Stuffed Pepper Soup is a hearty, one-pot meal that brings together all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers in a warm and comforting bowl. With tender bell peppers, savory ground beef, tomatoes, and rice simmered in a rich broth, it’s an easy and satisfying recipe perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Why We Love This Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe
There is something truly magical about how the ingredients in Stuffed Pepper Soup come together. The vibrant colors of the bell peppers, the rich aroma of garlic and onions, and the hearty ground beef create a tantalizing medley that is hard to resist. You will find that the soup not only warms your body but also your soul. Plus, it’s versatile enough to cater to various dietary needs, making it enjoyable for everyone. As the namesake of the dish suggests, Stuffed Pepper Soup packs all the delightful flavors you expect from traditional stuffed peppers, but in an easier-to-prepare format.
What’s more, this comforting soup is loaded with nutrients. Bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, while the ground beef contributes protein necessary for maintaining muscle mass. Combined with wholesome ingredients like tomatoes and rice, this recipe ensures you’re enjoying a balanced meal. With each spoonful, you’ll delight in the rich flavors while knowing you’re nourishing your body.
Ingredients for Stuffed Pepper Soup
For the best results in making Stuffed Pepper Soup, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 bell peppers, chopped (any color you prefer)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 6 cups beef broth
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 14 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 cup uncooked rice
With these fresh ingredients on hand, you’re ready to create a delightful dish that will fill your home with a delicious aroma.
How to Make Stuffed Pepper Soup Directions
Making Stuffed Pepper Soup is a straightforward process that will leave you with a delicious outcome. Follow these step-by-step directions to create your own comforting bowl of soup.
Prepare your ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients and chopping the bell peppers, onion, and mincing the garlic. These preliminary steps ensure that your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.
Heat the olive oil: In a deep pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. This will create a base for your sautéed vegetables, ensuring a rich flavor.
Sauté the vegetables: Once the oil is hot, add the chopped bell peppers, minced garlic, and chopped onion to the pot. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.
Add the ground beef: Increase the heat slightly and add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned, about 6–8 minutes. This step is crucial as the browning adds depth to the flavor.
Combine the liquids and spices: Once the beef is cooked through, pour in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and dried Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
Simmer the soup: Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for around 20 minutes. This simmering process melds the flavors beautifully and enriches the overall taste of the soup.
Add the rice: Stir in the uncooked rice and allow the soup to simmer for an additional 15 minutes or until the rice is tender. Make sure to check occasionally and stir to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
Final touches: Once the rice is cooked, give the soup a good stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary. If you’d like, you can garnish with fresh herbs or cheese when serving for an extra touch of flavor.
Congratulations! You’ve now crafted a warm and hearty pot of Stuffed Pepper Soup that’s ready to be enjoyed.
How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Soup
Serving Stuffed Pepper Soup can be just as enjoyable as cooking it. Here are some ideas for how to present this comfort food to your loved ones:
Warm bowls: Serve the soup in individual warm bowls to enhance the experience. A warm vessel keeps the soup piping hot and creates a cozy ambiance.
Garnishes: Consider topping your soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, cheese, or croutons. These garnishes can add texture and flavor, making each spoonful even more delightful.
Accompaniments: Pair your soup with crusty bread or a simple side salad. A fresh side salad can add crunch and balance to the meal, making it more rounded.
Family style: For a communal feel, you can serve the soup directly from the pot in the center of the table. Provide bowls and let everyone help themselves, fostering a sense of togetherness.
Leftovers storage: If you have leftovers, store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The soup actually tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep!
Expert Tips: Stuffed Pepper Soup
Customize the flavors: Feel free to experiment with different spices or additional vegetables if you wish. Adding corn or zucchini can provide an interesting twist.
Lean meats: If you want a healthier version, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. It still delivers a hearty taste while reducing fat content.
Vegan options: For a vegetarian or vegan twist, substitute the ground beef with lentils or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a rich flavor.
Cook the rice separately: If you prefer your soup with a thinner consistency, consider cooking the rice separately and adding it to each bowl before serving. This way, it won’t absorb too much liquid over time.
Batch cooking: This recipe is perfect for making in larger batches. Preparing double the amount allows you to have ready meals for the week, perfect for busy nights when you don’t feel like cooking.
How to Store Stuffed Pepper Soup
To ensure your Stuffed Pepper Soup maintains its quality and flavor, proper storage is key. Here’s how to do it:
Cool down: Before storing, let the soup cool down to room temperature. Quickly putting hot food in the refrigerator can raise the overall temperature of your fridge, compromising food safety.
Use airtight containers: Transfer the soup to airtight containers. This helps keep it fresh and prevents it from absorbing odors from other foods in your fridge.
Refrigeration: Store your soup in the refrigerator if you intend to enjoy it within the next few days. It can last for about 3–4 days.
Freezing options: For longer storage, Stuffed Pepper Soup can be frozen. It’s best to use freezer-safe containers or bags. Simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your soup again, reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until it’s piping hot.
Variations of Stuffed Pepper Soup
One of the best aspects of Stuffed Pepper Soup is its versatility. Here are some mouthwatering variations you might want to consider:
Spicy version: If you like a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to spice up your soup.
Cheesy addition: Stir in some shredded cheese such as mozzarella or cheddar right before serving. It melts beautifully, creating an irresistible creamy texture.
Southwestern twist: Incorporate black beans, corn, and use taco seasoning instead of Italian seasoning for a complete flavor change. This variation can give the soup a zesty Southwest flair.
Herb enhancements: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme as a garnish to enhance the soup’s aroma and freshness.
Noodle alternative: Swap out the rice for similar-sized pasta, such as small shells or elbow macaroni. This will create a different texture and flavor while still providing a filling meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Stuffed Pepper Soup?
Stuffed Pepper Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the classic ingredients found in traditional stuffed peppers. Ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, and rice all come together in a delightful savory broth that warms the soul.
How long does it take to make Stuffed Pepper Soup?
The total time for preparing and cooking Stuffed Pepper Soup is approximately 45–50 minutes. This includes 20 minutes of simmering the broth and an additional 15 minutes for cooking the rice.
Can I make Stuffed Pepper Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Stuffed Pepper Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, many find that the flavors deepen and improve after a day in the fridge, making it a great meal prep option.
Can I freeze Stuffed Pepper Soup?
Yes, you can freeze Stuffed Pepper Soup! It holds up well in the freezer, so make a big batch and save some for later. Just remember to let it cool before freezing.
What can I serve with Stuffed Pepper Soup?
Alongside Stuffed Pepper Soup, consider offering fresh bread, a green salad, or even a light fruit dessert. These pairings complement the soup and round out the meal nicely.
Stuffed Pepper Soup
Equipment
- Deep pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 medium bell peppers chopped (any color)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 6 cups beef broth
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 14 oz fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 cup uncooked rice
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients and chop the bell peppers, onion, and mince the garlic.
- In a deep pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped bell peppers, garlic, and onion to the pot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Increase the heat slightly and add the ground beef. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
- Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for about 20 minutes.
- Stir in the uncooked rice and let the soup simmer for an additional 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
- Once the rice is cooked, stir well, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot.
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