Stuffed Pepper Soup: A Hearty and Comforting Meal

Stuffed Pepper Soup takes the classic flavors of stuffed peppers and transforms them into a comforting, easy-to-make soup. This dish combines savory ground beef, sweet bell peppers, tender rice, and a rich tomato-based broth, making it a perfect meal for chilly evenings or a cozy family dinner. Packed with flavor and hearty ingredients, it’s a filling dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

The soup is made by browning the ground beef and sautéing the vegetables, which infuses the broth with rich flavors. Then, it’s simmered with beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and rice to create a flavorful base that closely resembles the stuffing inside a traditional stuffed pepper. With its comforting combination of savory beef, tender rice, and the natural sweetness of bell peppers, this soup is a perfect one-pot meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Whether you’re looking for a filling lunch or a hearty dinner, Stuffed Pepper Soup is a quick and simple option that delivers big on taste and comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Stuffed Pepper Soup is the ultimate comfort food with the perfect balance of flavors. The combination of ground beef, sweet bell peppers, and savory broth creates a rich, satisfying soup that will warm you from the inside out. It’s an incredibly easy recipe that uses simple ingredients but delivers deep, comforting flavors. The addition of rice gives the soup a hearty texture, making it a filling meal on its own. Plus, it’s a one-pot dish, which means minimal cleanup and more time spent enjoying your meal. If you love stuffed peppers but want a quicker, more versatile option, this soup is a must-try.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• Ground beef
• Onion
• Green bell pepper
• Red bell pepper
• Garlic
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth
• Cooked rice
• Salt and pepper

Variations

Stuffed Pepper Soup is highly adaptable to suit your taste preferences:

• Add more vegetables: You can add other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Spicy version: If you enjoy a little heat, add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to spice things up.
• Make it vegetarian: Use a plant-based meat alternative or skip the meat altogether and add extra vegetables or beans for a vegetarian version.
• Different rice: Swap out the white rice for brown rice or quinoa for a healthier, grain-forward variation.
• Cheesy topping: Sprinkle some shredded cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, on top of the soup before serving for an extra cheesy indulgence.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon until it’s fully cooked.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Broth

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Add the Cooked Rice

Once the soup is simmering, add the cooked rice and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Let the soup simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to fully develop and the soup to thicken. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Step 6: Serve

Once the soup has simmered and the flavors have come together, serve hot. You can top the soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or shredded cheese, if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• For a richer flavor: Use homemade beef broth or a high-quality store-bought broth for the best flavor.
• Cook the rice separately: If you prefer, you can cook the rice separately and stir it into the soup just before serving. This ensures the rice doesn’t become too soft in the broth.
• Add extra seasoning: Experiment with adding additional seasonings like smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or oregano to enhance the flavor.
• Make it in advance: This soup actually gets better with time! Prepare it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld. Reheat before serving.
• For thicker soup: If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can reduce the amount of broth or let the soup simmer for a little longer.

How to Serve

Stuffed Pepper Soup is a perfect standalone meal, but it can also be paired with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For an extra comforting touch, serve with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese on top. You can also garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added color and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The soup may thicken as it cools, so you can add a little extra beef broth or water when reheating to reach your desired consistency.

Freezing

This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat the soup on the stove over low heat, adding more broth or water if necessary to loosen it up. Stir occasionally to ensure it heats evenly.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef to make a leaner version of the soup.

2. Can I use other types of rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, wild rice, or even quinoa as an alternative to white rice.

3. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like corn, carrots, or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.

4. How can I make the soup spicier?

To add heat, try including diced jalapeños, a splash of hot sauce, or some red pepper flakes.

5. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, skip the meat and add extra vegetables or beans to make a vegetarian version of this soup.

6. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Just allow it to cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

7. How do I make the soup thicker?

If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid or use less broth.

8. Can I add cheese to the soup?

Yes, adding cheese like shredded cheddar on top is a great way to enhance the flavor and texture of the soup.

9. How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it thoroughly before serving.

10. Can I cook the rice in the soup?

While it’s best to cook the rice separately, you can cook it directly in the soup if you prefer. Just add uncooked rice and extra broth, then let it simmer until the rice is tender.

Conclusion

Stuffed Pepper Soup is the perfect hearty meal to warm you up on a cold day. With its savory beef, sweet bell peppers, and satisfying rice, this dish offers all the comforting flavors of stuffed peppers in a convenient soup form. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for leftovers. Whether you’re cooking for a family or preparing a cozy meal for yourself, this soup is a delicious and satisfying option that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

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