This stuffed pepper soup recipe offers all the comforting flavors of classic stuffed peppers without the fuss. It’s a delicious, deconstructed twist on a beloved dish, bringing together ground meat, tender bell peppers, rice, and a rich tomato broth. Hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, this hearty soup is perfect for busy weeknights or for simple meal prep. Get ready to enjoy a satisfying bowl that tastes like home.
Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Pepper Soup
You are going to adore this easy stuffed pepper soup recipe! It’s designed for simplicity and incredible flavor.
- It captures all the authentic flavors of traditional stuffed peppers in a comforting bowl.
- Preparation is mostly one-pot, making cleanup a breeze for busy schedules.
- The soup is incredibly satisfying and filling, perfect for a hearty family meal.
- It’s a family-friendly dish that you can easily customize to everyone’s liking.
- This recipe is excellent for make-ahead meals, with flavors that deepen overnight.
Ingredients for Stuffed Pepper Soup
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this comforting stuffed pepper soup recipe. This list ensures a flavorful and hearty meal.
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup chopped red bell pepper (a little over 1/2 of a medium)
- 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans petite diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can low-sodium beef broth
- 2 1/2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white or brown rice (I love both options)
- Cheddar or mozzarella cheese, for serving (optional)
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your pantry and preferences. Feel free to experiment!
- Ground meat: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for the beef.
- Bell peppers: Any color mix works perfectly, so use what you have on hand.
- Rice: Brown rice, wild rice, or even quinoa are delicious alternatives to white rice.
- Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes or tomato passata can replace diced tomatoes.
- Herbs: Fresh rosemary or thyme are wonderful additions if you want to switch things up.
- Cheese: Try cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone for a different cheesy topping.
Essential Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this delightful stuffed pepper soup.
- A large Dutch oven or pot for simmering.
- A cutting board and sharp knife for prepping vegetables.
- Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
- A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and hearty stuffed pepper soup recipe. Making this soup is straightforward, even for beginners.
First, prepare all your vegetables and ingredients by chopping the onion and bell peppers, and mincing the garlic. This ensures everything is ready when you need it.
In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef to the pot and season it with salt and pepper. Cook the beef, stirring occasionally and breaking it up with your spoon, until it is thoroughly browned. Drain any excess fat completely and transfer the cooked beef onto a plate lined with paper towels to set aside. This step is crucial for developing flavor.
The browning of ground beef, a key step in this recipe, creates rich flavors through the Maillard reaction, a complex chemical process involving amino acids and sugars.
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the same pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté these vegetables for about 3 minutes until they begin to soften. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the cans of petite diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and low-sodium beef broth. Stir in the fresh parsley, dried basil, and dried oregano. Return the browned beef to the pot, then season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir to combine.
Bring the soup just to a light boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
While the soup simmers, prepare your rice according to the package directions. Cook the rice separately to prevent it from absorbing too much liquid and becoming mushy in the soup.
Once the soup is done simmering and the rice is cooked, stir the desired amount of cooked rice into the soup. You can add it all at once or serve it separately in each bowl.
Serve the stuffed pepper soup warm, topped with optional shredded cheese and a garnish of fresh parsley. Enjoy this comforting meal!
Pro Tips for the Best Stuffed Pepper Soup
Mastering this stuffed pepper soup is easy with a few expert tricks. These tips ensure maximum flavor every time.
- Brown beef well to develop deep, rich flavors for your soup base.
- Drain all grease completely from the cooked ground beef for a lighter, less oily soup.
- Don’t overcook the bell peppers; they should remain slightly tender-crisp for texture.
- Adjust seasonings throughout simmering; taste and add more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
- Add rice just before serving, or let individuals add it to their bowls to prevent it from getting too soft.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This easy stuffed pepper soup is versatile for serving and perfect for meal planning.
Serve your hearty soup hot with a side of crusty bread for dipping or a crisp green salad to round out the meal. The flavors are so satisfying on their own!
Store any leftover stuffed pepper soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It reheats wonderfully, often tasting even better the next day. Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Delicious Variations
Get creative with your stuffed pepper soup using these simple ideas.
- Make it vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with cooked lentils or your favorite plant-based ground meat alternative.
- Add a spicy kick with a pinch of red chili flakes stirred in with the other spices.
- Include other vegetables like corn, diced carrots, or zucchini for added nutrients and texture.
- Try different cheese toppings suchs as smoked gouda or a sharp provolone for unique flavor profiles.
- Grain-free option: Omit the rice entirely and serve the soup over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
Nutrition Information
This stuffed pepper soup recipe is packed with wholesome ingredients. It’s naturally rich in vegetables, providing essential vitamins and fiber.
Bell peppers, a key ingredient, are known for their rich vitamin C content and antioxidant properties, contributing to overall health benefits.
The ground beef offers a good source of lean protein, making it a satisfying meal. This soup is easily customizable for various dietary needs, whether you prefer leaner protein or specific vegetables. For precise nutritional values, we recommend using an online calculator based on your exact ingredients.
| Serving Size | 1/6 of recipe |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350-400 |
| Protein | ~25g |
| Fat | ~15-20g |
| Carbohydrates | ~30-35g |
| Fiber | ~5g |
Note: Nutrition estimates are approximations and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
Stuffed Pepper Soup FAQ
We have answers to your most common questions about making this comforting soup.
Can I make this soup ahead?
Absolutely! This hearty stuffed pepper soup is excellent for making ahead. Prepare it a day or two in advance, and the flavors will only deepen and improve.
Is it possible to freeze stuffed pepper soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup, but with a slight modification. Freeze the soup without the cooked rice, as rice can become mushy when thawed. Cook and add fresh rice when you reheat the soup.
What is the best type of rice?
Long-grain white or brown rice both work well. White rice cooks faster, while brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber.
How can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) during the last 10 minutes of simmering. Stir it in gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I use ground turkey instead?
Definitely! Ground turkey is a fantastic lean substitute for ground beef in this stuffed pepper soup recipe. Just make sure to brown it well and drain any fat.
Conclusion
This stuffed pepper soup recipe offers a delightful and easy way to enjoy the classic flavors you love. It’s a comforting, hearty meal that comes together quickly, making it ideal for any busy day. We encourage you to try this simple twist on a beloved dish and make it a staple in your kitchen. Share your experience and any delicious variations you discover in the comments below!
