Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe

Introduction

Stuffed Pepper Soup is a comforting, hearty dish that combines all the delicious flavors of traditional stuffed peppers into a rich and satisfying soup. It’s the perfect meal for cooler weather or when you’re craving a filling, flavorful dish that’s easy to make. Packed with tender vegetables, savory ground meat, rice, and a tomato-based broth, this soup is a great way to enjoy the comforting flavors of stuffed peppers without all the prep work.

What makes Stuffed Pepper Soup so appealing is its simplicity and versatility. It’s a one-pot meal that comes together quickly and can be made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Whether you prefer ground beef, turkey, or sausage, this recipe is highly adaptable to your tastes. With its balance of fresh vegetables, hearty rice, and rich broth, Stuffed Pepper Soup is a great way to feed a crowd or enjoy leftovers for the week.

In this article, you’ll learn how to make Stuffed Pepper Soup step by step, along with helpful tips for making the soup even better. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner for your family or a flavorful soup to take to a potluck, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love Stuffed Pepper Soup

• Comforting and Hearty: With its combination of tender vegetables, ground meat, rice, and a rich broth, this soup is the epitome of comfort food. It’s filling and satisfying, making it perfect for a cozy dinner on a chilly night.
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of bell peppers, onions, garlic, and tomatoes creates a flavor-packed base for this soup. The seasoning blends and the meat bring depth to the dish, while the rice adds heartiness and texture.
• Easy to Make: This soup is incredibly easy to prepare and requires only basic kitchen skills. The ingredients are simple, and it all comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Versatile and Customizable: Stuffed Pepper Soup is highly customizable. You can use your favorite type of ground meat, adjust the seasonings to your liking, or even add extra vegetables to make the soup your own.
• Great for Meal Prep: This soup stores well, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop, and it’s easy to reheat for a quick meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 250-300 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Fat: 12-15g
• Carbohydrates: 25-30g
• Protein: 20-25g
• Fiber: 3-4g
• Sugar: 5-7g

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Pepper Soup:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef, turkey, or sausage (or a combination)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large bell peppers, any color, diced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter version)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
• Optional: Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
• Optional: Shredded cheese or sour cream for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Meat

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the ground meat to the pot. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked. This should take about 5-7 minutes. If you’re using a lean meat like ground turkey, you may need to add a bit more oil to prevent it from sticking to the pot.

Once the meat is browned, drain any excess fat (if necessary) and set the cooked meat aside in a bowl.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until it begins to soften. Then, add the minced garlic and diced bell peppers. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.

The combination of the onion, garlic, and bell peppers will create a flavorful base for the soup.

3. Add the Rice, Tomatoes, and Broth

Once the vegetables are softened, stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and tomato sauce. The rice will absorb the broth as it cooks, adding heartiness to the soup.

Next, add the beef broth (or chicken broth) and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer, covered, for about 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.

4. Season the Soup

Once the rice is cooked, add the oregano, basil, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper to the soup. Stir to combine, and taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your preferences.

The seasoning will bring depth to the soup and enhance the flavor of the meat, rice, and vegetables.

5. Add the Cooked Meat Back to the Pot

Now that the rice is cooked and the soup is well-seasoned, return the cooked meat to the pot. Stir to combine everything evenly. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

At this point, the soup will be thick and hearty, with the rice, meat, and vegetables all blended together in a rich, savory broth.

6. Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired. If you want to take the soup to the next level, you can add shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack work well) or a dollop of sour cream on top. These optional toppings add extra richness and flavor.

Serve the soup hot, with a side of crusty bread or crackers for dipping, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this delicious meal.

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Pepper Soup

• Use a Mix of Meats: If you want to add even more flavor to the soup, try using a mix of ground meats, such as a combination of beef and sausage. The sausage will add a savory, slightly spicy kick to the soup.
• Use Long-Grain Rice: Long-grain white rice works best in this recipe because it cooks up fluffy and doesn’t get too sticky. You can also use brown rice, though it will require a longer cooking time.
• Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as zucchini, corn, or mushrooms. These additions will provide extra nutrients and texture, making the soup even more satisfying.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the soup. The spice will complement the sweet bell peppers and enhance the overall flavor.
• Let the Soup Sit: Like many soups, Stuffed Pepper Soup often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. Consider making it ahead of time and letting it sit in the fridge overnight for an even richer taste.

Variations of Stuffed Pepper Soup

• Low-Carb Stuffed Pepper Soup: To make this soup lower in carbohydrates, simply skip the rice and add extra vegetables like cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or more bell peppers. This will reduce the carb count while keeping the soup hearty and flavorful.
• Vegetarian Stuffed Pepper Soup: To make a vegetarian version of this soup, omit the ground meat and replace it with extra beans, lentils, or tempeh. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it vegetarian.
• Spicy Stuffed Pepper Soup: For a spicy version, use hot Italian sausage or add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to the soup. These additions will bring a spicy kick to the dish.
• Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Soup: For an extra cheesy version, stir in shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend) right before serving. The cheese will melt into the soup, creating a creamy, indulgent texture.
• Stuffed Pepper Soup with Sausage: Swap the ground beef or turkey for Italian sausage, chorizo, or breakfast sausage to add a different flavor profile to the soup. The sausage will give the soup a savory richness that’s irresistible.

Storage and Shelf Life

Stuffed Pepper Soup stores well and can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply allow the soup to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little extra broth or water if needed to thin it out.

You can also freeze the soup for longer storage. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then heat it on the stovetop until warmed through.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Stuffed Pepper Soup

While Stuffed Pepper Soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, pairing it with complementary sides can elevate your meal even more:

• Crusty Bread: A loaf of crusty bread or a baguette is perfect for dipping into the soup and sopping up all the delicious broth. You can also serve it with garlic bread for an extra treat.
• Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a great side to balance the richness of the soup. The freshness of the salad will contrast nicely with the warm, savory flavors of the soup.
• Grilled Cheese: For a classic pairing, serve the soup with a grilled cheese sandwich. The creamy, melty cheese pairs wonderfully with the hearty soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes, make an excellent side dish. Their caramelized flavor complements the savory depth of the soup.

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Conclusion

Stuffed Pepper Soup is a comforting, hearty, and flavorful dish that brings together all the best elements of stuffed peppers in an easy-to-make soup form. With its tender vegetables, savory meat, and rich tomato broth, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a potluck, or preparing a big batch for meal prep, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. With its customizable ingredients and straightforward cooking method, Stuffed Pepper Soup is a satisfying meal that’s sure to please. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this delicious soup!