This hearty Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup brings all the yummy flavors of stuffed peppers into a cozy bowl. With tender peppers, seasoned ground meat, and rice, it’s like a warm hug on a chilly day!
Making this soup is a breeze! Just throw everything in a pot, let it simmer, and enjoy. I love topping mine with cheese and some crunchy crackers for a fun twist. Perfect for family dinners!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I often use ground beef for its rich flavor, but ground turkey is a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, try lentils or crumbled tofu to keep that protein bump without meat!
Bell Peppers: Green peppers add a nice touch of bitterness, but you can use red, yellow, or orange peppers for sweetness. Mix colors for a vibrant look!
Rice: White rice is great, but brown rice or quinoa can add a nutty flavor and more fiber. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time for any substitute you use!
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes are convenient. For a fresh taste, use chopped fresh tomatoes, but you might want to add a splash of water or broth for moisture.
How Do I Make the Soup Flavorful and Well-Cooked?
Building flavor is key! Start by sautéing onions until they’re soft. This sweetens them up and forms a base for your soup. Stirring in the garlic next is important; it cooks quickly and loses its flavor if added too early.
- Brown the ground meat thoroughly for a deeper flavor. Break it apart well while cooking.
- Add bell peppers next; this ensures they soften nicely but don’t turn mushy.
- Remember to let the soup simmer – this melds the flavors beautifully! Covering it helps retain moisture and heat.
- Finally, stirring in the cooked rice at the end ensures it stays chewy rather than overcooked.
Enjoy your cozy bowl of Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup!
Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 green bell peppers, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or oregano)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes from start to finish to enjoy a warm bowl of goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Base:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. This will bring out a sweet flavor.
2. Add Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook it for another minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Cook the Meat:
Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the pot. Cook it until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. If there’s excess fat, drain it off. This keeps the soup from being too greasy.
4. Incorporate Bell Peppers:
Now, stir in the diced green bell peppers and cook them for 3-5 minutes until they start to soften. This adds a nice crunch to your soup!
5. Add Liquid Ingredients:
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (including the juice) and the beef or chicken broth. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
6. Season It Up:
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and if you like it spicy, the crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the soup to a boil – this is where the magic starts!
7. Simmer:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the peppers to get tender.
8. Add Rice:
After simmering, stir in the cooked rice, heating through for just 2-3 minutes. This will thicken the soup a bit and provide that classic stuffed pepper experience!
9. Taste Test:
Now’s the time to taste your soup! Adjust any seasonings if necessary to make it just right for you.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. It’s perfect for warming up your day!
Enjoy this comforting soup that perfectly captures the taste of classic stuffed bell peppers in a warm, cozy bowl!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice works well, just keep in mind that it may require a longer cooking time. Make sure it’s cooked beforehand or add a bit more broth and simmer until it’s tender.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based alternative, like lentils or crumbled tofu. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for added depth of flavor.
Can I Store Leftover Soup?
Yes! Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it thickens up.
What Can I Serve with This Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh side salad. For extra flavors, consider adding a sprinkle of cheese on top or some crunchy tortilla chips on the side!
