Hearty Stuffed Pepper Soup: A Comforting and Flavorful Meal
Introduction
Stuffed pepper soup is a warm, comforting dish that captures all the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers in a hearty, satisfying soup. This recipe is perfect for chilly days when you’re craving something nourishing and filling.
Packed with ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, rice, and a medley of spices, this soup is not only delicious but also easy to make. It’s a one-pot wonder that brings together simple ingredients to create a flavorful, soul-warming meal that the whole family will love.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create this hearty stuffed pepper soup. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or preparing it ahead of time for easy lunches, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (you can also use ground turkey or chicken)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 large bell peppers (any color), diced
1 large carrot, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (14.5 oz) tomato sauce
4 cups beef or chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
1/2 cup uncooked white or brown rice
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Once the beef is fully cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pot and set it aside. Drain any excess fat from the pot, leaving about 1 tablespoon behind.
Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
Add the diced bell peppers and garlic to the pot. Continue to sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the peppers are tender and the garlic is fragrant.
Add the Tomatoes and Broth:
Pour the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and tomato sauce into the pot. Stir to combine with the sautéed vegetables.
Add the beef or chicken broth to the pot, stirring well to combine all the ingredients.
Season the Soup:
Stir in the dried basil, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Return the browned ground beef to the pot, mixing it in with the vegetables and broth.
Cook the Rice:
Add the uncooked rice to the pot, stirring to distribute it evenly throughout the soup.
Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
Serve the Soup:
Once the rice is cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If the soup is too thick, you can add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Storage:
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
Hearty stuffed pepper soup is a wonderful way to enjoy the comforting flavors of stuffed peppers in a simpler, more convenient form. This soup is packed with nutritious ingredients and is incredibly satisfying, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights or a leisurely weekend dinner.
The combination of ground beef, colorful bell peppers, tomatoes, and rice creates a rich, flavorful broth that’s sure to warm you up from the inside out. Plus, it’s easy to customize—try adding beans for extra protein, or swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken to suit your taste.
Whether you’re serving it with crusty bread, a side salad, or on its own, this stuffed pepper soup is sure to become a go-to recipe in your home. Enjoy the hearty, comforting goodness of this delicious soup, and savor every spoonful!