Stuffed Pepper Soup delivers all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed peppers in a hearty, easy-to-make soup. Packed with ground beef, bell peppers, and rice, this dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or a cozy lunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: Simple to prepare and minimizes cleanup.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to dietary preferences or substitutions.
- Meal Prep Ready: Stores and reheats well for quick, delicious meals.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) fire-roasted tomatoes (or plain diced tomatoes)
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 cups cooked rice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Fresh Parmesan cheese, grated, for garnish (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Dice the onion and bell peppers, and mince the garlic. Set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large soup pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the beef to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced bell peppers and onion, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, dried basil, oregano, and thyme, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Return the cooked ground beef to the pot. Stir in the fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Mix well, bring to a simmer, and cover. Let the soup simmer for 20 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 5: Cook the Rice
While the soup simmers, cook the rice according to package instructions.
Step 6: Incorporate the Rice
Stir the cooked rice into the soup. Mix until fully combined and heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and optional grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Step 8: Store Leftovers
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stove or microwave.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute cauliflower rice for regular rice.
- Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based ground beef or replace with beans.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Leave room for expansion.
- Reheating: Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.
FAQs
1. Can I use uncooked rice in the soup?
Yes! Add 1/2 cup uncooked rice with the broth and simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the rice is cooked.
2. What type of ground meat can I use?
Ground turkey, chicken, or pork are great substitutes for beef.
3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Sauté the ground beef, onions, and peppers first, then transfer to a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free beef broth and double-check that your rice and other ingredients are gluten-free.
5. Can I add more vegetables?
Of course! Zucchini, spinach, or carrots make great additions.
6. What’s the best way to thicken the soup?
You can let it simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes to reduce the liquid or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.
7. How do I make this soup dairy-free?
Skip the Parmesan cheese garnish and ensure other ingredients are dairy-free.
8. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes. Substitute about 3-4 fresh tomatoes, chopped, for each can of diced tomatoes.
9. How can I make this soup spicier?
Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or a splash of hot sauce to the pot.
10. What’s the best way to serve this soup?
Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Stuffed Pepper Soup is a comforting and versatile dish, perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. With its hearty ingredients and savory flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Prepare this easy recipe today and savor every spoonful!
PrintStuffed Pepper Soup
- Author: fella
- Prep Time: 15min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Total Time: 45min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course , soup
- Cuisine: American
Description
Stuffed Pepper Soup combines the comforting flavors of classic stuffed peppers into a delicious and easy-to-make soup. Packed with ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, and rice, this dish is perfect for cozy dinners and meal prepping.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb 90% lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) fire-roasted or plain diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 cups cooked rice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Fresh Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Dice onion and bell peppers. Mince garlic cloves and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Add ground beef, cook until browned, and season with salt and pepper. Remove beef and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add olive oil to the same pot. Sauté onion and bell peppers for 3-4 minutes or until softened. Add garlic, basil, oregano, and thyme, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer the Soup: Return beef to the pot. Add fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes.
- Prepare the Rice: While the soup simmers, cook rice according to your preferred method.
- Combine the Rice: Stir cooked rice into the soup, ensuring it’s fully incorporated.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Rice Options: White, brown, or wild rice work well in this soup.
- Meal Prep: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
- Adjust the Texture: For a thicker soup, reduce broth by 1/2 cup; for a lighter soup, add more broth.
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