Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the rich, aromatic flavors of Italy, without spending hours slaving over the stove. This Italian Stuffed Pepper Crock Pot Soup is your ticket to an effortless, mouthwatering meal that combines the hearty goodness of ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and classic Italian seasonings. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this soup transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the bell peppers and onion into small pieces, and mince the garlic cloves.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the ground beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- In your crock pot, combine the cooked ground beef mixture with the chopped bell peppers, diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the beef broth may already contain salt, so taste before adding additional salt.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- After 6 hours of cooking, check the soup for seasoning and adjust if necessary. If the soup is too thick, you can add a bit more beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Once ready, ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can optionally garnish with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor.
- Enjoy your Italian Stuffed Pepper Crock Pot Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal!
Tips
- For maximum flavor, brown the ground beef thoroughly before adding to the crock pot. This step caramelizes the meat and adds depth to the soup's taste.
- Use fresh garlic if possible - it makes a significant difference in the overall flavor profile compared to pre-minced garlic.
- If you want to reduce fat content, opt for lean ground beef or even ground turkey as a substitute.
- Don't skip draining the excess fat after browning the meat - this prevents the soup from becoming too greasy.
- For a more robust flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while sautéing the onions and garlic.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste or sprinkle some quick-cooking rice during the last hour of cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 60mg
