Stuffed Pepper Soup
Stuffed pepper soup is a delightful blend of flavors that brings comfort and warmth to your dinner table. This cozy dish combines ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and savory spices in a rich tomato base. Perfect for weeknight meals or gatherings, stuffed pepper soup is not only easy to prepare but also offers a nutritious and satisfying option for all ages. With its hearty ingredients, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This stuffed pepper soup can be prepared in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Hearty and Filling: Loaded with protein and vegetables, this soup keeps you satisfied for hours.
- Versatile: Customize the recipe by adding your favorite veggies or switching up the protein to suit your taste.
- One-Pot Wonder: Save time on cleanup with this simple one-pot meal that minimizes mess without sacrificing flavor.
- Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for an easy meal later on.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential kitchen tools for an effortless experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven: This heavy pot is great for even cooking and helps develop rich flavors while simmering.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware, ensuring everything mixes well without damage.
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 ground beef until fully cooked. Break up any clumps as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if necessary. Season with salt and pepper to taste before removing it from the pot and setting aside.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the Dutch oven. Sauté the diced onions and chopped bell peppers until they are soft, which takes about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Stir in the cooked beef along with diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Season with Worcestershire sauce, optional sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings as necessary.
Step 4: Simmer
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes while stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Add Rice
If you plan on serving immediately without leftovers, stir in cooked rice along with fresh parsley. Simmer for an additional minute or two until heated through. For leftovers, add parsley separately when serving individual bowls of soup.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls while hot. Garnish with shredded cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious stuffed pepper soup!
How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Soup
Stuffed pepper soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a cozy night in, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
Top with Fresh Herbs
- Italian parsley: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds brightness and a fresh flavor.
- Basil: Fresh basil leaves can elevate the soup with their aromatic taste.
Add Cheese
- Shredded cheddar: Melting cheese on top creates a rich and creamy finish.
- Mozzarella: For a stretchy, gooey texture, add shredded mozzarella before serving.
Serve with Bread
- Crusty bread: Pairing your soup with slices of crusty bread is perfect for dipping.
- Garlic bread: Adding garlic bread brings an extra layer of flavor that complements the soup.
Include a Salad
- Mixed green salad: A light salad can balance the heartiness of the soup.
- Caesar salad: The flavors of Caesar dressing pair wonderfully with stuffed pepper soup.
Use Individual Bowls
- Personal servings: Serving the soup in individual bowls makes it feel special and allows for personalized toppings.
How to Perfect Stuffed Pepper Soup
To achieve the best flavor and texture in your stuffed pepper soup, consider these helpful tips.
- seasoning: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper. Adjusting these seasonings enhances the overall flavor.
- Quality broth: Use homemade or high-quality beef broth for a richer taste in your soup.
- Right rice type: Long grain white rice holds its shape better than other varieties; ensure it’s cooked properly before adding.
- Simmer time: Allowing the soup to simmer longer deepens the flavors; however, keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.
- Taste test often: Regular tasting during cooking helps you adjust flavors to your preference.
- Consider leftovers wisely: If you plan to have leftovers, store rice separately from the soup to maintain its texture.
Best Side Dishes for Stuffed Pepper Soup
Pairing side dishes with stuffed pepper soup can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread: This classic choice is perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth.
- Cornbread Muffins: Their sweetness complements the savory elements of the soup beautifully.
- Simple Green Salad: A light salad adds freshness and balances out the hearty flavors.
- Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits with cheese add richness and are great for dipping.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies provide a nice contrast in flavors and textures.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges offer a satisfying crunch alongside your warm bowl of soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Stuffed pepper soup is a delightful dish, but some common mistakes can ruin its flavor and texture. Here are some pitfalls to avoid while making this cozy soup.
- Skipping the seasoning: Many overlook seasoning the beef or vegetables. Always season each layer of your dish for maximum flavor.
- Using uncooked rice: Adding raw rice directly to the soup can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure to use pre-cooked rice for best results.
- Overcooking the vegetables: Sautéing onions and bell peppers for too long can make them mushy. Cook just until they’re soft to maintain texture.
- Neglecting taste testing: Failing to taste your soup before serving can result in bland flavors. Always adjust with salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
- Not letting it simmer long enough: Rushing the simmering process can prevent flavors from developing. Allow at least 15-20 minutes to enhance the broth.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Let it cool completely before sealing and refrigerating.
Freezing Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Label containers with the date and contents for easy identification.
Reheating Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about stuffed pepper soup that might help you make it even better!
What is Stuffed Pepper Soup?
Stuffed pepper soup is a hearty dish made with ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, and rice that mimics traditional stuffed peppers but in a comforting soup form.
Can I make Stuffed Pepper Soup vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute ground beef with lentils or chopped mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
How can I customize my Stuffed Pepper Soup?
You can add different vegetables like corn or zucchini, or use various types of meat such as turkey or chicken for unique flavors.
What should I serve with Stuffed Pepper Soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even grilled cheese sandwiches for a complete meal.
Can I make Stuffed Pepper Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making it ahead allows flavors to meld together beautifully. Just store it properly and reheat when ready to enjoy!
Final Thoughts
Stuffed pepper soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize ingredients based on your preferences or what’s available in your pantry. Try this recipe for a warm meal that satisfies cravings any time of year!
Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Stuffed Pepper Soup is the ultimate cozy comfort meal that combines the rich flavors of ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a hearty tomato base. This satisfying dish is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings with family and friends. In just 40 minutes, you can whip up this delicious one-pot wonder that brings warmth and nourishment to your dinner table. With its versatile ingredients and easy preparation, it’s no wonder this stuffed pepper soup has become a family favorite.
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
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked long grain white rice
- Fresh Italian parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a Dutch oven over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add olive oil, sauté onions and bell peppers for about 5 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic for an additional 30 seconds.
- Combine cooked beef with diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Bring to a gentle boil; then reduce heat to medium-low 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: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
