Stuffed Pepper Soup: A Comforting and Hearty Dish
Looking for a meal that’s as warm as a hug on a chilly day? Look no further than Stuffed Pepper Soup! It’s a cozy, one-pot dish that takes all the comforting flavors of classic stuffed peppers—savory ground beef, sweet bell peppers, and a rich tomato base—and turns them into a hearty soup that’s perfect for dinner. If you’ve ever made stuffed peppers, you know they’re a labor of love. This soup, though? It’s the perfect way to enjoy all the deliciousness of stuffed peppers without the fuss. Simple, flavorful, and just plain comforting.
This soup isn’t just easy to make, it’s also versatile. You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey if you want a lighter version, or toss in extra vegetables to add more texture and
Nutrition
. The combination of tender beef, sweet peppers, and rich tomato broth makes this dish an instant crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
Let’s dive in and make this bowl of comfort, shall we?
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this hearty stuffed pepper soup that’s full of flavor:
1 lb ground beef – This is the base of the soup. If you prefer, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
3 bell peppers, chopped – Choose any mix of red, green, or yellow peppers for that sweet, mild flavor that gives the soup a nice pop of color.
1 large onion, chopped – Adds that perfect amount of sweetness and depth to balance the savory meat.
3 cloves garlic, minced – Freshly minced garlic brings out all the flavors in the soup and makes it smell amazing.
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices – The tomatoes create the rich, tangy base for the soup.
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce – This deepens the tomato flavor and adds that thick, comforting texture to the soup.
4 cups beef broth – A rich broth pulls all the
Ingredients
together and makes the soup hearty. You can use chicken or vegetable broth if that’s your preference.
1 cup cooked rice – Traditional stuffed peppers usually have rice, so adding it to the soup gives it that same comforting texture.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, dried oregano, and basil – These classic herbs and spices give the soup that delicious, savory flavor we all love.
2 tablespoons olive oil – For sautéing the veggies and browning the meat.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef, sprinkle in some salt and pepper, and cook until the meat is browned and cooked through. As it cooks, use a spoon to break it up into smaller pieces. Once the beef is done, drain any excess fat and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the chopped onions and bell peppers. Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes until they start to soften and become fragrant. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. This will really bring out the flavors and make your kitchen smell like heaven.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Broth
Next, stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the cooked ground beef back into the pot and stir everything together.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Let the soup simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The vegetables should be tender and the flavors should meld together beautifully. The longer it simmers, the more those flavors will develop, making every spoonful taste even better.
Step 5: Add the Cooked Rice
Once the soup has simmered to perfection, stir in the cooked rice. Let it heat through for about 5 minutes. If the soup is too thick for your liking, feel free to add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, oregano, or basil to suit your taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if you’d like an extra touch of flavor.
Notes
Rice Substitute: If you’re looking for a lower-carb version, you can substitute the rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice. Both options will give you a hearty texture without the extra carbs.
Extra Veggies: Feel free to bulk up your soup with extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or carrots. These will add more
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and color to the dish!
Cheesy Version: For a cheesy twist, stir in some shredded cheddar cheese at the end of cooking. It’ll melt right into the soup and give it an extra creamy, cheesy flavor.
Freezer-Friendly: This soup freezes beautifully, so make a big batch and store it in individual portions for easy meals later. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
Nutrition
Here’s a rough estimate of the
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per serving (based on 6 servings):
Calories: 380 kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 850mg
Sugar: 7g
It’s a balanced meal, offering a hearty dose of protein from the beef and a good amount of vegetables and fiber, all in a delicious, tomato-rich broth.