Stuffed Pepper Soup

Stuffed Pepper Soup is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. This cozy one-pot meal is perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights, combining the flavors of stuffed peppers into a hearty soup. Packed with ground beef, fresh vegetables, and rice in a rich tomato broth, it’s a family favorite that doesn’t require much time or effort to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 10 minutes, this stuffed pepper soup comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Hearty and Filling: Loaded with protein from the ground beef and carbs from the rice, this soup will keep you satisfied for hours.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.
• One-Pot Wonder: Cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in one pot, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers.

Tools and Preparation

To whip up your delicious stuffed pepper soup, you’ll need some essential tools that will make the cooking process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: Provides even heat distribution for perfect cooking. It’s ideal for simmering soups and stews.
• Chef’s knife: Ensures quick and precise chopping of vegetables. A sharp knife makes prep work effortless.

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.

Ingredients:
– 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 Ground Beef

In a Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef while breaking up any clumps. Drain grease if necessary. Season the beef with salt and pepper to taste, remove from heat, and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Saute the diced onions and bell peppers in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until they soften, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Stir in the cooked ground beef along with the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Season with Worcestershire sauce, sugar (if using), and Italian seasoning. Taste test and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 4: Simmer

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 15–20 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Add Rice

If you don’t plan on having leftovers, stir in the cooked rice and chopped parsley. Let it simmer until heated through for about 1–2 minutes. For leftovers, add parsley first then stir rice into individual bowls when serving.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Dish out your stuffed pepper soup while it’s hot. Garnish each bowl with shredded cheese if desired.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Dig into this comforting bowl of goodness!

How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Soup

Stuffed pepper soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or looking for a quick meal, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Crusty Bread

• Pair the soup with slices of crusty bread for dipping. A fresh baguette or sourdough works perfectly to soak up the delicious broth.

Topped with Cheese

• Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top just before serving. This adds a creamy texture and rich flavor that complements the soup beautifully.

With Fresh Herbs

• Garnish your bowl with chopped fresh Italian parsley or basil. The herbs not only add color but also bring a fresh taste that brightens the dish.

As a Meal Prep Option

• Serve portions in mason jars for easy meal prep. This makes it simple to grab a delicious lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Accompanied by Salad

• A side salad can balance out the heartiness of stuffed pepper soup. Consider a light green salad with vinaigrette dressing to keep it refreshing.

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How to Perfect Stuffed Pepper Soup

To make your stuffed pepper soup even more delightful, consider these tips for perfecting the recipe.

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and high-quality ground beef for the best flavor.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of Worcestershire sauce and Italian seasoning based on your taste preferences.
• Simmer Longer: Letting the soup simmer for an extra 10 minutes can deepen the flavors, making it richer.
• Consider Leftovers Carefully: If you plan to have leftovers, add rice only when serving individual bowls to maintain texture.
• Experiment with Add-Ins: Try adding other vegetables like corn or beans for additional nutrition and flavor.
• Use Homemade Broth: If possible, use homemade beef broth for a more robust taste in your soup.

Best Side Dishes for Stuffed Pepper Soup

Pairing side dishes with your stuffed pepper soup can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the warm broth of the soup.
2. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and creaminess that complements the hearty soup.
3. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread provides a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of stuffed pepper soup.
4. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: The gooeyness of grilled cheese pairs wonderfully with tomato-based soups.
5. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables offers both color and nutrients alongside your soup.
6. Potato Wedges: Crisp potato wedges provide a satisfying crunch and are easy to enjoy alongside spoonfuls of soup.
7. Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad brings in extra carbs while keeping things refreshing and tasty.
8. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus is a healthy option that adds bright flavors next to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making stuffed pepper soup can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish.

• Using low-quality beef: Opt for lean ground beef for the best flavor and texture. Lower quality meat may leave a greasy residue.
• Neglecting seasoning: Season each layer of your soup as you cook. This enhances the overall flavor and prevents blandness.
• Overcooking vegetables: Keep an eye on your sautéed vegetables. Overcooking them can lead to mushiness and loss of flavor.
• Skipping taste tests: Always taste as you go! Adjust seasoning like salt and pepper before serving for a well-balanced soup.
• Not adjusting for leftovers: If you plan on saving some soup, add rice to individual bowls instead of the whole pot to avoid sogginess.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.

Freezing Stuffed Pepper Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers for expansion as the soup freezes.

Reheating Stuffed Pepper Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring frequently until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a pot, stirring often until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making stuffed pepper soup.

What is Stuffed Pepper Soup?

Stuffed pepper soup is a comforting dish made with ground beef, bell peppers, rice, and tomatoes in a flavorful broth.

Can I make Stuffed Pepper Soup without rice?

Yes! You can skip the rice or substitute it with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option that still tastes delicious.

How do I customize my Stuffed Pepper Soup?

You can add other vegetables like corn or zucchini. For extra spice, include diced jalapeños or chili powder.

Can I use different meats?

Certainly! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well in stuffed pepper soup.

Final Thoughts

Stuffed pepper soup is a cozy and versatile meal perfect for any night of the week. It’s easy to customize based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Try this recipe today and enjoy a warm bowl of comfort!