Stuffed Pepper Soup

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When you think of comfort food, nothing quite beats the warm, hearty flavors of a home-cooked soup. Among the many soup varieties, Stuffed Pepper Soup stands out for its ability to capture all the delicious essence of a classic stuffed bell pepper in a lighter, spoonable form. This soup is rich, filling, and perfect for family dinners or cozy nights at home. Best of all, it’s a flexible recipe that allows you to adapt the ingredients based on what you have on hand.

Ingredients

To make a generous pot of stuffed pepper soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 4 large bell peppers (preferably a mix of red, yellow, and green), diced

  • 2 medium carrots, diced

  • 2 celery stalks, diced

  • 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes

  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

  • 4 cups beef or chicken broth

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon dried basil

  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice (or substitute with quinoa or cauliflower rice for low-carb)

  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Step 1: Browning the Meat

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Browning the meat first ensures rich flavor in your soup. Once the meat is cooked, transfer it to a plate and set it aside, leaving any remaining fat in the pot.

Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions turn translucent. Next, add the diced bell peppers. The bell peppers are the star of this soup, so letting them cook just until tender will help release their sweetness and aroma.

Step 3: Building the Soup Base

Return the cooked meat to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth, stirring everything together. Sprinkle in the oregano, basil, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine, ensuring all the flavors start mingling beautifully.

Step 4: Cooking the Rice

Add the uncooked rice to the soup. Stir it in thoroughly, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender. The rice will absorb some of the flavorful broth, thickening the soup slightly and creating a comforting, stew-like texture.

Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Step 5: Adjusting Flavors

Once the rice is cooked, taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Some recipes benefit from a small pinch of sugar if your tomatoes are too acidic, or a dash of hot sauce for a subtle kick. The key to a perfect stuffed pepper soup is balancing the sweetness of the bell peppers with the savory notes of the meat and tomatoes.

Step 6: Serving and Garnishing

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. For extra indulgence, sprinkle a little shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese on top. Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, or even a side salad to complete the meal.

Variations and Tips

  1. Vegetarian Version: Swap the meat for hearty beans, such as kidney beans or black beans, and use vegetable broth instead of meat broth. Adding mushrooms can enhance the umami flavor.

  2. Low-Carb Option: Skip the rice and add chopped cauliflower for a lighter, low-carb soup.

  3. Spicy Twist: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the vegetables.

  4. Meal Prep Friendly: This soup stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes well for up to 3 months. Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy easy lunches or dinners during the week.

Why Stuffed Pepper Soup Is a Winner

Stuffed Pepper Soup is more than just a soup; it’s an experience. It combines the familiar comfort of stuffed peppers with the convenience and warmth of a hearty soup. The balance of tender vegetables, savory meat, and rich tomato broth creates a satisfying meal that warms the soul. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and forgiving—perfect for beginner cooks or anyone looking to impress without stress.

Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening, serving it at a family gathering, or making a large batch for meal prep, stuffed pepper soup never disappoints. Its rich flavors, vibrant colors, and heartwarming aroma will fill your kitchen and your belly with satisfaction.

So grab your favorite pot, dice those colorful peppers, and get ready to enjoy a soup that tastes just like a classic stuffed pepper—but in every comforting, slurpable spoonful.

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