Stuffed Pepper Soup
Stuffed pepper soup is a delightful dish that warms the heart and fills the belly. This cozy one-pot meal is perfect for chilly evenings or casual gatherings with friends and family. Loaded with ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a rich tomato-based broth, stuffed pepper soup brings the classic flavors of stuffed peppers into a comforting bowl. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal prep and cook time, making dinner stress-free.
- Flavorful Comfort: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a deliciously satisfying meal.
- Versatile Dish: Customize with your favorite peppers or add extra vegetables for a personal touch.
- Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors develop even more after a day in the fridge, making it great for meal prep.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love this hearty soup, which makes it a hit at the dinner table.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into your cooking adventure, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything on hand will make preparation easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven: Perfect for browning meat and simmering soups evenly.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients efficiently.
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 it’s no longer pink. Break up any clumps as you cook. Drain any excess grease if necessary. Season the beef with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
In the same Dutch oven, add one tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the diced onions and bell peppers until they become soft, about five minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for another thirty seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Return the cooked beef to the pot. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add Worcestershire sauce, sugar (if using), and Italian seasoning. Taste the mixture and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about fifteen to twenty minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom.
Step 5: Add Rice (Optional)
If you plan on serving all at once without leftovers, stir in cooked rice along with chopped parsley into the soup. Simmer until heated through—about one to two minutes. If saving some for later, add parsley now but keep rice separate.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheese if desired.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Savor each bite of this delicious stuffed pepper soup!
How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Soup
Serving stuffed pepper soup can be a delightful experience, enhancing its cozy flavors with the right accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
With Toppings
- Shredded Cheese: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top for a creamy touch.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped Italian parsley or basil for a fresh, aromatic finish.
With Bread
- Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread or baguette for dipping into the soup.
- Garlic Bread: Pair with buttery garlic bread to complement the rich flavors of the soup.
As a Meal Prep Option
- In Individual Portions: Consider serving in individual bowls, especially if you’re planning to save leftovers for later. This makes reheating easy and convenient.
With Salad
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad adds a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
- Garden Salad: Serve with a simple garden salad dressed lightly for a balanced meal.
How to Perfect Stuffed Pepper Soup
To make your stuffed pepper soup even better, keep these tips in mind.
- Flavors: Enhance the taste by adding more spices like paprika or cayenne for heat.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables whenever possible; they provide better flavor and texture.
- Simmer Longer: Allow the soup to simmer longer than 20 minutes for deeper flavors that meld beautifully.
- Taste as You Go: Always taste and adjust seasoning throughout cooking for the best balance of flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Stuffed Pepper Soup
Pairing side dishes with stuffed pepper soup can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery, this is perfect for dipping into your hearty soup.
- Cornbread: Its sweetness complements the savory notes of the soup beautifully.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the dish.
- Baked Potatoes: Simple baked potatoes served with butter make a hearty addition.
- Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits filled with cheese provide a comforting touch alongside your soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making stuffed pepper soup can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can impact the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some tips to keep your soup delicious and satisfying.
- Ignoring the seasoning: Failing to season your meat and vegetables well can lead to bland soup. Always taste as you go and adjust with salt, pepper, or spices.
- Overcooking the rice: If you add rice too early or overcook it, it can become mushy. Add cooked rice just before serving to maintain its texture.
- Skipping the sauté step: Skipping the step of sautéing onions and peppers can result in a lack of depth in flavor. Take the time to sauté these ingredients for better taste.
- Using low-quality broth: Using a poor-quality broth can affect the overall taste. Opt for high-quality beef broth or homemade stock for the best results.
- Neglecting freshness: Fresh herbs enhance flavor significantly. Don’t skip adding fresh parsley at the end; it brightens up the dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover stuffed pepper soup in an airtight container.
- It will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered oven-safe dish until warm throughout, about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
- Stovetop: Place in a pot over medium heat and stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about stuffed pepper soup that might help clarify any doubts.
What is Stuffed Pepper Soup?
Stuffed pepper soup is a comforting dish made with ground beef, bell peppers, rice, and tomatoes simmered in a flavorful broth.
Can I make Stuffed Pepper Soup without meat?
Yes! You can substitute ground beef with lentils or beans for a vegetarian version of stuffed pepper soup.
How do I customize Stuffed Pepper Soup?
Feel free to add extra vegetables like corn or zucchini, or use different types of beans based on your preference.
Is Stuffed Pepper Soup healthy?
This soup can be healthy depending on your ingredients; using lean meats and plenty of vegetables makes it nutritious.
Can I make Stuffed Pepper Soup in advance?
Absolutely! Making this soup ahead of time enhances its flavors. Just store it properly as detailed above.
Final Thoughts
Stuffed pepper soup is not only hearty and satisfying but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with various ingredients based on what you have on hand. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re just looking for comfort food, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Give it a try!
Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Stuffed Pepper Soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines the classic flavors of stuffed peppers with the convenience of a one-pot meal. This hearty dish is perfect for chilly evenings or casual gatherings, featuring tender ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a rich tomato-based broth. Easy to prepare in just one pot, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights and will satisfy the whole family. Each spoonful delivers a burst of flavor, making it a go-to choice for cozy nights at home.
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)
- 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)
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked; drain excess grease.
- Sauté onions and bell peppers in the same pot until softened; add minced garlic and sauté briefly.
- Return beef to pot and stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a gentle boil; reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- If serving immediately, stir in cooked rice and parsley; simmer briefly until heated through.
- Serve hot with optional shredded cheese on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
