Stuffed pepper soup is a delightful and comforting dish that brings the flavors of classic stuffed peppers into an easy-to-make one-pot meal. This soup is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, delivering warmth and satisfaction in every bowl. With its rich tomato base and hearty ingredients, stuffed pepper soup promises to be a family favorite that you can enjoy any time of the year.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This stuffed pepper soup comes together in just 40 minutes, making it a quick choice for dinner.
- Flavorful Ingredients: Packed with ground beef, bell peppers, and spices, each bite bursts with flavor.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it as a main course or pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Comforting Dish: The warm, hearty broth makes it a perfect choice for chilly evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or swap out proteins to suit your taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your stuffed pepper soup, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven: Ideal for even cooking and simmering soups without losing moisture.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, ensuring uniform pieces for better cooking.
- Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your pots or pans and helps prevent sticking.
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 Beef
In a Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef. Break up any clumps as it cooks. Once browned, 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 Vegetables
Add one tablespoon of olive oil to the Dutch oven. Sauté the diced onions and chopped bell peppers until they are soft, which should take about five minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional thirty seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Return the cooked beef to the pot. Stir in two cans of diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and two cups of beef broth. Next, season with Worcestershire sauce, optional sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Taste your mixture; adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about fifteen to twenty minutes while stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Add Rice & Parsley
If you do not plan on having leftovers, stir in cooked rice along with fresh parsley into the pot. Allow this to simmer until heated through—approximately one to two minutes. If you want leftovers, add parsley but keep rice separate until serving each bowl.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Ladle your stuffed pepper soup into bowls while hot. You can garnish with shredded cheese if desired before serving.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Dive into your delicious stuffed pepper soup! Enjoy this hearty meal anytime you crave comfort food at its best.
How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Soup
Stuffed pepper soup can be enjoyed in many delightful ways. Its rich flavors and hearty ingredients make it a perfect meal for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
Top with Cheese
- Shredded Cheese: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top for a creamy, melty finish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan for a salty and nutty flavor boost.
Accompany with Bread
- Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.
- Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread adds an aromatic touch that pairs well with the soup.
Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Basil Leaves: Add torn basil leaves to bring a sweet and aromatic element to the dish.
Add a Kick
- Hot Sauce: Drizzle your favorite hot sauce on top for those who enjoy extra heat.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice.
Pair with Salad
- Garden Salad: A light garden salad makes a refreshing side to balance the hearty soup.
- Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing of Caesar salad complements the flavors of stuffed pepper soup beautifully.
How to Perfect Stuffed Pepper Soup
Perfecting your stuffed pepper soup can elevate it from good to great. Here are some tips to help you nail this recipe every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh bell peppers and herbs will enhance the flavor profile significantly.
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste and adjust seasoning as needed; this ensures balanced flavors.
- Let It Simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer can deepen its flavors; just keep an eye on the liquid levels.
- Try Different Meats: Experiment with different ground meats like turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the soup.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate additional vegetables such as corn or zucchini for extra nutrition and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Stuffed Pepper Soup
Stuffed pepper soup is versatile and pairs well with various side dishes. Here are some excellent options that complement its flavors perfectly.
- Garlic Knots: Soft, buttery knots infused with garlic make for an irresistible addition to your meal.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread provides a delightful contrast to the savory soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: A classic combo, crispy grilled cheese sandwiches are perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies add depth and nutrition alongside each bowl of soup.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad is refreshing and provides healthy grains to round out your meal.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Flavorful stuffed mushrooms can serve as an excellent finger food that complements the main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making stuffed pepper soup can be easy, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:
- Overcooking the beef: If you cook the ground beef too long, it can become dry. Brown it just until no pink remains, then set it aside.
- Ignoring seasoning: Not seasoning each layer can lead to bland soup. Season the beef, vegetables, and broth separately for a richer flavor.
- Skipping the taste test: Failing to taste your soup before serving can result in an unbalanced dish. Always adjust seasonings like salt and sugar to suit your preference.
- Adding rice too early: If you add rice at the beginning, it may become mushy. Stir in cooked rice just before serving to keep it firm.
- Using low-quality tomatoes: The tomatoes are a key ingredient; using poor-quality canned tomatoes can diminish flavor. Choose high-quality diced tomatoes for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover stuffed pepper soup in an airtight container.
- It will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for storage.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered oven-safe dish for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Reheat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat on medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.
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 dish made with ground beef, bell peppers, rice, and tomatoes simmered together for a comforting meal.
Can I make Stuffed Pepper Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute ground beef with lentils or black beans and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
How do I customize my Stuffed Pepper Soup?
You can customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like corn or zucchini or adjusting spices according to your taste preferences.
What goes well with Stuffed Pepper Soup?
Stuffed pepper soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal experience.
Final Thoughts
Stuffed pepper soup is not only cozy and filling but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with different proteins or veggies based on what you have on hand. Give this delightful recipe a try, and enjoy its warmth and comfort!
Stuffed Pepper Soup
Stuffed pepper soup is a heartwarming dish that captures the essence of traditional stuffed peppers in a cozy, one-pot meal. This delightful soup combines ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and aromatic spices simmered in a rich tomato broth, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or chilly evenings. With its hearty ingredients and comforting flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite you can enjoy all year round.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
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 (14.5 oz.) cans diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups cooked long grain white rice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no pink remains; drain excess grease.
- Add olive oil and sauté the diced onions and chopped bell peppers until soft (about 5 minutes). Stir in minced garlic for another 30 seconds.
- Return the beef to the pot and add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
- If serving immediately, stir in cooked rice and fresh parsley; heat through for about 1-2 minutes before serving hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
