Stuffed Pepper Soup

Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe

Description

Stuffed Pepper Soup captures all the comforting flavors of classic stuffed peppers—tender bell peppers, hearty ground beef, tomatoes, rice, and savory seasonings—transformed into a warm, satisfying soup. This easy one-pot dish is perfect for chilly evenings or when you want a cozy, home-cooked meal without all the stuffing and baking. The rich tomato broth blends beautifully with the sweetness of the peppers and the heartiness of the beef, making it a true comfort in a bowl.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef (or turkey for a lighter version)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 3 bell peppers (red, green, yellow), diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes

  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

  • 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)

  • 1 cup cooked white or brown rice

  • 1 tsp dried basil

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the Beef:
    In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.

  2. Sauté Vegetables:
    Add diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic to the pot. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.

  3. Add Tomatoes and Broth:
    Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings (basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes). Mix well.

  4. Simmer:
    Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  5. Add Rice:
    Stir in the cooked rice and simmer for another 5–10 minutes to allow flavors to blend.

  6. Serve:
    Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy with a slice of crusty bread.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for beef.

  • To prevent rice from getting mushy, add it just before serving if you plan to store leftovers.

  • For a low-carb version, replace rice with cauliflower rice.

  • This soup freezes beautifully—cool completely before storing in freezer-safe containers.

Tips

  • Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of sugar to balance the tomato acidity.

  • For extra richness, stir in a little parmesan cheese or a dollop of sour cream before serving.

  • Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a smoky, deeper flavor.

  • Double the recipe—it tastes even better the next day!

Servings

  • Serves: 6

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 40 minutes

  • Total Time: 55 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 280

  • Protein: 22 g

  • Carbohydrates: 25 g

  • Fat: 10 g

  • Fiber: 4 g

  • Sodium: 780 mg

  • Sugars: 7 g

(Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.)

Health Benefits

  • High in protein – keeps you full longer.

  • Rich in vitamin C from bell peppers for immune support.

  • Fiber-packed – promotes good digestion.

  • Balanced meal – includes vegetables, protein, and grains.

  • Low in fat (especially with lean meat or turkey).

Questions & Answers

Q1: Can I use uncooked rice in the soup?
A1: Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by 15–20 minutes and add an extra cup of broth to ensure the rice cooks fully.

Q2: How long does stuffed pepper soup last in the fridge?
A2: Store it in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Q3: Can I freeze it?
A3: Absolutely! Cool the soup completely, portion into containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Q4: What should I serve with stuffed pepper soup?
A4: It pairs perfectly with crusty bread, cornbread, garlic toast, or a simple side salad.

Q5: Can I make it vegetarian?
A5: Yes—use vegetable broth and swap ground beef with lentils, quinoa, or plant-based meat.

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