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Stuffed Pepper Soup: A Comforting, Hearty Bowl of Flavor
If you love the taste of classic stuffed peppers but want an easier, cozier way to enjoy them, this Stuffed Pepper Soup is the perfect solution. Packed with tender ground beef, sweet bell peppers, tomatoes, and rice, this dish delivers all the comforting flavors of the original without the extra steps of stuffing and baking. It’s hearty, warming, and ideal for a chilly day or a weeknight dinner the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic flavor made simple: All the taste of stuffed peppers in one easy pot.
- One-pot meal: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup after cooking.
- Family-friendly: A healthy, balanced meal with protein, veggies, and grains.
- Customizable: Easily adapt with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat.
- Great for meal prep: Tastes even better the next day and freezes beautifully.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or turkey or chicken)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 bell peppers (any color), chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken or vegetable broth)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or wild rice)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Meat
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed and set the beef aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the diced onion and bell peppers. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Reduce the heat to low and return the cooked beef to the pot. Let the soup simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Add the Rice
Stir in the cooked rice and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to warm it through. If you prefer a thicker soup, add extra rice; for a lighter version, use less rice or leave it on the side for serving.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Pro Tips for Perfect Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Make it ahead: Prepare the soup without the rice, then add freshly cooked rice when reheating to avoid mushiness.
- Choose your rice: White rice offers a classic flavor, while brown rice or wild rice adds a nutty texture and extra nutrients.
- Boost the veggies: Add zucchini, carrots, or spinach for even more nutrients and color.
- Add heat: Stir in red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
- Top with shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese for a creamy finish.
- Pair with garlic bread or buttery biscuits to soak up the flavorful broth.
- Serve alongside a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
- Offer hot sauce or extra spices on the side for guests who like extra heat.
Storage and Freezing Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze soup without rice for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add freshly cooked rice when reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over medium heat, adding extra broth if the soup thickens too much.
Why This Recipe Works
This Stuffed Pepper Soup is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines protein, vegetables, and grains into one bowl. It delivers all the classic flavors of stuffed peppers while being quicker and easier to make. Its one-pot preparation means less cleanup and more time to enjoy a homemade meal with your loved ones.
Creative Variations to Try
One of the best things about this Stuffed Pepper Soup is its versatility. You can adjust ingredients to suit your taste or use what you already have on hand. Here are some creative variations to keep this recipe exciting every time you make it:
- Southwest Twist: Add black beans, corn, and a teaspoon of chili powder or taco seasoning for a bold, smoky flavor. Top with crushed tortilla chips and shredded cheese.
- Italian Style: Swap the rice for small pasta like orzo or ditalini. Add extra Italian seasoning and top with Parmesan cheese for a hearty Italian-inspired soup.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace the rice with cauliflower rice or skip it altogether for a lighter, keto-friendly dish.
- Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth and substitute the meat with lentils or plant-based ground “meat” for a fully vegetarian soup.
- Extra Creamy: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking for a rich, creamy broth.
Tips for Meal Prep and Batch Cooking
This soup is a fantastic choice for meal prep because it stores and reheats beautifully. Follow these tips to make the most of your cooking time:
- Cook a double batch and freeze half for future meals. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick, hearty dinner.
- Keep the rice separate if you plan to store leftovers. This prevents the rice from becoming mushy as it sits in the broth.
- Divide the soup into single-serving containers for grab-and-go lunches.
- Label containers with the date to ensure freshness, especially when freezing.
Serving Ideas to Elevate Your Meal
While this Stuffed Pepper Soup is fantastic on its own, pairing it with the right sides can transform it into a restaurant-quality meal. Here are some serving ideas:
- Crusty Bread: Freshly baked bread or garlic toast is perfect for soaking up every last drop of broth.
- Simple Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Pair with a cheesy sandwich for the ultimate comfort food combination.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside a platter of roasted carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts for added nutrition.
Why This Soup is a Family Favorite
There’s something special about a recipe that brings everyone to the table, and this soup does just that. Its warm, hearty flavors are nostalgic and comforting, making it ideal for family dinners. It’s also budget-friendly, filling, and made with ingredients that are easy to find year-round. Even picky eaters will love it because it tastes like a classic dish they already know—stuffed peppers—but in a fun, slurpable form.
Final Thoughts
Warm, hearty, and bursting with flavor, this Stuffed Pepper Soup is perfect for cold nights, meal prepping, or feeding a hungry crowd. It’s a simple recipe that proves comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With every spoonful, you’ll get the nostalgic taste of stuffed peppers in a cozy, slurpable form that everyone will love.