that frees me for homework, emails, or a quick workout.
Ingredients
I keep this lineup simple and pantry-friendly, perfect for busy days. The beef, peppers, onions, and tomatoes build a warm base, while rice adds heartiness without heaviness. Exact quantities appear at the bottom of the article and can be printed.
Core ingredients at a glance
- 1 lb ground beef — browns into a savory base with minimal fat.
- 1 small onion, diced — its sweetness layers with peppers.
- 3 bell peppers, diced — use a mix for color and flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced — quick, punchy aroma.
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes — smooth, rich tomato foundation.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes — brightness and texture.
- 4 cups beef broth — hearty liquid foundation.
- 1 cup cooked white rice — gives bite and substance.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning — a familiar herb kiss.
- 1 tsp paprika — adds color and gentle warmth.
- ½ tsp black pepper — subtle heat and depth.
- Salt, to taste — season gradually, taste as you go.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional) — melts into a cozy topping.
- Fresh parsley, for garnish — final green lift.

How to Make Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup
Here’s a practical, cozy method you can actually finish on a busy night. The slow cooker brings depth without scorching your main event. Ready to go step by step?
Step 1 : Prep and brown the beef
I heat a skillet over medium. I crumble 1 lb ground beef and cook until no pink remains. I drain the fat to keep the soup light. If you like extra lean meat, pat the pan dry between batches.
Step 2 : Load the slow cooker and base
Into the crock pot goes the browned beef, 1 small onion (diced), 3 bell peppers (diced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz), 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), and 4 cups beef broth.
Scrape the brown bits loose from the skillet to deepen flavor. Stir to combine and let the base mingle with the peppers and tomatoes.
Step 3 : Season the base
Stir in 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp black pepper, and salt to taste.
Taste and adjust later; these spices wake the dish without overpowering it. If you like a gentler profile, reduce paprika a bit.
Step 4 : Cook on low or high
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
For a kid-friendly version, you can dial down the paprika and pepper. The slow-cooker does the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to babysit it.
Step 5 : Stir in rice
Stir in 1 cup cooked white rice during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
It heats through and adds heartiness without turning mushy. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of broth or water.
Step 6 : Finish and serve
Taste and adjust salt as needed.
Serve hot, with optional cheddar cheese and fresh parsley for a cozy finish.
Tips for Success
- Prep smart: chop peppers and onion earlier or while coffee brews to save time.
- Brown the beef well; those browned bits boost flavor and reduce extra grease.
- Pour a splash of broth and scrape the pan to lift every tasty scrap.
- Stir in rice at the end, so it stays tender rather than soggy.
- Taste early, then finish with a final touch of salt or cheese.
- Customize heat with hot sauce or crushed red pepper for adults, milder for kids.

Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker (main tool). Alternative: Instant Pot on Slow Cook or a Dutch oven.
- Skillet for browning beef. Alternative: heavy pot.
- Cutting board and sharp knife.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Can opener (or use jarred tomatoes).
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula; ladle for serving.
- Optional: prep bowls and airtight containers for leftovers.
Variations
- Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup stays delicious dairy-free—skip cheese or swap in dairy-free cheese for a lighter finish.
- Veggie-forward option: add zucchini, corn, or mushrooms to boost texture and color while keeping the five-ingredient vibe alive.
- Protein swaps: use ground turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner version without losing depth.
- Gluten-free tweak: ensure the broth is gluten-free, and try quinoa or cauliflower rice for variety.
- Heat level: raise paprika a touch or add crushed red pepper, jalapeño, or hot sauce for adults.
- Vegetarian option: replace beef with lentils or extra mushrooms to keep it hearty and satisfying.
- Make-ahead and freeze: this soup freezes beautifully for busy weeks.
- Kid-friendly tweak: use milder pepper varieties and skip heat for picky eaters.
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup
As a busy home cook, I reach for Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup for real comfort with minimal effort. It frees my mornings for meetings and my evenings for stories with the family.
The flavors taste like Sunday dinner in a cozy bowl, yet it comes together in minutes.
Toppings—cheese, hot sauce, or herbs—let me tailor it to picky eaters. That makes weeknights calmer and dinner feel homemade, even when time is tight.
Serving Suggestions
Serving Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup is a cozy finish to a busy day. I love crusty bread for dipping and a bright side salad.
- Crusty bread for dipping.
- Simple side salad with vinaigrette.
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese or hot sauce.
- Iced tea or lemon water.
Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup Freezer-Friendly Tips
I love how well Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup freezes, making weeknights stress-free. Make-ahead trick: brown the beef and chop the veggies, then freeze the base (without rice) in freezer-safe bags. Freeze up to 3 months. Cooked rice can be frozen separately or added when reheating. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then simmer or microwave, adding rice during reheating if needed. Label with date, divide into portions, and add cheese toppings after thaw for best texture.

FAQs
How long does Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup take from start to finish, and can I adjust the cooking time on my slow cooker? This Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup base needs 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high. If your cooker runs hot, check at 5 hours on low and adjust. Browning beef first helps flavor and keeps grease in check. Prep and serve finish quickly, even on a busy day.
Can I customize Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup for gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian diets? Yes. Use gluten-free beef broth and verify any add-ins are gluten-free. Omit cheese or swap in dairy-free cheese for dairy-free meals. For a vegetarian version, substitute lentils or extra mushrooms for the beef. The base of peppers, tomatoes, and rice stays comforting and hearty.
What toppings or serving ideas boost flavor without extra work for Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup? Cheese melts beautifully on top, and hot sauce or crushed red pepper adds gentle heat. Fresh parsley or chives lift color and brightness. Serve with crusty bread or a simple side salad to round out the meal. Toppings let picky eaters tailor the dish to their liking.
How should I store leftovers or freeze Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup? Refrigerate within two hours and store for 3–4 days. Freeze for up to three months in freezer-safe containers. Rice can get soft after freezing; reheat with a splash of broth. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Cheese topping tastes best added after reheating.
Final Thoughts
I reach for Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup again and again when the schedule is crowded. This 5-ingredient hug becomes dinner in a warm bowl, no fuss required. Its aroma alone helps everyone pause, breathe, and rely on homemade comfort.
I love how a simple slow cooker gives back time and flavors like Sunday dinner. Peppers, beef, and tomatoes mingle while I tackle the day, then greet my family with a ready-made hug tonight.
Though this soup is simple, its heart stays big. It scales for leftovers, invites toppings, and leaves the kitchen calm at night. That peaceful balance matters.
Print
Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup delivers Ultimate 5-Ingredient comfort in a bowl.
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup is a hearty, cozy one-pot meal that captures all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers in a warm bowl. This easy slow-cooker recipe uses ground beef, tender peppers, rice, and a rich tomato broth for a comforting dinner with minimal hands-on time. Just prep in minutes, set it, and come home to a savory, family-friendly soup that tastes like it simmered all day. Perfect for weeknights and freezer-friendly, easily customized with cheese, herbs, or hot sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer cooked beef to the crock pot.
- Add onion, bell peppers, garlic, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, pepper, and salt.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Stir in cooked rice during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot topped with shredded cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use cooked rice or instant rice if preferred.
- Cheese topping is optional but makes it extra comforting.
- To keep this gluten-free, ensure the broth is gluten-free and there are no gluten-containing additives.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze for longer storage.
- For a lighter version, use lean ground beef or turkey.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup, stuffed pepper soup, slow cooker soup, beef and rice soup, easy crockpot dinner, comfort food, family-friendly dinner, peppers and tomatoes, 5-ingredient soup