Stuffed Pepper Soup
Stuffed Pepper Soup is a delightful dish that combines the comforting flavors of stuffed peppers into a nourishing bowl of soup. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or casual gatherings with friends and family. This cozy meal features ground beef, fresh vegetables, and rice in a rich tomato broth, making it not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish, this stuffed pepper soup is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful and Hearty: Packed with ground beef, bell peppers, and spices, this soup delivers robust flavors in every spoonful.
- Versatile: You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have at home. Swap in different proteins or add more veggies!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day, making it great for leftovers.
- Kid-Friendly: With its comforting taste and appealing ingredients, even picky eaters will love this dish.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this delicious stuffed pepper soup.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven: This heavy pot provides even heat distribution, perfect for browning meat and simmering soups.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping 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)
– 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 while breaking up any clumps. Drain any excess grease if necessary. Season the beef with salt and pepper to taste before removing it from the pot and setting it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add one tablespoon of olive oil to the same pot. Sauté the diced yellow onion and finely chopped red and green bell peppers until soft, about five minutes. After that, add minced garlic and sauté for an additional thirty seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Return the cooked ground beef to the pot. Stir in canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Season with Worcestershire sauce, optional sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to your liking.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and 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 rice along with fresh parsley into the soup during the last couple of minutes of cooking until heated through. If you want leftovers, add parsley now but wait to stir in rice into individual servings instead.
Step 6: Serve
Dish out your hearty stuffed pepper soup while hot! Garnish each bowl with shredded cheese if desired.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Dig into this comforting meal that brings warmth to your table!
How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Soup
Stuffed pepper soup is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavor and presentation. Whether you want a simple bowl of soup or a more elaborate meal, here are some ideas for serving this hearty dish.
With Crusty Bread
- Sourdough Bread: The tangy flavor of sourdough complements the soup beautifully.
- Garlic Bread: A buttery garlic bread adds richness and pairs well with the savory broth.
Topped with Cheese
- Shredded Cheddar: Melts wonderfully on top, adding creaminess.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta gives a salty kick that balances the flavors.
Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Adds freshness and brightens up the dish.
- Basil Leaves: A few basil leaves can enhance the herbaceous notes in the soup.
With a Side Salad
- Caesar Salad: The crispness of romaine and creamy dressing contrasts nicely with the warm soup.
- Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens provides a refreshing balance to the hearty soup.
How to Perfect Stuffed Pepper Soup
To make your stuffed pepper soup even better, consider these helpful tips. Each suggestion will ensure that your soup is packed with flavor and has the right texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables contribute better flavor and nutrition than canned ones.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste your soup as it cooks and adjust salt, pepper, and spices to suit your preference.
- Add Heat If Desired: If you like spicy food, add crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Let It Simmer Longer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer can deepen the flavors significantly.
- Experiment with Different Grains: Try substituting quinoa or barley for rice for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
Best Side Dishes for Stuffed Pepper Soup
Pairing side dishes with stuffed pepper soup can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement its rich flavors.
- Garlic Knots: Soft, buttery knots brushed with garlic are perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Cheesy Biscuit Muffins: Fluffy muffins loaded with cheese provide a savory sidekick to every spoonful.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread balances out the savory flavors of the soup nicely.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted veggies adds color and nutrition to your meal.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make a delightful crunchy addition.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized treats filled with cheese and herbs pair well with the main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making stuffed pepper soup can be straightforward, but a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the browning step: Always brown the ground beef properly before adding other ingredients. This adds depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- Not seasoning enough: A common mistake is under-seasoning the dish. Season each layer, from the beef to the vegetables, to build a well-rounded flavor.
- Using raw rice: Avoid adding uncooked rice directly into the soup as it won’t cook properly. Make sure to use pre-cooked rice for best results.
- Ignoring taste tests: Don’t skip tasting your soup as you cook. Adjust seasonings based on your preference for a personalized touch.
- Overcooking vegetables: Be careful not to overcook your bell peppers and onions; they should be tender but still have some crunch for texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover stuffed pepper soup in an airtight container.
- It will last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
- It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the soup in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and heat until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring occasionally.
- Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about stuffed pepper soup that might help enhance your cooking experience.
What is stuffed pepper soup?
Stuffed pepper soup is a hearty one-pot meal that combines ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, and rice in a warm broth.
Can I make stuffed pepper soup without meat?
Yes! You can easily substitute ground beef with plant-based alternatives or increase the amount of vegetables for a vegetarian version.
How can I customize my stuffed pepper soup?
Feel free to add your favorite spices or additional vegetables such as corn or zucchini. You can also experiment with different types of cheese on top.
Can I use frozen bell peppers in this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bell peppers work well in stuffed pepper soup. Just add them directly into the pot without thawing first.
How do I make stuffed pepper soup spicier?
To add heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes when sautéing your vegetables. Adjust according to your spice tolerance!
Final Thoughts
Stuffed pepper soup is not only cozy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it according to your tastes by changing up proteins or adding seasonal vegetables. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delightful meal that warms both body and soul!
Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Stuffed Pepper Soup is a comforting one-pot meal that brings the delightful flavors of stuffed peppers into a warm and nourishing bowl. This hearty dish features ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and tender rice simmered in a rich tomato broth, making it an ideal choice for chilly evenings or family gatherings. In just 40 minutes, you can whip up this flavorful soup that’s not only easy to make but also perfect for meal prep. Customize it with your favorite ingredients or enjoy it as is—this versatile recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups cooked long grain white rice
- Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the onion and bell peppers in olive oil until soft. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Return the beef to the pot and mix in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Season with Worcestershire sauce, sugar (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Stir in cooked rice and fresh parsley just 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: 720mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
