When it comes to cozy, nourishing meals, few things hit the spot quite like a warm bowl of soup. Healthy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup with uncooked rice combines all the flavors you adore in stuffed peppers into a comforting and hearty soup. This simple recipe invites you to fill your slow cooker with wholesome ingredients, letting them simmer to perfection while you go about your day. The combination of lean ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and flavorful spices creates an inviting soup that will fill your home with a delicious aroma.
Why We Love This Healthy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup
This Healthy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup isn’t just packed with flavor; it’s also incredibly easy to make. Using the slow cooker means you can throw everything in, set it, and forget it. The ingredients meld beautifully, allowing the flavors to develop without much effort on your part. Plus, using uncooked rice not only saves you time but also adds a wonderful texture to the soup. It’s a flexible recipe that allows for creativity, making it a great choice for any weeknight dinner or family gathering.
Ingredients for Healthy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup
To create this delicious soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 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 (adjust depending on how thick you like your soup)
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1/2 cup uncooked quick cooking brown rice (like Uncle Ben’s 20-minute 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 Healthy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup is a straightforward process that even beginner cooks can master. Here’s how to bring this comforting dish to life:
- Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the extra lean ground beef to the skillet, allowing it to cook until it’s browned. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. As you cook, make sure to break up the meat into smaller pieces, ensuring even cooking.
- Once your beef is browned, drain any excess fat to keep the soup lean and healthy.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion, diced bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook these vegetables for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to become tender and aromatic, which will add depth to your soup.
- If you have a slow cooker that features a sauté function, you can complete these steps directly in the slow cooker to simplify the process.
- Transfer the browned beef and sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Now it’s time to add the remaining ingredients: pour in the reduced sodium beef broth, marinara sauce, fire-roasted tomatoes, and quick cooking brown rice.
- Next, season the mixture with marjoram, chili powder, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if you’d like a bit of heat. Don’t forget to taste and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Set the slow cooker to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The longer you cook, the more the flavors will meld and develop, ensuring a rich and hearty soup.
- When ready to serve, ladle the soup into bowls and top with Parmesan or shredded mozzarella cheese for an added cheesy touch. A sprinkle of fresh parsley can also brighten the dish and enhance its visual appeal.
How to Serve Healthy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup
Serving Healthy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup is just as enjoyable as making it! Begin by ladling the soup into individual bowls. As you present this flavorful dish, consider adding a garnish of freshly grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella cheese for a creamy addition. Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the flavor profile, making the meal more appealing.
Pair the soup with a crusty piece of bread or a side salad to create a satisfying and complete meal. This soup is perfect for sharing, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Its delightful aroma and inviting appearance will have everyone eagerly awaiting their first bite.
Expert Tips: Healthy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup
To ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips:
- Opt for Lean Meat: Using extra lean ground beef helps keep the soup heart-healthy while still providing a satisfying flavor. You can also replace it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to get creative with vegetables. You can add zucchini, corn, or even beans for added protein and nutrition. Just be mindful of cooking times if you choose to include quicker-cooking vegetables.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you enjoy spicy food, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the soup. Alternatively, keep it mild for those who prefer less heat.
- Manage the Consistency: If you find the soup is too thick for your liking, simply add more beef broth or water. Adjusting it at the end of the cooking process helps you achieve the perfect consistency.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Since this recipe relies on simple yet flavorful components, using high-quality marinara sauce and beef broth can dramatically elevate the taste.
How to Store Healthy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup
Should you have any leftovers, storing your Healthy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup is easy! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to three to four days.
If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the soup. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion as the soup freezes. This way, you can enjoy the comforting flavors of this soup on a chilly evening or when you need a quick meal. When ready to eat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.
Variation of Healthy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup
This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to customize it based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some delightful variations to try:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the ground beef for plant-based meat alternatives or use a combination of beans like black beans and kidney beans. You can also add more vegetables to enhance the soup’s flavor and texture.
- Quinoa Alternative: Substitute uncooked rice with quinoa for added protein and a unique texture. Quinoa cooks up nicely in the slow cooker, and you might enjoy the nutty flavor it brings to the dish.
- Different Grains: Explore using other grains like farro or barley to create a heartier soup. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the grain you choose.
- More Greens: For an extra boost of nutrition, toss in some fresh spinach or kale during the last hour of cooking. This will add color and health benefits without altering the overall flavor.
- Spicy Curry Twist: If you’re in the mood for something different, try adding curry powder instead of the traditional spices. This unique twist brings a warm, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the vegetables.
FAQ
What is Healthy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup {with Uncooked Rice}? Healthy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup is a comforting dish that combines ground beef, bell peppers, and rice in a flavorful broth, simmered in a slow cooker for a hearty meal.
How long does it take to cook Healthy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup {with Uncooked Rice}? Cooking this soup takes about 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high in the slow cooker.
Can I make Healthy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup {with Uncooked Rice} vegetarian? Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by replacing the ground beef with beans or lentils and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Can I prepare Healthy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup {with Uncooked Rice} in advance? Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Just ensure you allow it to cool completely before storing.
What can I serve with Healthy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup {with Uncooked Rice}? This soup pairs well with crusty bread, a crisp side salad, or fresh fruit for a balanced and satisfying meal.
With this simple recipe and the tips provided, you can’t go wrong preparing Healthy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup. Enjoy the delicious flavors and the comfort it brings!
Healthy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound extra lean ground beef Opt for lean meat to keep it heart-healthy.
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced About 1 cup when diced.
- 2 bell peppers, diced Consider using a mix of colors, such as green and yellow.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Adds flavor.
- 3-4 cups reduced sodium beef broth Adjust for desired soup thickness.
- 1.5 cups marinara sauce Use a high-quality sauce for best flavor.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1/2 cup uncooked quick cooking brown rice Like Uncle Ben’s 20-minute rice.
- 1.5 teaspoons marjoram
- 1.5 teaspoons chili powder Adjust to taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional for heat.
- to taste Salt and pepper Season according to preference.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the extra lean ground beef, cooking until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
- Drain any excess fat from the beef.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion, diced bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until tender and aromatic.
- Transfer the browned beef and sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker.
Cooking
- Add remaining ingredients: reduced sodium beef broth, marinara sauce, fire-roasted tomatoes, and brown rice to the slow cooker.
- Season the mixture with marjoram, chili powder, dried basil, red pepper flakes, and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Set the slow cooker to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan or shredded mozzarella cheese and fresh parsley.
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