Let’s talk comfort food. Remember those nights when you were little, and the smell of your grandma’s cooking would just wrap around you? What is a warm hug?What is Stuffed Pepper Soup recipe?is like that feeling in a bowl. What are some of the best stuffed pepper recipes? How do you stuff peppers? If you love the taste of a good old stuffed pepper but are short on time (who isn’t these? This soup is a game changer. Is it the lazy-day version of stuffed peppers? I promise this will become a weeknight favorite!

What is stuffed pepper soup?

So, what exactly *is* Stuffed Pepper soup? Well, imagine all the best parts of a classic stuffed pepper – the savory ground beef, the sweet bell peppers, the slightly tangy tomato sauce, the fluffy rice – all simmered together in a hearty, flavorful broth. It’s essentially deconstructed stuffed peppers in soup form! It’s not a fancy-pants dish; it’s honest, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. Think of it as a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need a little bit of culinary comfort. It’s also a great way to use up leftover rice, which is always a win in my book. It’s basically magic!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Okay, let me tell you why this recipe is about to become your new best friend. First, the flavor is absolutely incredible. You get the sweetness of the bell peppers, the richness of the GROUND BEEF, the acidity of the tomatoes, and just a hint of warmth from the spices. It’s a symphony of flavors that just works. What I love most about this What are some good stuffed pepper soup recipes?How easy is it to make a one-pot wonder? What are some ways to brown beef, toss in veggies, add broth and tomatoes, and let it simmer. What is a budget friendly product? You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. Is ground beef cheap? What are some ideas for adding veggies to a salad? Is ground turkey better than beef? I also love that it’s so versatile. Can you serve this as a main course, side dish, or even pack it for lunch? What is the best way to reheat a turkey? Did I mention that my kids actually *ask* for this soup?

How do you make stuffed pepper soup?

Quick Overview

Making this stuffed pepper soup is seriously a breeze. You’ll start by browning some ground beef with onions and garlic. Then, you’ll add in your chopped bell peppers, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and spices. Simmer it all together until the peppers are tender, and then stir in some cooked rice. That’s it! The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly forgiving, so don’t worry if you don’t have all the exact ingredients or measurements. Just use what you have and adjust to taste. It’s practically impossible to mess up!

Ingredients

For the soup base:

1 pound ground beef (I usually go for 80/20 for extra flavor, but you can use leaner if you prefer)
1 large onion, chopped (yellow or white, whatever you have on hand).
2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best, but garlic powder works in a pinch)
I like to use a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers for color and flavor. I also like the taste of the pepper.
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (look for fire-roasted for a little extra kick)
1 can tomato sauce (this adds a nice depth of flavor) (optional)
4 cups beef broth (low-sodium is always a good idea, so you can control the saltiness)
What’s better with Italian seasoning?
1/2 teaspoon paprika (adds a touch of smokiness)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat) (French: 14 teaspoon)
Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy!)

For the Rice:

What are some good ways to cook cooked rice (white, brown or wild rice)?

What are the steps to

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally. Is it safe to break up a boiled egg with the help of sand? I always do this even if the beef looks lean – you’d be surprised how much fat comes out!

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Cook until onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. The smell at this point is just heavenly!

Step 3: Add the Peppers

Stir in the chopped bell peppers and cook for another 5 minutes, until they start to soften. What do peppers add to soup?

Step 4: Add the Tomatoes, Broth, and Spices

In a large bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well. Stir in the Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or even longer if you are using frozen vegetables. Do you have the time? The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. I usually let it simmer for an hour or two when I’m home on a weekend.

Step 5: Stir in the Rice

Once the peppers are tender, stir in the cooked rice. Cook for another 5 minutes, until the rice is heated through. If you have leftover rice, you can cook a fresh batch while the soup is simmering.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

How do you serve soup in a bowl? Is it good to top it with Sour Cream or Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, or just serve it as it is. Fresh herbs, if you like. I sometimes add a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick!

What should I serve it with?

What are some good side dishes to serve with stuffed pepper soup? What are some of my favorite pairings?

For a Cozy Night In:A slice of crusty bread or Garlic Bread for dipping in the broth. Is it true that you won’t want to waste a single drop of water?

What is a hearty meal?A side salad with a light vinaigrette. The crispness of the salad provides a nice contrast to the richness in the soup.

For a Potluck:Cornbread or biscuits. These are always a crowd pleaser!

What is a simple lunch?What is the best grilled cheese sandwich?

I also love to serve this soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro for an extra pop of flavor. My family always begs for seconds, especially when served with warm bread!

How do you make stuffed pepper soup?

What are some of the best ways to take stuffed pepper soup to the next level?

Pepper Prep: Dice the bell peppers into uniform pieces so they cook evenly. No one likes a giant chunk of pepper in their soup!

Broth is Key: Use a good quality beef broth for the best flavor. Homemade is always best, but store-bought works just fine. I’ve found that using a bouillon cube works, but makes it a little salty!

Spice it Up: Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to your liking. If you like a little heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer a sweeter soup, add a pinch of sugar.

Rice Right: Add the cooked rice at the very end, so it doesn’t get mushy. I’ve made the mistake of adding it too early, and it turned the soup into a gloopy mess!

Simmer Time: Let the soup simmer for at least 30 minutes, or even longer, to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes!

Flavor Boost: A splash of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce at the end adds a depth of flavor that is just divine. My family loves it when I add this.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This stuffed pepper soup recipe is perfect for meal prepping because it stores and reheats beautifully. Here’s how to do it:

Refrigerator Storage: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I always portion it out into individual containers for easy lunches.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to leave some room in the container for expansion, as liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating: Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You can reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. I usually add a splash of broth or water when reheating to thin it out, as it tends to thicken in the refrigerator or freezer.

Rice Considerations: If you’re planning to freeze the soup, it’s best to add the rice after thawing and reheating. Frozen and thawed rice can sometimes become mushy, so adding it fresh ensures the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative, such as lentils or crumbled tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add some extra veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or corn to make it even heartier.

Can I use different types of peppers?

Of course! While bell peppers are traditional, you can experiment with other types of peppers like Anaheim peppers, poblano peppers, or even a jalapeño or two for a spicier kick. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Brown the ground beef and sauté the veggies as instructed in the recipe, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients (except for the rice) and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cooked rice during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like to this soup. Some great additions include carrots, celery, corn, zucchini, or spinach. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

What kind of rice should I use?

You can use any type of cooked rice you like in this soup. White rice, brown rice, wild rice, or even quinoa all work well. Just be sure to cook it separately before adding it to the soup. I usually use brown rice for a slightly nutty flavor and added fiber.

Final Thoughts

This stuffed pepper soup recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, a taste of home, and a reminder of simple, delicious comfort food. It’s the kind of recipe that gets passed down through generations, each cook adding their own special touch. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it your own! And if you’re looking for other cozy soup recipes, be sure to check out my minestrone soup or my creamy tomato soup. Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments below if you made this and what you think. Also don’t forget to rate this recipe so others can find it too!

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