If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious meal that practically makes itself, Healthy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup is the answer. This cozy soup combines all the flavors you love in traditional stuffed peppers, but in a comforting soup form that’s perfect for any day of the week. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this soup is both satisfying and packed with wholesome ingredients.
Why We Love This Healthy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe
You’ll appreciate the simplicity and ease of making Healthy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup. Not only does it fill your kitchen with delicious scents, but you’ll also love how you can customize the ingredients to suit your taste. It’s a great way to ensure you’re getting your veggies while enjoying a hearty meal. Plus, cooking it in a crockpot allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, giving you a rich and satisfying dish that feels indulgent yet healthy.
Ingredients about Healthy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup
Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward making this mouthwatering soup. Here’s what you need:
- 1 pound extra lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 bell peppers, diced (consider using a mix of colors, such as green and yellow)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3-4 cups reduced sodium beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1/2 cup uncooked quick cooking brown rice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons marjoram
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Healthy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup Directions
Making this Healthy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup is straightforward and enjoyable. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create this comforting dish.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the extra lean ground beef and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. You want it to be nicely browned. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the soup healthy and delicious.
- Add the Veggies: Next, toss in the diced yellow onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic into the skillet. Cook these for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until they become tender and fragrant.
- Transfer to the Crockpot: Now it’s time to bring it all together. Carefully transfer the browned beef and sautéed vegetables into your slow cooker.
- Add Liquids and Rice: Pour in the beef broth, marinara sauce, and fire-roasted tomatoes. Don’t forget to add in the uncooked quick-cooking brown rice. This will serve as the base for your soup, adding texture and heartiness.
- Season It Up: To ensure all the flavors shine, season your mixture with marjoram, chili powder, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat. Adjust salt and pepper to taste for a perfect balance.
- Slow Cook: Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. During this time, the flavors will blend, and the rice will cook to perfection.
- Serve and Enjoy: When it’s done, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for extra flavor and visual appeal.
How to Serve Healthy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup
Serve this comforting soup hot, right from the crockpot. It’s perfect for chilly evenings and casual gatherings. You might want to pair it with crusty whole-grain bread or a light salad to round out the meal. This soup is also fantastic for lunch leftovers; simply reheat and enjoy. Kids usually love the familiar flavors offered in this soup, making it a family favorite. For added fun, let family members personalize their servings with toppings like shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of chopped herbs.
Expert Tips: Healthy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup
To enhance your cooking experience and elevate your dish, consider the following expert tips:
- Meat Alternatives: If you prefer, swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also use plant-based meat substitutes if you’re going vegetarian or vegan.
- Adjusting Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to match your preference. If you enjoy more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños.
- Add More Veggies: Sneak in additional vegetables like zucchini, corn, or carrots to enrich the soup and add more nutrients.
- Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can reduce the amount of broth. Conversely, if you like a brothier soup, add more liquid.
- Crockpot Variability: Different slow cookers may vary in cooking times, so keep an eye on it the first time you make this recipe.
How to Store Healthy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup
Storing your leftover Healthy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup is easy. Allow the soup to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This soup can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. If you want to store it for an extended period, consider freezing it. Place the cooled soup in a freezer-safe container, and it will last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the crockpot.
Variation of Healthy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup
Spice up your culinary routine by trying different variations of this soup.
- Vegetable-Only Version: For a vegetarian take, eliminate the meat and add more beans like black beans or kidney beans for protein.
- Cheesy Version: Incorporate cream cheese or shredded cheddar during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a creamy, cheesy twist.
- Mexican-Inspired: Add black beans, corn, and taco seasoning instead of the chili powder for a tasty Mexican-inspired soup.
- Asian Style: Use ground chicken, add soy sauce, sesame oil, and serve with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a fusion flavor experience.
- Quinoa Alternative: Substitute the brown rice with quinoa for a gluten-free option while providing an additional protein boost.
FAQ
What is Healthy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup?
Healthy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup is a nutritious and hearty dish that brings the flavors of stuffed peppers into a comforting soup format. It features lean ground beef, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and rice, all slow-cooked together for a delicious meal.
How can I customize my Healthy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup?
You can customize the soup by varying the types of meat or beans used, adjusting the spices for heat, or adding other vegetables to enhance its nutritional content.
How long can I store Healthy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup?
You can store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool before transferring to an airtight container for storage.
Enjoy crafting this delightful soup that brings the warmth of home cooking with every bite. Happy cooking!
Healthy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound extra lean ground beef
- 1 cup medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 medium onion)
- 2 bell peppers, diced (mix of colors recommended)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3-4 cups reduced sodium beef broth
- 1.5 cups marinara sauce
- 1 14.5 oz can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 0.5 cup uncooked quick cooking brown rice
Spices and Seasoning
- 1.5 teaspoons marjoram
- 1.5 teaspoons chili powder
- 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the extra lean ground beef and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks until nicely browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced yellow onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic into the skillet. Cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until tender.
- Transfer the browned beef and sautéed vegetables into your slow cooker.
- Pour in the beef broth, marinara sauce, and fire-roasted tomatoes. Add the uncooked quick-cooking brown rice.
- Season with marjoram, chili powder, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if desired. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours.
Serving
- When it's done, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese and fresh parsley.
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