Pepper Soup Recipe
This Pepper Soup Recipe is a delightful twist on the classic Italian stuffed peppers. It’s the perfect comfort food for cozy nights or gatherings with family and friends. The combination of juicy sausage, sweet bell peppers, and aromatic herbs creates a rich, satisfying flavor. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—perfect for using up leftover vegetables or adapting to suit your dietary preferences. Serve this soup alongside a fresh Caesar Salad and warm garlic bread for an unforgettable meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy One-Pot Meal: This soup combines all the ingredients in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Rich Flavor Profile: The blend of Italian seasonings and fresh ingredients results in an explosion of flavor in every spoonful.
- Customizable Ingredients: Use any type of ground meat or leftover veggies you have on hand to make it your own.
- Quick Cooking Time: With only 20 minutes of cook time, you can enjoy a hearty meal in no time.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing this Pepper Soup Recipe requires just a few essential tools to help you create this comforting dish effortlessly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for even cooking and allows you to sauté and simmer all in one vessel.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping your vegetables efficiently.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes prep work quicker and safer when chopping ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precision for each ingredient, which is key to achieving great flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. hot Italian sausage (may sub lean ground beef/turkey – see notes)
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped (or half large)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
- 4-6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/8-1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes, no salt/seasonings added
- 1 (14.5 oz.) can fire roasted diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 3/4 cup uncooked long grain white rice (see notes for options)
- 1 TBS EACH fresh chopped basil, oregano, parsley (or 1 tsp EACH dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 6 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Freshly shredded mozzarella for serving
How to Make Pepper Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Vegetables
- Heat your large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the sausage and chopped onions to the pot. Cook for about 4 minutes while breaking up the sausage with a wooden spoon.
- Stir in the bell peppers, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for an additional 2–3 minutes until the meat is cooked through and onions are tender. Drain excess grease.
Step 2: Combine Remaining Ingredients
- Add all remaining ingredients except cheeses to the pot.
- Stir well to combine everything thoroughly.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
- Cover the pot and bring the soup to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low, ensuring it simmers gently while covered for about 8–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until rice is cooked.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste; add more broth if you prefer a thinner soup.
Step 5: Serve Hot
- Ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with freshly shredded mozzarella cheese before enjoying!
How to Serve Pepper Soup Recipe
Serving your Pepper Soup Recipe can elevate the meal experience, making it even more enjoyable. Here are some delightful ways to present and enjoy this comforting dish.
With Crusty Bread
- Sourdough Bread: The tangy flavor of sourdough pairs well with the soup’s richness. Toast slices for added texture.
- Garlic Bread: A buttery garlic bread complements the zesty flavors of the soup while providing a satisfying crunch.
Topped with Cheese
- Mozzarella: Adding freshly shredded mozzarella on top enhances the creaminess and creates a deliciously gooey texture.
- Parmesan: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a nutty flavor, boosting the overall taste of your pepper soup.
Served with Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad is a perfect side, balancing the hearty soup with its crisp romaine and creamy dressing.
- Garden Salad: Fresh veggies in a light vinaigrette offer a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
Accompanied by Crackers
- Saltines: Classic saltines provide crunch and absorb some of the soup, making every bite deliciously satisfying.
- Cheese Crackers: Enhance the cheese flavors in your soup by pairing it with cheesy crackers.
How to Perfect Pepper Soup Recipe
To achieve an outstanding Pepper Soup Recipe, keep these tips in mind for optimal results.
- spices: Don’t be afraid to increase the spices according to your taste. This soup thrives on vibrant flavors.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil, oregano, and parsley can significantly enhance the aroma and flavor profile of your pepper soup.
- Adjust thickness: If you prefer a thinner soup, gradually add more broth until you reach your desired consistency.
- Experiment with proteins: Try different meats like ground turkey or beef for varied flavor profiles. Each brings its own uniqueness to the dish.
- Check rice doneness frequently: Since cooking times can vary, keep an eye on your rice during simmering for perfect texture.
- Cool leftovers properly: Allow any leftover soup to cool before storing it in airtight containers for freshness when reheating.
Best Side Dishes for Pepper Soup Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Pepper Soup Recipe can enhance the meal overall. Here are some excellent options:
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery breadsticks infused with garlic make a wonderful companion to dip into your soup.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing side that complements the flavors.
- Stuffed Bread Rolls: Warm rolls stuffed with cheese or herbs add extra heartiness to your meal while soaking up soup juices.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a healthy crunch and balance out the richness of the soup.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins are delightful alongside pepper soup, offering a satisfying combination of sweet and savory flavors.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges are perfect for dipping and add extra texture and substance to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a delicious Pepper Soup Recipe can be easy, but there are some common mistakes to steer clear of.
- Skipping the browning step: Not browning the sausage and onions can lead to a bland soup. Always take the time to brown your ingredients for enhanced flavor.
- Overcooking the rice: If you let the rice cook too long, it may become mushy. Keep an eye on it and check for doneness frequently.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Each ingredient varies in flavor, so don’t forget to taste and adjust seasonings as needed for a balanced taste.
- Using low-quality broth: A poor-quality broth can affect the overall flavor of your soup. Use a good quality low-sodium broth for the best results.
- Not using fresh herbs: Dried herbs can work, but fresh herbs bring vibrant flavors. Whenever possible, opt for fresh herbs to enhance your Pepper Soup Recipe.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Pepper Soup Recipe
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Best consumed within 2-3 months for best flavor and texture.
Reheating Pepper Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this Pepper Soup Recipe.
Can I use different meats in this Pepper Soup Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the Italian sausage with lean ground beef or turkey. This makes it versatile to suit your taste preferences.
How do I make this Pepper Soup Recipe vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, simply omit any meat and use vegetable broth instead. Add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added flavor.
What can I serve with this Pepper Soup Recipe?
This soup pairs wonderfully with homemade garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad. The combination creates a hearty meal!
Can I add more vegetables to my Pepper Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to include any veggies you have on hand, such as corn or carrots. It’s a great way to pack in more nutrition.
Final Thoughts
This Pepper Soup Recipe is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various proteins and vegetables based on what you have at home. Try this exciting recipe today and enjoy its warm flavors that are perfect for any occasion!
Pepper Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
This Pepper Soup Recipe offers a comforting twist on traditional stuffed peppers, perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. Combining juicy sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and fragrant herbs, this dish is rich in flavor and incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to use leftover vegetables or different proteins, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Serve it with crusty garlic bread or a fresh Caesar salad for an unforgettable meal that warms the heart.
Ingredients
- 1 lb hot Italian sausage (or lean ground turkey)
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 4–6 garlic cloves, minced
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 14.5 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 3/4 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 6 cups low-sodium beef broth
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the sausage and onions for about 4 minutes until cooked through.
- Add the bell peppers, garlic, and red pepper flakes; sauté for another 3 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed and diced tomatoes, rice, and broth; combine well.
- Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 8-12 minutes until rice is tender.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese; season with salt and pepper to taste before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
