This Stuffed Pepper Soup is a comforting and flavorful way to enjoy all the classic flavors of stuffed peppers in a bowl! Ground beef, bell peppers, and rice simmer in a rich tomato broth, creating a hearty and satisfying soup that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tastes Like Stuffed Peppers: This soup captures all the delicious flavors of stuffed peppers without the fuss of stuffing and baking individual peppers.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is a breeze to prepare, even for beginner cooks.
- Hearty and Satisfying: This soup is a complete meal in itself, providing a satisfying combination of protein, vegetables, and rice.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Stuffed Pepper Soup:
- Lean ground beef: Or ground turkey, the protein base of the soup.
- Sweet onion: Finely chopped, adds a sweet and savory base to the soup.
- Bell peppers: Chopped into 1/2-inch pieces, I like to use a mix of colors for visual appeal.
- Beef broth: Or chicken broth, the base of the soup, providing flavor and moisture.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds freshness and acidity.
- Tomato sauce: Adds richness and depth of flavor.
- Italian seasoning: Adds a blend of classic Italian herbs.
- Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a touch of spice.
- Cooked rice: White or brown, adds substance and texture to the soup.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Stuffed Pepper Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Stir in the chopped onion and bell peppers and sauté for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Drain any excess fat, if needed.
Step 2: Simmer the Soup
Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the soup starts to get too thick, add a little water. If you have time, let it simmer longer for a richer flavor.
Step 3: Add Rice and Parsley
Stir in the cooked rice and chopped parsley. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
Step 4: Serve
Ladle the Stuffed Pepper Soup into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use quality ingredients: Fresh vegetables and lean ground beef will enhance the flavor of the soup.
- Adjust the consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water. If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Add toppings: Garnish the soup with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or chopped green onions for extra flavor and texture.
How to Serve
- Cozy Meal: Enjoy this Stuffed Pepper Soup as a warm and comforting meal on a chilly day.
- Light Lunch: This soup is also satisfying enough to enjoy as a light lunch on its own.
- Pair with Bread: Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Stuffed Pepper Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you may need to add a little extra broth to thin it out, as the rice will absorb some of the liquid.
Freezing
Let the soup cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, leaving some room for expansion. Freeze for up to 6 months. To thaw, place in the refrigerator overnight or microwave until thawed. Then simmer in a pot over low heat until warm.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even a plant-based protein like lentils or ground tempeh.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or corn.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the ground beef, onions, and bell peppers in a skillet first. Then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. Add the cooked rice just before serving.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the soup for extra heat.
PrintStuffed Pepper Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Stuffed Pepper Soup is a delicious and comforting way to enjoy all the flavors of stuffed peppers without all the fuss! Ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and fluffy rice simmer in a flavorful tomato broth, making it a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 medium sweet onion, finely chopped
- 3 bell peppers (any color), chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 (15-ounce) can beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1–2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 2–3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Brown Beef and Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add the onion and bell peppers; sauté for a few minutes until softened. Drain any excess fat.
- Simmer Soup: Stir in beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or longer if desired.
- Add Rice and Parsley: Stir in cooked rice and parsley. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and enjoy warm.
Notes
- Variations: Add a can of black beans and corn for a heartier soup. Use extra broth or water to adjust the consistency.
- Crockpot Version: Brown the beef and vegetables first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. Add rice just before serving.
- Freezer-Friendly: Let the soup cool completely and freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 6 months. Thaw and reheat on the stovetop.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Add a little extra broth when reheating if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg