Stuffed pepper soup is a delightful dish that warms the soul and fills the belly. Perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings with family and friends, this cozy one-pot meal combines ground beef, fresh vegetables, and hearty rice in a rich tomato broth. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also brings the comforting flavors of stuffed peppers into a simple soup form, making it a unique and satisfying option for any occasion.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty and Filling: Stuffed pepper soup is loaded with protein and veggies, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.
One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks together in one pot, saving you time and effort.
Customizable: Feel free to adjust ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. You can add more vegetables or switch up the protein!
Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 40 minutes, you can whip up this delicious meal even on busy weeknights.
Great for Leftovers: This soup stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. The right equipment can make all the difference when preparing your stuffed pepper soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Dutch oven
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring spoons
Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soups, it retains heat well and evenly cooks all ingredients.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables without damaging your countertops.
Knife: A sharp knife makes cutting through vegetables quick and easy, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.

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 lean ground beef, breaking up any clumps as it cooks. Drain any excess 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

In the same pot, add olive oil. Once hot, sauté diced onions and bell peppers until they soften—this should take about five minutes. Add minced garlic to the mix and sauté for an additional thirty seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Return the cooked beef to the pot. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add Worcestershire sauce, optional sugar, and Italian seasoning. Taste your mixture and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 4: Simmer

Bring everything to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about fifteen to twenty minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Add Rice

If you don’t plan on having leftovers, stir in cooked long grain white rice along with chopped parsley. Simmer this mixture until heated through—around one to two minutes should suffice. If you plan on saving some for later meals, add parsley now but keep rice separate until serving.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle out hot soup into bowls. Garnish each bowl with shredded cheese if desired.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Savor every warm spoonful of your delicious stuffed pepper soup!

How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Soup

Stuffed pepper soup is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re looking for a simple yet satisfying meal or want to elevate your dining experience, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your enjoyment of this hearty soup.

With Crusty Bread

A warm, crusty baguette or sourdough loaf is perfect for dipping into the rich broth of stuffed pepper soup.

Topped with Cheese

Garnishing with shredded cheddar or mozzarella adds a creamy texture and flavor that complements the soup beautifully.

With a Side Salad

A fresh garden salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.

In a Bread Bowl

Serving stuffed pepper soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl makes for an impressive presentation and adds extra flavor.

With Sour Cream

A dollop of sour cream on top creates a creamy finish and balances the flavors of the soup perfectly.

Paired with Crackers

Crunchy crackers offer a satisfying bite alongside the velvety texture of the soup, making it a great snack option.

How to Perfect Stuffed Pepper Soup

To ensure your stuffed pepper soup turns out delicious every time, consider these helpful tips for perfection.

Use Lean Meat: Opt for lean ground beef to keep the dish light while still providing rich flavor without excess grease.
Fresh Vegetables: Choose fresh bell peppers and onions for maximum flavor and crunch in every bite.
Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to suit your palate.
Simmer Well: Allowing the soup to simmer helps flavors meld together beautifully, enhancing overall taste.
Store Separately: If you plan on leftovers, store cooked rice separately from the soup to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Garnish Creatively: Experiment with different garnishes like fresh herbs or avocado for added flair and taste.

Best Side Dishes for Stuffed Pepper Soup

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

Garlic Bread – Toasted garlic bread offers a flavorful crunch that pairs well with the warm broth.
Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad brings crisp romaine lettuce and creamy dressing that contrasts nicely with the soup.
Cornbread – Sweet cornbread adds a touch of sweetness and pairs perfectly with savory flavors.
Stuffed Mushrooms – These bite-sized treats filled with cheese and herbs make for an excellent appetizer alongside your main dish.
Vegetable Platter – Serve fresh veggies with dip for a light and healthy complement to the hearty soup.
Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs add texture and heartiness to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Stuffed pepper soup is simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of.

Using low-quality ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality ground beef can elevate your soup’s flavor. Always choose the best you can find.
Skipping the seasoning: Under-seasoning can make your stuffed pepper soup bland. Be sure to taste and adjust the salt and spices as you go.
Not cooking rice properly: If you add uncooked rice, it will absorb too much liquid. Always use pre-cooked rice for the best texture in your soup.
Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking them too long can turn them mushy. Aim for soft yet slightly crisp bell peppers for optimal texture.
Ignoring leftovers: Tossing all ingredients together can lead to soggy rice the next day. Store components separately if you’re keeping leftovers.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Stuffed Pepper Soup

Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Leave some space at the top of containers for expansion.

Reheating Stuffed Pepper Soup

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover the soup in a baking dish and heat until warm, about 20-25 minutes.
Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
Stovetop: Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about stuffed pepper soup that might help you enjoy this dish even more.

What is Stuffed Pepper Soup?

Stuffed pepper soup is a hearty dish made with ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, and rice all simmered together in a savory broth.

Can I make Stuffed Pepper Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute ground beef with lentils or beans and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

How do I customize my Stuffed Pepper Soup?

Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or zucchini. Spices like cumin or chili powder can also enhance the flavor.

Can I make Stuffed Pepper Soup ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes better when made ahead, allowing flavors to meld. Just store it properly as mentioned above.

Final Thoughts

Stuffed pepper soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with different veggies or proteins based on your preferences. This cozy dish is perfect for any weeknight dinner, so give it a try!

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Stuffed Pepper Soup

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Author: Ana
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Stuffed pepper soup is the ultimate comfort dish that combines the rich flavors of traditional stuffed peppers into a hearty, one-pot meal. Perfect for chilly nights or gatherings, this savory soup features ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and tender rice simmered in a robust tomato broth. It’s not just delicious; it’s also customizable and quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or meal prep. Serve it with crusty bread or topped with cheese for an extra indulgent touch.

Ingredients

Scale

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)
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)

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Instructions

In a Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking up any clumps as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if necessary. Season the beef with salt and pepper to taste before removing it from the pot and setting aside.
In the same pot, add the olive oil. Once hot, sauté the diced onions and bell peppers until they soften—this should take about five minutes. Add the minced garlic to the mix and sauté for an additional thirty seconds until fragrant.
Return the cooked beef to the pot. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add Worcestershire sauce, optional sugar, and Italian seasoning. Taste your mixture and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Bring everything to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about fifteen to twenty minutes while stirring occasionally.
If you don’t plan on having leftovers, stir in cooked long grain white rice along with chopped parsley. Simmer this mixture until heated through—around one to two minutes should suffice. If you plan on saving some for later meals, add parsley now but keep rice separate until serving.
Ladle out hot soup into bowls. Garnish each bowl with shredded cheese if desired.
Savor every warm spoonful of your delicious stuffed pepper soup!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American