Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, you’re craving something warm and comforting, but the thought of spending hours in the kitchen fills you with dread. You adore stuffed peppers, the vibrant flavors of sweet bell peppers mingling with savory ground beef and a rich tomato sauce. But who has the time to individually stuff and bake them? That’s where this Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup comes to the rescue! It’s all the deliciousness of stuffed peppers, deconstructed into a hearty, easy-to-make soup that practically cooks itself. This isn’t just any soup; it’s a flavor explosion in a bowl, and it’s about to become your new weeknight go-to. Prepare to be amazed by how simple and satisfying this Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup recipe is. Get ready for a bowl full of comfort and flavor!
Why This Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe is a Winner
Let’s be honest, there are countless soup recipes out there. So, what makes this one so special? Well, it’s a symphony of flavor and convenience. Imagine the savory goodness of perfectly seasoned ground beef, the slightly sweet and smoky notes from the bell peppers, all swimming in a luscious tomato-based broth. The flavor profile is complex and satisfying, a delightful dance of sweet, savory, and a hint of spice, if you desire. But the real magic lies in its simplicity. With minimal prep work and the magic of the slow cooker, this soup practically makes itself. Just throw everything in, set it, and forget it! And don’t even get us started on the health benefits. Packed with vegetables, this soup is a nutritious and guilt-free way to satisfy your cravings. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable to fit your dietary needs and preferences. And if you’re looking for a budget-friendly meal that can feed a crowd or provide delicious leftovers, look no further. This recipe uses affordable ingredients that are readily available at any grocery store. Bonus: it freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping and those days when cooking is simply out of the question.
Gather Your Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece. Don’t worry, it’s a straightforward list of readily available ingredients.
Meat:
One pound ground beef (you can also use ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor)
Vegetables:
Three bell peppers (various colors – red, yellow, green – for visual appeal and flavor complexity), diced
One large onion, diced
Two cloves garlic, minced
Tomatoes & Broth:
Twenty-eight ounces crushed tomatoes
Fifteen ounces tomato sauce
Four cups beef broth (vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
Spices & Seasonings:
One tablespoon Italian seasoning
One teaspoon paprika
Half teaspoon garlic powder
Half teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional:
Cooked rice or quinoa (about one cup, added during the last hour of cooking)
Red pepper flakes (for a touch of heat)
Remember, these are just suggestions. Feel free to experiment and adjust the ingredients to your liking! If you want a richer, more complex flavour add a bay leaf that can be removed before serving.
Easy Steps to Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup Perfection
Now for the fun part: putting it all together! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a steaming bowl of deliciousness in no time.
Browning the Meat (Recommended for Deeper Flavor)
While you *can* skip this step and toss the ground beef directly into the slow cooker, browning it first adds a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. The Maillard reaction, that magical process of browning, creates hundreds of flavorful compounds that elevate the entire soup. To brown the beef, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but trust us, the extra effort is worth it! If you skip it be sure to cook your soup a little longer. The ground beef will release moisture so you may want to remove some to get the consistency you like.
Prepping the Veggies
This is where you’ll use your knife skills (or lack thereof – no pressure!). Dice the bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Don’t worry about making them perfect; the slow cooker will soften them up beautifully. Similarly, dice the onion and mince the garlic. Pro tip: To avoid tears while chopping onions, chill them in the refrigerator for about thirty minutes before chopping. Some people swear by lighting a candle or chewing gum while chopping onions to reduce the tears. You can also try chopping them under running water.
Combining Ingredients in the Crock Pot
Now, the magic begins! In your trusty slow cooker, combine the browned ground beef (or uncooked ground beef, if you skipped browning), diced bell peppers, diced onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gently stir everything together to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed. There’s no need to be too thorough; the slow cooker will do the rest of the work!
Cooking Time and Settings
This is where the slow cooker’s convenience truly shines. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for six to eight hours, or on high for three to four hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together, resulting in a richer, more complex soup. We highly recommend the low setting for maximum flavor development, but if you’re short on time, the high setting will still deliver delicious results. Don’t be tempted to lift the lid frequently, as this will release heat and moisture, potentially prolonging the cooking time.
Adding Rice or Grains (Optional)
If you want to add rice, quinoa, or another grain to your soup, do so during the last hour of cooking. This prevents the grains from becoming mushy. Simply stir in one cup of cooked rice or quinoa and allow it to heat through before serving. For a change of pace you could also add a half cup of orzo or ditalini pasta. This should be added after the soup has been cooking for a few hours to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Season to Taste
Before serving, give the soup a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder to suit your preferences. This is your chance to make the soup truly your own! Remember, it’s easier to add seasonings than to take them away, so start with small amounts and taste as you go.
Tips and Tricks for Amazing Stuffed Pepper Soup
Want to take your Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup to the next level? Here are a few insider tips to ensure soup success.
Avoid Overcooking the Peppers: While you want the peppers to be tender, you don’t want them to become mushy. Keep an eye on them, especially if cooking on high.
Control the Spice: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the soup. Alternatively, use a spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
Thickening the Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can create a cornstarch slurry by mixing one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Stir the slurry into the soup during the last thirty minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, creating a thicker texture.
Spice it Up: Try adding a can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies for a spicier kick.
Make it vegetarian or vegan: Swap the beef broth for vegetable broth and use a plant-based ground. You can also add more vegetables like diced zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots for added nutrition.
Using Leftovers Creatively: Leftover soup can be used in a variety of ways. Try topping baked potatoes with it, serving it over rice, or even using it as a filling for enchiladas.
Serving Suggestions
Now that your soup is ready, it’s time to enjoy! Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
Toppings Galore: Top your soup with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, Greek yogurt, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of pesto. The possibilities are endless! A little parmesan cheese can also provide a nice salty, umami flavour.
Perfect Sides: Serve your soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping, warm cornbread, a simple salad, or garlic bread.
Common Questions About Stuffed Pepper Soup
Still have questions? Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup.
Can I use frozen peppers? Yes, you can use frozen diced peppers. Just add them to the slow cooker without thawing.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot? Yes! Brown the meat using the sauté function. Add the remaining ingredients, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for fifteen minutes. Allow for natural pressure release.
Can I add more vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or zucchini.
How long will the soup last in the refrigerator? The soup will last in the refrigerator for three to four days.
Can I make this vegetarian/vegan? Yes, simply substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Dive into Comfort: Recipe for Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup
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Yields: Six to eight servings
Prep Time: Fifteen minutes
Cook Time: Six to eight hours on low, three to four hours on high
Ingredients:
- One pound ground beef
- Three bell peppers (various colors), diced
- One large onion, diced
- Two cloves garlic, minced
- Twenty-eight ounces crushed tomatoes
- Fifteen ounces tomato sauce
- Four cups beef broth
- One tablespoon Italian seasoning
- One teaspoon paprika
- Half teaspoon garlic powder
- Half teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- In a slow cooker, combine the browned ground beef, diced bell peppers, diced onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for six to eight hours or on high for three to four hours.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes:
- For a spicier soup, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
- To thicken the soup, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir into the soup during the last thirty minutes of cooking.
- Add one cup of cooked rice or quinoa during the last hour of cooking, if desired.
Ready to Warm Up With a Delicious Bowl of Soup?
So there you have it: a simple, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is guaranteed to be a success. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with a hearty and delicious meal that the whole family will love. Don’t just take our word for it, though! Give this recipe a try and experience the magic for yourself. And don’t forget to share your thoughts and variations in the comments below. We can’t wait to hear what you think! Now go ahead, gather your ingredients, fire up that slow cooker, and get ready to savor the taste of comfort in every spoonful. Happy cooking!
