Stuffed Pepper Soup
Stuffed pepper soup is a delightful and comforting dish that brings the flavors of classic stuffed peppers into a warm, hearty bowl. This one-pot meal is packed with ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and savory spices, all simmered in a rich tomato broth. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this soup offers both convenience and flavor. The best part? It’s easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Hearty and Filling: Loaded with protein and vegetables, this soup will satisfy your hunger and warm you up.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
- One-Pot Wonder: With minimal cleanup, you can enjoy a delicious meal without the hassle of multiple dishes.
- Perfect Leftovers: This soup keeps well in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prep or enjoying again later.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools for an efficient cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven: Ideal for even cooking and simmering, it helps develop deep flavors in your stuffed pepper soup.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife ensures precise chopping of vegetables, making prep work quick and easy.
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 Beef
In a Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef until fully cooked. Break up any clumps as it cooks. Drain grease if necessary. Season the beef with salt and pepper to taste before removing it from the pot and setting aside.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the Dutch oven. Sauté the diced onions and chopped bell peppers until they become soft—this should take about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Return the cooked beef to the pot. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), 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 over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 15–20 minutes while stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
Step 5: Add Rice
If you plan on enjoying this dish right away (and not saving leftovers), stir in cooked rice along with fresh parsley. Allow everything to heat through for about 1–2 minutes before serving.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the hot stuffed pepper soup into bowls. If desired, garnish each serving with shredded cheese before enjoying!
Step 7: Enjoy!
Savor every bite of your delicious stuffed pepper soup!
How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Soup
Stuffed pepper soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.
With Crusty Bread
- Pair your soup with a slice of crusty baguette for dipping or to soak up the flavorful broth.
Topped with Cheese
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top for a creamy texture and rich flavor that melts beautifully.
Fresh Herbs Garnish
- Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness that enhances the taste.
Serve Over Rice
- For a heartier meal, serve the soup over cooked rice, allowing you to savor every last drop of the delicious broth.
Accompanied by Salad
- A light side salad with mixed greens can complement the soup, adding crunch and balance to the meal.
How to Perfect Stuffed Pepper Soup
To ensure your stuffed pepper soup turns out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips.
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Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality beef make a significant difference in flavor and overall satisfaction.
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Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and spices to suit your personal preference for a more customized flavor profile.
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Simmer Longer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer enhances the flavors. Aim for at least 20 minutes if time permits.
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Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or zucchini for added nutrition and variety.
Best Side Dishes for Stuffed Pepper Soup
When enjoying stuffed pepper soup, certain side dishes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up all the delicious broth.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crispness and tanginess, balancing the richness of the soup.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs well with the savory flavors of the soup, providing a delightful contrast.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A warm grilled cheese sandwich makes a cozy companion to your comforting bowl of soup.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized snacks are easy to prepare and provide an extra layer of flavor next to the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Lightly seasoned roasted vegetables add color and nutrients, complementing the hearty soup beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Stuffed pepper soup is a delightful and simple dish, but some common mistakes can take away from its flavor. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the seasoning: Many people forget to season their soup properly. Always taste your soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Overcooking the vegetables: If you cook the onions and peppers too long, they can become mushy. Sauté them just until soft for the best texture.
- Using uncooked rice: Adding uncooked rice directly into the soup can result in a watery dish. Always use pre-cooked rice for perfect consistency.
- Ignoring the broth quality: The flavor of your beef broth greatly influences the soup’s taste. Use a good-quality broth or homemade stock for better results.
- Not letting it simmer: Rushing through the simmering process can lead to bland flavors. Allow your soup to simmer for at least 15 minutes to meld the tastes together.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Containers: Use airtight containers to maintain freshness.
Freezing Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Duration: Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Containers: Use freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion.
Reheating Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe container until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring between each interval until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm on medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about stuffed pepper soup that may help enhance your cooking experience.
What is Stuffed Pepper Soup?
Stuffed pepper soup is a comforting one-pot meal made with ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, and rice in a savory broth.
Can I make Stuffed Pepper Soup without rice?
Yes! You can prepare stuffed pepper soup without rice by simply omitting it or substituting it with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
How do I customize my Stuffed Pepper Soup?
Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or zucchini, or incorporate different spices such as cumin or paprika for added flavor.
Is Stuffed Pepper Soup healthy?
This dish can be healthy depending on ingredients used. Lean ground beef and plenty of vegetables create a nutritious meal that’s also satisfying.
Final Thoughts
Stuffed pepper soup is not only cozy and heartwarming but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with different vegetables or proteins to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a beloved favorite!
Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Stuffed pepper soup is a warm and hearty dish that transforms classic stuffed peppers into a deliciously satisfying one-pot meal. Packed with ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and aromatic spices, this comforting soup simmers in a rich tomato broth, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy evenings at home. Best of all, it’s quick to prepare and can easily be customized to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cans (14.5 oz. each) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups cooked long-grain white rice
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a Dutch oven over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add olive oil and sauté the onions and bell peppers until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Return the beef to the pot and add diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Bring to a gentle boil then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- If serving immediately, stir in cooked rice and allow to heat through for a couple of minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
