Stuffed Pepper Soup
Stuffed pepper soup is a comforting dish that warms you from the inside out. This one-pot meal features layers of flavor with ground beef, fresh vegetables, and hearty rice all simmered in a rich tomato broth. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, this stuffed pepper soup brings the classic flavors of stuffed peppers into an easy-to-make soup form. You’ll love how quickly it comes together and how satisfying each spoonful is!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This stuffed pepper soup comes together in just 40 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with ground beef, rice, and veggies, this soup will keep you full and satisfied.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices, making it truly your own.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks in one pot, making dinner prep simple.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for a quick meal later on.
Tools and Preparation
To make your stuffed pepper soup successfully, having the right tools on hand is essential. These items will help streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven: This heavy pot provides even heat distribution, perfect for simmering your soup without burning.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.
Ingredients
Stuffed pepper soup is a cozy and hearty one-pot dinner loaded with ground beef, onions, bell peppers and rice in a rustic tomato-based broth.
For the Soup Base
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 (14.5 oz.) cans diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar, or to taste (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving
- 2 cups cooked long grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped
- Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese, for serving (optional)
How to Make Stuffed Pepper Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Break up any clumps with a wooden spoon. Once browned, drain any excess grease if necessary and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
In the same pot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the diced onions and chopped bell peppers for about 5 minutes until they soften. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Return the cooked beef to the pot along with diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and Italian seasoning. Taste your mixture; you might want to adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes while stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Add Rice (Optional)
If you plan to serve all at once, stir in cooked rice and parsley into the pot. Let it simmer for another minute or two until heated through. If you’re saving some for later meals, stir in parsley only at this stage; serve rice separately in bowls when ready to eat.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Dish out your delicious stuffed pepper soup into bowls while it’s hot! If desired, top with shredded cheese before serving.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Savor each bite of this hearty stuffed pepper soup that brings comfort on chilly days!
How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Soup
Stuffed pepper soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.
With Bread
- Crusty French Bread – Serve with slices of warm, crusty French bread for dipping.
- Garlic Breadsticks – Pair the soup with garlic breadsticks for a flavorful combination.
Topped with Cheese
- Shredded Cheddar – Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top for added richness.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Melt mozzarella cheese over the soup for a gooey texture.
Add Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley – Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Basil Leaves – Add basil leaves for an aromatic touch that complements the flavors.
With a Salad
- Caesar Salad – A crisp Caesar salad balances the hearty soup perfectly.
- Mixed Greens Salad – Toss mixed greens with a light vinaigrette to add freshness.
How to Perfect Stuffed Pepper Soup
To ensure your stuffed pepper soup is delicious every time, consider these helpful tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor significantly.
- Adjust Seasoning – Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and spices as needed during cooking.
- Cook Rice Separately – If making leftovers, cook rice separately to maintain texture.
- Explore Variations – Experiment with different types of ground meat or add beans for variety.
Best Side Dishes for Stuffed Pepper Soup
Stuffed pepper soup can be complemented by various side dishes that elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread – A classic side that adds flavor and is perfect for dipping.
- Cornbread – Sweet cornbread pairs well with the savory flavors of the soup.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and balances the warmth of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables provide color and nutrition to your plate.
- Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges are a satisfying addition to this hearty meal.
- Rice Salad – A chilled rice salad offers a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making stuffed pepper soup, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the Seasoning: Failing to season adequately can lead to bland soup. Always taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process.
- Not Browning the Meat Properly: If you don’t brown the ground beef well, it can affect the flavor. Make sure to cook it until it’s nicely browned before adding other ingredients.
- Overcooking the Vegetables: Overcooked vegetables lose their texture and flavor. Sauté them just until they’re soft, about 5 minutes, for best results.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold broth or canned tomatoes can slow down cooking time. Always use room temperature ingredients when possible.
- Not Storing Properly: Poor storage can ruin leftovers. Allow the soup to cool before transferring it to airtight containers for best freshness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover stuffed pepper soup in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until hot.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covering loosely. Stir halfway through for even heating.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about stuffed pepper soup, you’re not alone! Here are some frequently asked questions.
What is Stuffed Pepper Soup?
Stuffed pepper soup is a hearty dish inspired by classic stuffed peppers. It features ground beef, bell peppers, rice, and a savory tomato broth.
Can I make Stuffed Pepper Soup vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
How do I customize my Stuffed Pepper Soup?
Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or zucchini, or change up the spices according to your taste preferences!
Is Stuffed Pepper Soup healthy?
This soup can be healthy as it contains lean protein and plenty of vegetables. Adjust the ingredients and portion sizes based on your dietary needs.
Can I make Stuffed Pepper Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prep and tastes even better after sitting for a day as flavors meld together.
Final Thoughts
Stuffed pepper soup is a cozy and satisfying one-pot meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences or what’s available in your pantry. Give this recipe a try; you’re sure to love it!
Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Stuffed Pepper Soup is the ultimate comfort food, transforming the classic flavors of stuffed peppers into a hearty, one-pot meal. This satisfying dish combines ground beef, fresh bell peppers, and rice simmered in a rich tomato broth, offering a warm and inviting experience perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. In just about 40 minutes, you can enjoy a flavorful bowl that’s not only delicious but also customizable. Add your favorite spices or veggies to make it truly your own. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 2 cans diced tomatoes
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- Cooked long-grain white rice
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess grease and season with salt and pepper.
- Add olive oil, onions, and bell peppers; sauté for about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Return beef to pot with diced tomatoes (and juices), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Mix in Worcestershire sauce and Italian seasoning.
- Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium-low; let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- If serving immediately, stir in cooked rice and parsley; simmer for an additional minute.
- Serve hot with optional cheese on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
