Stuffed Pepper Soup is a twist on the beloved stuffed pepper dish, transformed into a hearty, comforting soup. This version takes all the classic flavors of stuffed peppers—bell peppers, ground meat, rice, and seasonings—and turns them into a nourishing soup that’s both filling and full of flavor. Whether you’re serving it on a cold winter evening or as a meal prep option for the week ahead, this soup is sure to please.
Packed with vegetables, lean protein, and rice, it’s the perfect balance of comforting, healthy, and satisfying. So, let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Pepper Soup
Stuffed Pepper Soup isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this dish:
- Comforting and Hearty: The combination of bell peppers, ground meat, rice, and broth creates a soup that feels both substantial and satisfying.
- Customizable: You can tailor this soup to fit your dietary preferences, whether you prefer lean beef, turkey, or even a vegetarian version.
- Easy to Make: This soup is simple to prepare and comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy nights or meal prepping.
- Great for Leftovers: Stuffed Pepper Soup stores well in the refrigerator and even tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together.
Whether you’re feeding a large group or enjoying a cozy meal on your own, this Stuffed Pepper Soup is a fantastic option that guarantees comfort in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Stuffed Pepper Soup, you’ll need a few key ingredients. These come together to create a rich, savory broth that highlights the flavor of the bell peppers and ground meat. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need:
For the Soup Base:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or any cooking oil of your choice)
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or vegetarian meat alternatives)
- 1 onion, diced (yellow, white, or red onion will work)
- 3 bell peppers (red, green, yellow, or a mix), diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, including juices
- 4 cups beef broth (vegetable broth or chicken broth can also be used)
- 1 cup of cooked rice (choose from white, brown, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite type) – for topping
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Add hot sauce or red pepper flakes for an extra spicy kick to elevate the flavor and heat of your stuffed pepper soup.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (for extra richness)
For a vegetarian version:
- You can use plant-based ground meat or lentils as a substitute for the ground beef. This will keep the flavor profile intact while catering to vegetarian diets.
How to Make Stuffed Pepper Soup
Making this Stuffed Pepper Soup is incredibly easy, and you’ll have a hearty, flavorful meal in less than an hour. Follow these steps for a delicious and satisfying bowl of soup:
Step 1: Brown the Ground Meat
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef (or turkey or vegetarian substitute). Cook it, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the meat is browned, drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the pot with the browned meat.Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring often to prevent burning.
You should start to smell the wonderful aroma of the garlic and peppers!
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Broth
Next, pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices) and the beef or vegetable broth. Stir in the dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The broth will begin to take on the taste of the roasted peppers and savory meat, making it irresistibly fragrant.
Step 4: Add the Rice
After the soup has simmered, mix in the cooked rice.If you’re using leftover rice or instant rice, this step will be quick and easy. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes so the rice absorbs the flavors of the broth.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheese and fresh parsley or cilantro. For an extra kick, drizzle with hot sauce or sprinkle some red pepper flakes. Serve the soup hot with crusty bread or a side salad to complete the meal.
Tips for Making the Best Stuffed Pepper Soup
1. Use a Variety of Bell Peppers
Feel free to use any combination of bell peppers you prefer. Red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweeter, while green peppers have a slightly bitter flavor. Mixing them will give your soup a nice balance of flavors.
2. Spice It Up
If you like a bit of heat, add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper to the soup. You can also increase the amount of hot sauce or red pepper flakes when serving.
3. Customize the Meat
If you prefer a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes for ground beef. For a vegetarian option, substitute ground meat with lentils, quinoa, or plant-based crumbles.
4. Add Extra Veggies
Feel free to add more vegetables to make the soup even heartier. Zucchini, mushrooms, and even corn are great additions. You can also use cauliflower rice if you want a lower-carb option instead of regular rice.
5. Serve with Toppings
Top each bowl with shredded cheese, sour cream, or even a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits. These will add extra flavor and texture to the soup.
How to Store and Reheat Stuffed Pepper Soup
Storing Leftovers
Stuffed Pepper Soup makes for excellent leftovers! Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container for storage.You can keep the soup in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing Stuffed Pepper Soup
If you’re preparing a large batch for future meals, Stuffed Pepper Soup freezes wonderfully. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stove.
Reheating Stuffed Pepper Soup
To reheat, place the soup in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until it reaches your desired temperature.
Making Stuffed Pepper Soup in the Slow Cooker
If you prefer a hands-off approach, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Here’s how:
- Brown the meat in a skillet over medium heat and drain any excess fat. Add it to the slow cooker.
- Add the diced onion, bell peppers, garlic, diced tomatoes, beef broth, rice, and seasonings to the slow cooker.
- Set the slow cooker to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally, and keep an eye on the consistency as it cooks.
- Once done, ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with cheese and parsley.
Stuffed Pepper Soup Variations
1. Spicy Stuffed Pepper Soup
Add extra jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or chili powder to the soup for an added spice kick. You can also top the soup with pickled jalapeños for extra flavor.
2. Vegetarian Stuffed Pepper Soup
Swap the ground meat for a plant-based meat alternative or use lentils for a vegetarian version of this soup.You can add extra beans and vegetables for an even heartier meal, enhancing both the flavor and nutritional value of your soup.
3. Low-Carb Stuffed Pepper Soup
For a low-carb version, use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. You can also add extra non-starchy vegetables like zucchini or spinach to keep the soup filling without the carbs.
Health Benefits of Stuffed Pepper Soup
Stuffed Pepper Soup is not only comforting and delicious but also offers several health benefits. The ingredients in this soup combine to create a well-rounded, nutritious meal that’s good for your body.
Rich in Vitamins and Antioxidants
Bell peppers, the star ingredient in this soup, are loaded with vitamins A and C. These vitamins are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system and promoting skin health. The antioxidants in bell peppers help combat oxidative stress, protecting your cells from damage.
High in Protein
If you use lean ground beef or turkey, your soup will be packed with protein, which is vital for muscle repair and growth. Protein also helps keep you feeling full longer, making this soup a great option for weight management.
Fiber-Rich
The addition of rice and bell peppers ensures that your soup is packed with dietary fiber, making it both filling and nutritious.
Fiber aids digestion, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and promotes overall gut health.
Customizable for Different Diets
Whether you’re following a low-carb, vegetarian, or gluten-free diet, Stuffed Pepper Soup can easily be adapted to fit your needs. Substituting rice with cauliflower rice or using a plant-based protein makes this soup a versatile option for almost any dietary preference.
Conclusion
Stuffed Pepper Soup is a hearty and satisfying meal that brings all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers into a comforting soup. Whether you’re making it for dinner or prepping it ahead for the week, this recipe is a great choice for any time you need a cozy, flavorful dish. You can easily customize it to suit your tastes, add extra veggies, or switch up the meat for a healthier or vegetarian option.
The best part? Leftovers taste even better the next day, so you can enjoy it all week long!
