Quick High Protein Stuffed Pepper Soup for Easy Weeknight Dinners

High Protein Stuffed Pepper Soup is the kind of weeknight dinner that makes you feel like a superhero in the kitchen. With hearty ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and a broth so savory you might just sip it straight from the ladle (no judgment here), this soup delivers big flavor and serious protein. Whether you’re dealing with picky eaters, end-of-day exhaustion, or that post-holiday fridge clean-out, this soup’s got your back. It’s cozy, filling, and just a little nostalgic—kind of like your favorite casserole took a spa day and came back in soup form.

Bonus? You can make it on the stove, in the crockpot, or in the Instant Pot. And let’s be real: any recipe that gives options is already winning. Packed with 20g of protein per serving, High Protein Stuffed Pepper Soup is a smart, satisfying solution to the eternal “what’s for dinner?” dilemma, especially when you’re short on time but craving something that tastes like home.

Table of Contents

What is High Protein Stuffed Pepper Soup?

High Protein Stuffed Pepper Soup is basically your favorite stuffed peppers… but in a bowl. Think: tender ground beef, sweet bell peppers, a flavorful tomato broth, and rice all mingling together like besties at a family reunion. What makes it different from regular stuffed peppers? For starters, there’s no stuffing involved—just scoop, simmer, and serve. It’s everything you love, minus the fuss.

Plus, with a protein-packed profile, it’s a fantastic option for anyone trying to sneak in more fuel without sacrificing flavor. If you’ve ever wished comfort food could meet your macro goals, this is it. It’s rich without being heavy, hearty without being a total carb bomb, and so easy to throw together that you might just make it twice in one week. Bonus: kids usually gobble it up, and it’s totally meal-prep friendly. A warm, comforting bowl that works just as well on Sunday night as it does in your Tuesday lunchbox? Yes, please.

Reasons to Try High Protein Stuffed Pepper Soup

First off, let’s talk about convenience. High Protein Stuffed Pepper Soup is a weeknight savior—it’s one pot, low mess, and totally adaptable. Got an Instant Pot? Boom. Crockpot? Easy. Stove? Classic. Next up: it’s got the kind of rich, comforting flavor that somehow tastes like it took hours, even though it’s on the table in under an hour. And here’s the kicker—each serving packs in 20 grams of protein without skimping on taste.

For busy moms, fitness-focused foodies, or anyone trying to avoid the takeout trap, that’s a win. It’s also super customizable—sub in ground turkey, swap white rice for brown, go wild with extra veggies. It freezes like a dream, reheats beautifully, and—bonus—it actually gets better the next day. Oh, and did I mention it’s kid-approved and reheats well enough to make lunch the next day feel like a treat? Yep, this soup just might be your new best friend.

Ingredients Needed to Make High Protein Stuffed Pepper Soup

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup diced onion
• ½ tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 cups diced red, orange, or yellow bell peppers
• 14.5 oz can petite diced tomatoes
• 15 oz can tomato sauce
• 3 cups water
• 2 cups low sodium beef broth
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ⅔ cup long grain white rice

Instructions to Make High Protein Stuffed Pepper Soup

Whether you’re a stovetop traditionalist, a slow cooker devotee, or on a first-name basis with your Instant Pot, this soup’s got a method for you. Let’s break it down step by step.

Stovetop Instructions

Brown the Beef

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for about 10 minutes, breaking it up as you go, until it’s browned and no longer pink.

Sauté the Aromatics

Toss in your diced onions and garlic. Sauté for another 2 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant.

Add Everything Else

Stir in your bell peppers, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, broth, herbs, spices, and rice. Give it all a good stir.

Boil, Then Simmer

Cover the pot and turn up the heat. Once it comes to a boil (about 10 minutes), uncover, reduce to medium heat, and let it simmer for 2 minutes.

Let It Rest

Take it off the heat and let it sit uncovered for 10 minutes. This lets the rice finish cooking and thickens the soup just enough.

Serve It Up

Remove the bay leaf. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley. Want a thicker texture? Let it sit longer. Prefer a brothy bowl? Add more broth when reheating leftovers.

For Instant Pot and Crockpot instructions, visit our full How to Make High Protein Soups guide.

What to Serve with High Protein Stuffed Pepper Soup

This soup is pretty much a one-bowl wonder, but if you’re feeling fancy—or feeding a hungry crowd—you’ve got options. A crusty piece of garlic bread? Always a hit. A light green salad with a zippy vinaigrette adds a fresh contrast to all that cozy richness. Or, if you’re going full comfort food mode, pair it with these Mini Chicken Pot Pies for a dinner that’ll wow even the pickiest eaters. Leftovers? Turn them into a meal with a quick grilled cheese sandwich or some roasted veggies on the side. If you’re low-carb, skip the bread and add a scoop of cauliflower rice instead. It’s flexible, filling, and plays well with others.

Key Tips for Making High Protein Stuffed Pepper Soup

Let’s keep it simple, shall we? First—brown the beef well. It adds flavor. Second—don’t skip the garlic and herbs. They’re the unsung heroes that make this taste like it simmered all day. If you’re worried about mushy rice, cook it separately and stir it in at the end. Leftovers? Add a splash of broth when reheating to loosen things up. Want to boost the protein even more? Sub in ground turkey or add a scoop of unflavored collagen powder. And if spice is your thing, bump up those red pepper flakes or toss in a dash of hot sauce. Finally, make a double batch. This soup freezes great and is a total lifesaver on nights when cooking feels like a chore. For a similar cozy option, check out our Easy Cabbage Roll Soup.

Storage and Reheating Tips for High Protein Stuffed Pepper Soup

This soup stores like a champ. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and stash it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s gotten too thick. For longer storage, freeze it in single-serving containers (leave a little space for expansion) and it’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat straight from frozen on the stove. If you’re meal prepping, you can even cook the rice separately and add it fresh when serving to keep it from going too soft. Batch cooking win? We think so. While you’re stocking your freezer, try pairing it with our freezer-friendly Southern-Style Pierogi Soup too!

FAQs

Can I use brown rice or cauliflower rice instead?
Absolutely. Brown rice takes a bit longer to cook, so pre-cook it or adjust your timing. Cauliflower rice? Add it at the very end to avoid mush.

Is it okay to swap the beef for turkey or chicken?
Totally. Ground turkey or chicken are great lean swaps. The flavors still shine and you keep that protein punch.

How do I keep the rice from getting mushy in leftovers?
Cook it separately and stir it into individual portions as needed. Or, reheat with added broth to loosen things up.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yep! Just skip the parmesan garnish or use a dairy-free alternative.

Final Thoughts

High Protein Stuffed Pepper Soup is the weeknight dinner hero you didn’t know you needed. It’s quick, satisfying, and protein-packed with just enough comfort to feel like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you make it on the stove, in the crockpot, or in the Instant Pot, it’s simple to prepare and easy to love. Perfect for busy nights, meal prepping, or those days when takeout just isn’t cutting it. Plus, with its cozy flavor and versatile add-ins, it’s bound to become a repeat recipe in your kitchen. Don’t forget to bookmark our Baked Caesar Chicken for another go-to protein-packed dinner!

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