Stuffed Pepper Soup is a delicious and hearty dish that brings all the flavors of stuffed peppers into a warm, comforting soup. With ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, and rice, this soup is a complete meal in a bowl. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this soup is easy to make and full of rich, savory flavors. Let’s dive into this comforting recipe and learn how to make Stuffed Pepper Soup step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3/4 cup uncooked white or brown rice
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat Oil:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook Beef:
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
- Add Onion and Peppers:
- Add the finely chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add Garlic:
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Tomatoes
- Add Spices:
- Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and dried thyme, and cook for 1 minute.
- Add Tomatoes:
- Add the fire-roasted tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
- Add Brown Sugar:
- Stir in the brown sugar. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Season:
- Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Cook the Rice
- Add Rice:
- Stir in the uncooked rice. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
- Add Fresh Parsley:
- Stir in the chopped fresh parsley just before serving.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese. Serve hot.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Ground Beef: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Rice: If you prefer, you can use cooked rice. Simply reduce the simmering time after adding the rice to 5-10 minutes, just enough to heat the rice through.
- Peppers: Feel free to add other colors of bell peppers or additional vegetables like diced zucchini or carrots.
Variations
Spicy Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Add Spice:
- Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Use Lentils:
- Substitute the ground beef with 1 1/2 cups of cooked lentils or use a plant-based ground meat alternative.
Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Add Cheese:
- Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese directly into the soup for an extra cheesy version.
Serving Suggestions
With Bread
- With Garlic Bread:
- Serve with garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the flavorful broth.
- With Dinner Rolls:
- Pair with warm dinner rolls for a comforting addition.
With Salad
- With Green Salad:
- Serve with a simple green salad or coleslaw for a fresh side.
- With Caesar Salad:
- Pair with a Caesar salad for a classic combination.
With Beverages
- With Red Wine:
- Enjoy with a glass of red wine such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.
- With Iced Tea:
- Serve with iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing drink.
FAQs
Q: Can I use pre-cooked rice? A: Yes, you can use pre-cooked rice. Add it towards the end of the cooking time and simmer just until heated through.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this soup? A: Yes, you can freeze Stuffed Pepper Soup. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: What if I don’t have fire-roasted tomatoes? A: You can use regular canned tomatoes instead. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor.
Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? A: Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables on the stove first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Stuffed Pepper Soup is a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors, tender vegetables, and satisfying beef and rice, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, Stuffed Pepper Soup is easy to make and always delicious. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful soup with your family and friends!
