Stuffed Pepper Soup
Stuffed Pepper Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or chilly evenings. This one-pot meal combines ground beef, fresh bell peppers, and hearty rice in a rich tomato broth. Not only does it deliver on flavor, but it’s also a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, this soup is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This stuffed pepper soup comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Flavor Packed: With a blend of spices and fresh ingredients, each spoonful bursts with flavor that will satisfy your cravings.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap out proteins or add more vegetables to make this dish your own.
- One-Pot Wonder: Enjoy easy cleanup with everything cooked in a single pot, letting you focus on what matters most—enjoying your meal!
- Perfect for Leftovers: This soup reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or lunch the next day.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your kitchen tools. Having the right equipment helps streamline the cooking process and makes preparation easier.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven: Ideal for browning meat and simmering soups evenly. Its heavy base ensures even heat distribution.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife is essential for efficiently chopping vegetables and meats, making prep time quicker.
- Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your cookware; it helps prevent sticking while mixing ingredients thoroughly.
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.
- 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
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar, or to taste (optional, see notes)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 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 fully cooked. Break up any clumps as you go. Drain excess grease if necessary and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
In the same pot, sauté the diced onions and finely chopped red and green bell peppers in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until soft—about five minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for another thirty seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Stir in the cooked beef along with diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Season with Worcestershire sauce, sugar (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Taste test to adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 4: Simmer
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes while stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Add Rice
If you won’t have leftovers, stir in cooked rice along with parsley. Allow it to simmer until heated through—about one to two minutes. If you plan on saving some soup for later, stir in parsley now but add rice into each bowl when serving.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Dish out servings hot from the pot garnished with shredded cheese if desired.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Savor each delicious bite of this comforting stuffed pepper soup!
How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Soup
Stuffed pepper soup is not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. You can enjoy it in various ways to enhance your dining experience.
Garnish Options
- Fresh Herbs: Top your soup with chopped parsley or basil for a burst of freshness.
- Cheese: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a creamy texture and extra flavor.
- Croutons: Sprinkle some crunchy croutons on top for added texture.
Accompaniments
- Breadsticks: Serve with warm breadsticks for a delightful dipper.
- Crackers: Offer a side of buttery crackers for a satisfying crunch.
- Salad: A simple green salad complements the soup perfectly, adding freshness.
Serving Bowls
- Individual Bowls: Serve in colorful individual bowls for a fun presentation.
- Bread Bowls: For an impressive twist, serve in hollowed-out bread bowls.
How to Perfect Stuffed Pepper Soup
To achieve the best version of stuffed pepper soup, follow these helpful tips that ensure robust flavors and perfect texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh bell peppers and herbs to maximize flavor.
- Brown the Beef Well: Ensure the ground beef is thoroughly browned for depth of flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste as you go to avoid over-seasoning; balance salt and sweetness carefully.
- Simmer Longer if Desired: Letting the soup simmer longer deepens the flavors; just be careful not to overcook the rice if added early.
Best Side Dishes for Stuffed Pepper Soup
Enjoying stuffed pepper soup is even better when paired with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread offers a perfect dipping companion for your soup.
- Caprese Salad: A light salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil adds freshness to your meal.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread provides a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition alongside your soup.
- Rice Pilaf: Flavorful rice pilaf can enhance the meal, making it heartier.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds nutrients and balances the richness of the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Stuffed pepper soup is a comforting dish, but there are common mistakes to watch out for. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Using the wrong meat: Opting for fatty ground beef can make the soup greasy. Choose lean ground beef instead for a healthier option.
- Neglecting seasoning: Failing to season your ingredients properly can lead to bland soup. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you cook.
- Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking the onions and peppers too long can make them mushy. Sauté until just soft for the best texture.
- Ignoring rice cooking method: Using uncooked rice in the soup may result in uneven cooking. Always use pre-cooked rice or add it later to preserve texture.
- Rushing the simmering process: Skipping the simmering step can affect flavor development. Allow time for ingredients to meld together for a richer taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover stuffed pepper soup in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Freeze stuffed pepper soup in freezer-safe containers.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months; consider portioning it out for convenience.
Reheating Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and heat in a covered oven-safe dish until warm, about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Place in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about stuffed pepper soup that might help you.
What is Stuffed Pepper Soup?
Stuffed pepper soup is a hearty dish made with ground beef, bell peppers, rice, and tomatoes, all simmered together in a flavorful broth.
Can I make Stuffed Pepper Soup without rice?
Yes! You can create a low-carb version by omitting rice or substituting with cauliflower rice for added texture.
How do I customize my Stuffed Pepper Soup?
Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or black beans, or switch up the protein by using turkey or plant-based alternatives.
Is Stuffed Pepper Soup healthy?
Yes! This recipe is packed with nutrients from vegetables and lean protein, making it a wholesome meal choice.
How do I spice up my Stuffed Pepper Soup?
For extra flavor, consider adding spices like cayenne pepper or paprika, or even a splash of hot sauce for some heat!
Final Thoughts
Stuffed pepper soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can modify it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Whether you’re looking for comfort food on a chilly night or meal prep for the week ahead, this recipe has you covered. Give it a try and enjoy customizing your own version!
Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: One-Pot Meal
- Cuisine: American
Description
Stuffed Pepper Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich flavors and hearty ingredients to create a dish that warms both the heart and home. This easy one-pot meal features ground beef, fresh bell peppers, and rice simmered in a savory tomato broth, making it perfect for busy weeknights or chilly evenings. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite proteins or vegetables, ensuring each bowl is uniquely satisfying. Whether served at family dinners or cozy gatherings with friends, this soup guarantees smiles all around.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
- 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
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked long grain white rice
- Fresh Italian parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add diced onion and bell peppers to the pot; sauté until soft (about five minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for another thirty seconds.
- Mix in the cooked beef along with diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning as desired.
- Bring to a gentle boil; reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- If not saving leftovers, stir in cooked rice and parsley; simmer for one to two minutes until heated through.
- Serve hot with desired garnishes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
