If you’re looking for a bowl of comfort that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, you’ve got to try this Cozy Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe. It blends all the best parts of stuffed peppers — the hearty ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and rich tomato base — into a soothing, easy-to-simmer soup that’s perfect for busy nights or casual weekend meals. I always find this recipe hits the spot when I want something wholesome but not fussy.

What really makes this Cozy Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe shine is how every ingredient works together to create layers of flavor that feel both familiar and fresh. Cooking it is a breeze, and once you’ve got your pot going, you can relax knowing dinner is almost done. Plus, this soup stores beautifully, so you can enjoy leftovers that taste just as good the next day — I’ll share my tips on that below!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple, fresh, and easy to find, which is why this soup is as approachable as it is delicious. When shopping, look for ripe bell peppers and fresh herbs to really brighten up the flavors.

Lean ground beef: I prefer lean beef for a healthier option without losing that meaty richness.
Olive oil: Dividing it for sautéing helps control the cooking process and boost the flavor.
Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the soup’s base.
Red bell pepper: Gives a vibrant color and a touch of natural sweetness.
Green bell pepper: Provides that classic stuffed pepper flavor and a slight crunch.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic really elevates the aroma and taste.
Petite diced tomatoes: I love these for their perfect size and their ability to meld into the broth.
Tomato sauce: It creates a smooth, rich soup base.
Low-sodium beef broth: Keeps the soup savory without being too salty.
Fresh parsley: Freshness is key here — it brightens every spoonful.
Dried basil and oregano: Classic Italian herbs that round out the flavor profile.
Uncooked long grain rice: Whether white or brown, rice adds wholesome body to the soup.
Cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional): For that melty, comforting finish when serving.

Variations

I love tweaking this Cozy Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the mood I’m in. It’s so forgiving and open to personalization, so don’t be shy about making it your own!

Vegetarian version: Swap out the ground beef for diced mushrooms or lentils—you won’t miss the meat, and it’s a great way to add extra fiber.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño if you like a bit of heat; it livens up the rich tomato base nicely.
Cheesy twist: Stir in some cream cheese or sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top for a luscious, creamy bowl.
Grain swap: Use quinoa or barley instead of rice for a nuttier flavor and different texture.
Seasonal veggies: Try adding zucchini, corn, or even carrots to mix up the veggie game when peppers aren’t at their peak.

How to Make Cozy Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the beef and soften the veggies

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the ground beef and season it with salt and pepper. Cook until it’s nicely browned — you want that rich caramelization for flavor. Drain any excess fat, then push the beef to the side or remove it temporarily. Add the remaining olive oil, then sauté the chopped onion, red and green bell peppers until they’re tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes. The key here is not to rush — gentle cooking brings out the natural sweetness of the veggies.

Step 2: Add garlic and tomatoes

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant — you don’t want it to burn. Then pour in both cans of petite diced tomatoes along with the tomato sauce. This combo creates a rich, chunky tomato base that feels hearty but still light.

Step 3: Pour in broth, herbs, and rice

Next, add the low-sodium beef broth, chopped fresh parsley, dried basil, and oregano. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the uncooked rice, reduce heat to a simmer, and cover the pot. Let it cook gently until the rice is tender — about 20-25 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t dry out; add a splash more broth or water if it looks too thick.

Step 4: Season and finish

Give your soup a taste test and adjust the salt and pepper. If you’re adding cheese, this is the time to stir in some shredded cheddar or mozzarella until melty and delicious. Then, sprinkle more fresh parsley on top before serving.

How to Serve Cozy Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe

The image shows a large white pot filled with a thick, colorful stew made of cooked white rice, small pieces of browned meat, diced red and green bell peppers, and crushed tomatoes all mixed in a rich reddish-orange broth. The stew has a slightly glossy texture, with herbs like chopped parsley sprinkled evenly on top, adding green highlights. A wooden spoon is partially submerged on the left side, suggesting the stew is being stirred. The pot rests on a white marbled surface with fresh green parsley in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my bowls with a handful of shredded cheddar — it melts into the warm soup and adds this wonderful creamy tang. Fresh parsley or even a little chopped green onion adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens every bite.

Side Dishes

Pairing this Cozy Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe with some crusty bread or garlic toast is my go-to move. The bread soaks up every last bit of the flavorful broth and makes for a satisfying, cozy meal. If you want to keep it light, a simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette works beautifully, too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, I’ve served this soup in mini bread bowls during small gatherings; everyone loves the novelty, and it doubles as a tasty side! Another idea is topping individual servings with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The rice soaks up more broth as it sits, making the soup thicker and even more comforting. Just give it a good stir and maybe add a splash of broth when you reheat it.

Freezing

This Cozy Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe freezes well, but since rice can change texture when frozen, I recommend freezing the soup without rice and adding freshly cooked rice when reheating. That way, you keep the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup is too thick, just add a little broth or water to loosen it up. If you froze it without rice, cook fresh rice separately and add it right before serving for the best results.

FAQs

Can I make this Cozy Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can brown the beef and sauté the veggies on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Add the tomatoes, broth, herbs, and rice (or add rice later to avoid overcooking) and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Keep an eye on the rice texture by adding it toward the last hour to prevent mushiness.
What can I use if I don’t have fresh parsley?

Dried parsley works in a pinch, but fresh parsley really gives the soup its bright, fresh flavor. If you don’t have either, you can substitute with fresh cilantro or even fresh basil, though the flavor profile will shift a bit.
Can I use other types of rice for this soup?

Yes! Long grain white rice is classic and quick, but brown rice adds a nice nuttiness and is healthier. Just remember brown rice takes longer to cook, so adjust simmering time accordingly. Wild rice or a rice blend could be interesting too, just monitor cooking times closely.
Is this soup freezer-friendly with the cheese added?

It’s best to add cheese fresh when serving because frozen cheese can change texture and become grainy. Freeze the soup without cheese and sprinkle shredded cheese on top when reheating for that fresh, melty experience.

Final Thoughts

This Cozy Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a little bowl of home, no matter where you are. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but comforting enough to serve when friends drop by unexpectedly. I hope you find as much joy in making and eating it as I do — it’s a recipe that’s truly worth keeping in your kitchen rotation.