This warm and tasty stuffed bell pepper soup is like a cozy hug in a bowl! It’s packed with colorful peppers, ground meat, rice, and a zesty tomato base that makes it simply delightful.
I love how this soup brings all the flavors of stuffed peppers in an easy form. Plus, it makes my kitchen smell amazing! It’s perfect for lunch or dinner and super fun to slurp! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This gives the soup a hearty texture. If you prefer a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works great too! You can also use plant-based meat for a vegetarian version.
Bell Peppers: Any color works, but I love using a mix for a colorful soup. If you have trouble finding fresh peppers, canned diced peppers can do in a pinch, though they won’t have the same crunch.
Rice: I like using white rice for its quick cooking time. You can swap it for brown rice or even quinoa for a healthier twist, but you’ll need to adjust cooking times.
Crushed Tomatoes: They bring richness to the soup. If you don’t have crushed tomatoes, diced or pureed tomatoes can be used instead, but the texture might be slightly different.
How Can I Make Sure the Flavors Blend Well?
The key to a delicious soup is letting the flavors meld together. After adding your spices, let the soup simmer! Here’s how:
- Once everything is added, bring the soup to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat and cover, allowing it to simmer for at least 20 minutes. This helps the spices infuse into the broth.
- Don’t rush adding your cooked rice. Let it warm only at the end to prevent it from getting mushy!
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and taste before serving to adjust seasoning if needed. Happy cooking!
How to Make Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked white rice (or uncooked, see instructions)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty soup will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then about 30 minutes to cook. You’ll spend the first part sautéing the veggies and browning the meat, then let everything simmer together to soak up all those amazing flavors! In total, you’ll be enjoying your stuffed bell pepper soup in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Base:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the diced onions. Cook them until they become translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step builds a nice base for your soup!
2. Brown the Meat:
Next, add your ground beef (or turkey) to the pot. Use a spoon to break it apart while it cooks until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink, which will take around 6-8 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, feel free to drain it to keep the soup light and flavorful!
3. Add Garlic and Peppers:
Now, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional minute until you can smell that delicious aroma. Then, toss in your diced bell peppers and cook them just until they soften a bit, about 5 minutes.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, stirring everything together. This is where the magic starts to happen!
5. Season It Up:
Add in your dried basil, oregano, smoked paprika (if you choose to use it), and sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir and let those flavors meld.
6. Cook the Rice:
If you’re using uncooked rice, toss in 1/3 cup now and bring your soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender. If you’re using cooked rice, let your soup simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors blend, then stir in 1 cup of cooked rice just before serving and warm it through.
7. Final Touches:
Before serving, taste your soup! Adjust the seasonings with a bit more salt and pepper if needed. Once everything is perfect, ladle the soup into bowls.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your soup with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and a fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the wonderful taste of stuffed bell peppers in soup form!
This soup captures all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed bell peppers in a cozy liquid delight. Enjoy every spoonful! 😊
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Absolutely! You can substitute brown rice for white rice, but keep in mind it will take longer to cook. If using uncooked brown rice, add it at the same time you would add uncooked white rice and extend the simmering time to about 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
Can I Freeze Leftover Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
What Can I Add for Extra Veggies?
Feel free to sneak in more vegetables! Chopped zucchini, corn, or even carrots are great additions. If you include more veggies, increase the broth slightly to maintain the soup’s consistency.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and use plant-based ground meat or beans for protein. Swap beef broth for vegetable broth and keep the rest of the ingredients the same for a delicious meat-free option!
