Embrace Comfort with 30-Minute Stuffed Pepper Soup
Are you craving a hearty, comforting meal but short on time? Look no further than our 30-Minute Stuffed Pepper Soup recipe. Bursting with flavor and packed with wholesome ingredients, this soup offers all the comforting goodness of traditional stuffed peppers in a fraction of the time. Made with lean ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and aromatic herbs, this soup is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or chilly evenings when you need a warm bowl of comfort. Join us as we uncover the secrets to creating this delicious soup that will warm your soul and satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (28 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flake, optional
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Saute Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add lean ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add Garlic and Peppers: Stir in minced garlic, chopped red bell pepper, and chopped green bell pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until peppers are slightly softened.
- Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth: Add tomato sauce, fire-roasted diced tomatoes (undrained), and beef broth to the pot. Stir in Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flake if using.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add Cooked Rice: Stir in the cooked white rice and let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
- Season to Taste: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for added texture.
- Cheesy Twist: Amp up the flavor by stirring in a handful of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese just before serving. The melted cheese adds a deliciously creamy and indulgent touch to the soup.
- Slow Cooker Method: To make this soup in a slow cooker, simply brown the ground beef and sauté the aromatics in a skillet, then transfer everything to a slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, you can easily swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or even ground chicken for a lighter option.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- What can I serve with stuffed pepper soup? Crusty bread, garlic breadsticks, or a simple green salad make excellent accompaniments to this soup.
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, brown rice can be used instead of white rice for a healthier alternative. Keep in mind that brown rice may require a longer cooking time.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Cauliflower Rice: Replace the cooked white rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Simply stir in the cauliflower rice during the last few minutes of cooking until heated through.
- Vegetable Substitutions: Increase the quantity of bell peppers and add other low-carb vegetables like zucchini or spinach to bulk up the soup without adding extra carbs.
In conclusion, our 30-Minute Stuffed Pepper Soup is a quick and easy meal solution that doesn’t skimp on flavor. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy all the comforting goodness of stuffed peppers in a satisfying soup form. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or whipping up a cozy dinner for two, this soup is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients and get ready to savor every spoonful of this deliciously comforting soup.
