Stuffed Pepper Soup: A Comforting and Hearty Dish

Stuffed Pepper Soup: A Comforting and Hearty Dish

Stuffed Pepper Soup takes all the delicious flavors of classic stuffed peppers—savory ground beef, tender bell peppers, and tomatoes—and transforms them into a comforting, one-pot meal. This soup is easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a cozy dinner on a chilly night. It has all the warmth and heartiness of the original stuffed pepper dish but in a simple soup form.

Why You’ll Love Stuffed Pepper Soup

This soup is a great way to enjoy the flavors of stuffed peppers without the extra steps of stuffing and baking. It’s also versatile and customizable—swap the ground beef for turkey, or add extra vegetables for more texture and nutrition. The combination of tender beef, sweet bell peppers, and a rich tomato broth makes this a dish that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients: A Hearty Mix of Flavors

Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting stuffed pepper soup:

• Ground Beef: The base of the soup. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Bell Peppers: A mix of red, green, or yellow bell peppers for a sweet and mild flavor.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances the flavor of the soup.
• Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes with their juices help create the rich tomato base.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds thickness and deepens the tomato flavor of the soup.
• Beef Broth: A rich broth to bring the soup together. You can also use chicken or vegetable broth if you prefer.
• Cooked Rice: Traditional stuffed peppers contain rice, so adding cooked rice to the soup adds heartiness and texture.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, dried oregano, and basil for classic stuffed pepper seasoning.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables and browning the meat.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Stuffed Pepper Soup

1. Cook the Ground Beef:

• Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.

1. Sauté the Vegetables:

• In the same pot, add the chopped onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

1. Add the Tomatoes and Broth:

• Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add the cooked ground beef back into the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

1. Simmer the Soup:

• Let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.

1. Add the Cooked Rice:

• Stir in the cooked rice, and let it heat through for 5 minutes. If the soup is too thick, you can add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

1. Season and Serve:

• Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, oregano, or basil if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese as garnish if desired.

Variations and Tips

• Use Quinoa or Cauliflower Rice: For a lower-carb option, substitute the rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice.
• Add Extra Vegetables: You can bulk up the soup with extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or carrots.
• Cheesy Finish: Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese at the end for a cheesy version of stuffed pepper soup.
• Freezer-Friendly: This soup freezes well. Make a big batch and freeze individual portions for easy future meals.

Conclusion: A Flavorful and Comforting Soup

Stuffed Pepper Soup is a simple, flavorful, and hearty dish that delivers all the comforting flavors of stuffed peppers in an easy-to-make soup. With its rich tomato base, savory beef, and sweet bell peppers, it’s the perfect meal to warm you up on a cool day. Pair it with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal, or enjoy it on its own as a satisfying, one-pot dinner.