I remember the exact moment I realized Stuffed Pepper Soup could be both nourishing and downright delicious. It was a chilly evening, and I was craving that cozy, comforting feeling of a stuffed pepper casserole but didn’t want to spend ages prepping. I decided to experiment by turning all those classic stuffed pepper flavors into a soup—ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, and rice, all bubbling in one pot. The easiest healthy stuffed pepper soup came together on a whim, and honestly, it changed my weeknight dinners forever.
That first pot surprised me. Usually, I think of stuffed peppers as a bit fussy, but this soup was simple, satisfying, and exactly the kind of feel-good meal that fits perfectly into real life. No complicated steps or special tools, just wholesome ingredients coming together in a warming bowl. This stuffed pepper soup quickly became a staple for those busy nights when I want something nourishing without fuss.
What I love most is that this soup is flexible and forgiving. Sometimes I swap out green bell peppers for red or yellow ones, or I use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter twist. It’s forgiving and a place where balance happens naturally—comfort food that’s balanced and practical. If you’re a fellow home cook looking for an easy, healthy stuffed pepper soup that works for everyday life, I’m excited to share what I’ve learned. Let’s dive into making this dish your new go-to.
What You’ll Need:
Here’s the ingredient list for this stuffed pepper soup. It’s intentionally simple because good food doesn’t need to be complicated:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter swap)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 bell peppers, diced (I like mixing colors—green, red, yellow)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth (or chicken broth works, too)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup cooked brown rice (leftover rice works perfectly)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste

No stress if you don’t have brown rice on hand—I often use quinoa or even noodles in my stuffed pepper soup for a fun twist. Bell peppers are my favorite part, and you can find them easily in the produce section year-round, but seasonal peppers are sweetest this time of year.
This recipe keeps costs low by using pantry staples and lean ground beef, which stretches beautifully in a soup. If you’re in a hurry, try buying pre-chopped veggies to save a step. The leftovers store well in an airtight container for 3-4 days, and they actually taste better as the flavors meld overnight. I love adding a sprinkle of shredded cheese or a spoonful of Greek yogurt when reheating for a quick boost.
Let’s Make It Together!
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Your kitchen will already start smelling inviting here.
2. Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon, cooking until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 7 minutes. This ground beef soup recipe base is the heart of your stuffed pepper soup.
3. Toss in the diced bell peppers and garlic. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the peppers soften slightly but still hold some crunch.
4. Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (including the juice). Stir in the dried oregano and basil. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. This simmering step develops that warm, comforting flavor we’re all here for.
5. Stir in the cooked rice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it heat through for 5 minutes. The rice thickens the soup just right, making it feel like that stuffed pepper casserole soup you love but in a bowl.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Your stuffed pepper soup should smell wonderful and be ready to enjoy.
On busy days, this recipe fits perfectly because you can prep the rice ahead and use quicker cooking ground turkey if you prefer. While your soup simmers, it’s a perfect time to set the table or prep a simple side salad.
How I Love to Serve This!

This stuffed pepper soup becomes a full meal when I add a crisp green salad on the side or a slice of crusty whole-grain bread. Simple sides highlight the soup’s rich flavors without taking extra time.
For a cozy family dinner, it’s a favorite because everyone can customize their bowl—with cheese, hot sauce, or fresh herbs on top. Occasionally, I swap in quinoa instead of rice for a gluten-free option, or add extra veggies like zucchini to stretch it further.
This soup feels perfect for chilly fall nights or anytime fresh peppers are in season. My friends always ask for the recipe—they love how it tastes like a stuffed pepper but needs way less effort.
If you want more comforting soups in your routine, check out my turmeric ginger chicken noodle soup or this delicious ramen noodle soup for a change of pace. For a fun veggie twist, see my simanim stuffed butternut squash recipe.
Common Questions Answered
Can I make this stuffed pepper soup ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely! It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. I often make a big batch on Sundays for easy weeknight dinners. When reheating, add a splash of broth if it thickened too much.
What if I don’t have all the ingredients?
No worries! I’ve made this stuffed pepper casserole soup with frozen peppers, swapped the rice for pasta, or used different herbs. The key is that signature pepper-and-tomato flavor.
Is this a healthy stuffed pepper soup?
Yes, it’s nourishing and balanced with lean protein, veggies, and whole grains. You can make it even lighter by using ground turkey or skipping the oil.
Can I freeze leftover stuffed pepper soup?
You can but I prefer fresh or refrigerated leftovers for the best texture. If freezing, leave out the rice and add it fresh when reheating.
How spicy is the soup?
This version is mild, but you can kick up the heat with chili flakes or hot sauce when serving.
Can I make this vegan?
Definitely try swapping ground beef for lentils or plant-based crumble, and use vegetable broth. It still feels hearty and comforting.
How do I adjust flavor if the soup tastes bland?
A pinch of salt, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce can brighten it right up.
If you love the classic flavor, check out this cozy stuffed pepper soup from Cooking Classy or the stuffed pepper soup with ground beef and rice over at Bowl of Delicious for more inspiration. Another excellent variation to explore is the Stuffed Pepper Soup – Dinner at the Zoo.
Final Thoughts
This stuffed pepper soup is special to me because it bridges ease and nourishment—comfort food that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. My favorite stuffed pepper soup tips? First, use leftover rice to save time. Second, don’t be afraid to add extra bell peppers for sweetness and texture. Third, let it simmer gently for that deep, rich flavor.
Over time, I’ve played with simple swaps like ground turkey or quinoa, and even made it into a thicker stuffed pepper casserole soup. Yet, the version I come back to often is the classic ground beef and bell pepper combo simmered into this easy stuffed pepper soup.
I hope this inspires you to make it your own—feel free to add your favorite spices or veggies and make it your personal best version.
Sharing this recipe feels like inviting you into my kitchen, to enjoy a nourishing, heartwarming meal that fits your busy days without pressure or fuss. Here’s to many cozy bowls of stuffed pepper soup ahead!
And if you want to branch out, don’t forget to check out some other simple favorites like this simanim stuffed butternut squash or the turmeric ginger chicken noodle soup on Just Healthy Bites.
Happy cooking, friend!
Stuffed Pepper Soup
A hearty, comforting soup that captures all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers in a warm, flavorful bowl perfect for any season.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 bell peppers (red, green, yellow), diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Add ground beef to the pot, cooking until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the diced bell peppers and cook for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, oregano, and basil. Stir to combine.
- Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in cooked rice and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

