Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe

Cook Time: 205 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 3 (14.5 ounce) cans low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can fire roasted diced tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, pressed
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup onion
• 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon, such as Knorr
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
• 1 cup instant white rice (such as Minute Rice)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, or as needed

Directions

Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir the ground beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and discard any excess grease.

Step 2: Place the cooked beef, chicken broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, garlic, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, onion, chicken bouillon, oregano, salt, and pepper into a slow cooker. Stir everything to combine.

Step 3: Cover and cook on High until the vegetables are tender, about 3 to 4 hours.

Step 4: Once the vegetables are softened, add the rice to the slow cooker. Stir well and continue cooking until the rice is tender, about 20 to 25 minutes more.

Step 5: Serve the stew hot, topped with shredded mozzarella cheese. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	280	---
Total Fat	14g	17%
Saturated Fat	5g	27%
Cholesterol	58mg	19%
Sodium	966mg	42%
Total Carbohydrate	18g	6%
Dietary Fiber	3g	10%
Total Sugars	6g	---
Protein	23g	46%
Vitamin C	47mg	52%
Calcium	141mg	11%
Iron	3mg	19%
Potassium	732mg	16%

Note: The nutrition values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your individual needs.

The History and Cultural Roots of Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup

Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup is a modern adaptation of the classic stuffed bell pepper dish, which has roots stretching across multiple cultures. Stuffed peppers themselves date back to Mediterranean and Eastern European cuisines, where peppers were commonly filled with a mixture of meat, rice, and vegetables. The transformation into a soup form likely emerged in American kitchens during the rise of slow cookers in the mid-20th century, allowing busy households to enjoy the flavors of a hearty stuffed pepper without the labor-intensive process of baking individual peppers. This deconstructed approach captures the essence of the traditional dish while emphasizing convenience and comfort.

Regional Characteristics

While stuffed peppers are popular in countries like Hungary, Turkey, and Spain, the soup variant is particularly associated with American home cooking. In the U.S., regional adaptations often include using ground beef, tomato sauce, and a combination of bell peppers with instant rice, reflecting both Midwestern heartiness and Southern comfort food traditions. Some regional versions may incorporate spices such as cayenne or smoked paprika to enhance flavor, while others lean on simple herbs like oregano to keep the taste classic and familiar.

Distinctions from Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional stuffed peppers, which require individual peppers to be hollowed, filled, and baked, the slow cooker soup offers all the same ingredients in a more fluid, easily portioned form. Compared to a basic vegetable or beef soup, it is distinguished by the combination of rice, diced peppers, and a tomato-meat base that closely mimics the layered flavor of stuffed peppers. The addition of mozzarella on top before serving further separates it from standard soups by echoing the cheesy topping typical of baked stuffed peppers.

Typical Serving Occasions

This soup is often served as a hearty weeknight dinner or a warm lunch during colder months. It fits well in casual family settings, potlucks, and gatherings where comfort food is appreciated. Because of its rich flavors and filling nature, it is commonly paired with simple side salads or crusty bread rather than complex accompaniments, allowing the soup itself to be the main attraction.

Interesting Facts

• The slow cooker method allows the flavors to meld over hours without constant supervision, which is why this soup has become a favorite for busy households.
• While mozzarella is a common topping, some cooks experiment with cheddar or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
• This soup is highly versatile: leftover versions can be frozen and reheated without significant loss of taste, making it ideal for meal prep.
• Though often associated with American comfort cuisine, its roots in Mediterranean and Eastern European stuffed pepper traditions highlight the global evolution of home cooking recipes.
• The combination of rice, ground beef, and bell peppers ensures a balanced meal in a single bowl, which is part of its enduring popularity among families.

FAQ about Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe

Comments