There’s something so comforting about a bowl of soup, especially one that tastes just like a favorite home-cooked meal. Stuffed Pepper Soup takes all the classic flavors of stuffed peppers – savory beef, sweet bell peppers, hearty rice, and a perfectly seasoned tomato base – and transforms them into a warm, one-pot wonder. It’s a family-friendly dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make.
Perfect for busy weeknights or a quiet Sunday dinner, this soup brings a bit of nostalgia with every spoonful. Plus, it’s easy to customize to suit your preference, making it a go-to recipe you’ll want to whip up again and again! Here's how to make this comforting dish:
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this flavorful stuffed pepper soup, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 bell peppers, diced (a mix of red, yellow, and green for color and flavor)
- 1 (28-ounce) can of diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can of tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken/vegetable broth if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added depth)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the pot. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
2. Build the Base
Stir in the diced bell peppers and cook for 5 minutes, allowing them to slightly soften. Next, add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, oregano, basil, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine.
3. Simmer and Develop Flavor
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and allow it to simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors meld together and softens the vegetables perfectly.
4. Add the Rice
Once the soup has simmered and the peppers are tender, stir in the cooked rice. Warm it through for 5 minutes. Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
5. Garnish and Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. You could also add shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Tips for the Perfect Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Make It Your Own: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative to suit your taste or dietary needs. Use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- Vegetable Boost: Sneak in extra veggies like zucchini, carrots, or spinach for added nutrients.
- Control the Consistency: Love a thicker soup? Add less broth or blend a portion of the soup before adding the rice. Prefer a thinner soup? Stir in a bit more broth at the end.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This soup stores wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to four days. It also freezes well! Keep the rice separate until serving to avoid it soaking up too much liquid over time.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Stuffed Pepper Soup with crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up all that rich tomato broth. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect refreshing side. Whether you enjoy it as a cozy weeknight meal or double the batch for a weekend gathering, this soup always hits the spot.
Enjoy the rich flavors of stuffed peppers in every warming spoonful of this easy-to-make Stuffed Pepper Soup. With its balance of heartiness and comfort, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Happy cooking!
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