This hearty Stuffed Pepper Soup brings the flavors of stuffed peppers in a warm bowl! With ground meat, rice, and colorful bell peppers, it’s both filling and tasty.
It’s like a hug in a bowl! I love making it when I need something cozy. Plus, it’s easy to cook up a big batch. You might even want seconds—don’t say I didn’t warn you! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Turkey: Both are great options! I usually prefer ground turkey for a lighter soup, but if you love the richness of beef, go for that. If you want plant-based, try lentils or your favorite meat substitute instead.
Bell Peppers: Green and red peppers add color and flavor. If you want a sweeter taste, use yellow or orange peppers. You can mix and match based on what you have at home!
Rice: I like using brown rice for extra nutrition, but white rice cooks faster. Quinoa or riced cauliflower can be fun alternatives if you’re looking for a grain-free option.
Vegetable or Beef Broth: Homemade broth adds a lovely depth of flavor, but store-bought works too. For a vegetarian version, vegetable broth is the way to go. You can even use water in a pinch, but it might need extra seasoning.
How Do I Make Sure the Rice Is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the rice just right is key for the overall soup texture. Start by ensuring you stir the ingredients well after adding the rice to avoid clumping. Follow these steps:
- Bring your pot to a boil after adding broth and rice.
- Once boiling, reduce heat immediately to low to prevent the soup from burning.
- Cover the pot, which helps keep the steam in, allowing the rice to cook evenly.
- Check for tenderness after 20 minutes. If it needs more time, cover and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking!
How to Make Stuffed Pepper Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown)
Spices:
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stuffed pepper soup will take you about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook. So, you’ll have a lovely, hearty meal ready to enjoy in just about 40 minutes! Perfect for a cozy dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook it until it’s browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to break it apart with a spoon as it cooks! If there’s a lot of fat, feel free to drain some off once it’s done.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Next, toss the diced onion and minced garlic into the pot. Sauté them together until the onion turns translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This will make your kitchen smell amazing!
3. Add the Bell Peppers:
Now, stir in the diced green and red bell peppers. Let them cook for another 2-3 minutes so they soften a bit. This adds both color and flavor to your soup!
4. Combine the Remaining Ingredients:
It’s time to add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), broth, uncooked rice, dried oregano, dried basil, and salt and pepper. Stir everything together really well to make sure all the flavors mix.
5. Simmer the Soup:
Bring the mixture to a boil. After it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes. This is when the rice will cook and soak up all the wonderful flavors. Just check occasionally to make sure everything is cooking evenly!
6. Adjust and Serve:
Once the rice is tender, take a taste and adjust the seasoning as you like. If it needs more salt or pepper, now’s your chance! Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
Enjoy your hearty stuffed pepper soup—perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself!
Can I Use Different Proteins in This Soup?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef or turkey with ground chicken, pork, or even a meat alternative like lentils or quinoa for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if changing to a leaner protein like chicken.
What Can I Use Instead of Rice?
If you’re looking for a substitute for rice, quinoa or couscous work great! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly—quinoa typically takes about 15 minutes to cook, while couscous cooks in just 5 minutes. If you’re avoiding grains, you can omit rice or use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it! Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container, where it will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini, corn, or carrots for extra nutrition and flavor. Just chop them into small pieces and add them into the pot along with the bell peppers, adjusting the cooking time as needed to ensure everything is tender.
