Stuffed Pepper Soup
Stuffed Pepper Soup is a delightful dish that warms the heart and fills the belly. This one-pot wonder combines the flavors of classic stuffed peppers with the convenience of a soup, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. With its rich tomato base and hearty ingredients, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also adaptable to suit various tastes and dietary needs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting Flavor: The blend of ground beef, bell peppers, and spices creates a rich and satisfying taste.
- One-Pot Convenience: Save time on cleanup with this easy-to-make dish that requires only one pot.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize your soup with different meats or add beans for a vegetarian option.
- Quick Preparation: Ready in just 40 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings.
- Leftover Friendly: Enjoy even better flavors the next day when reheated!
Tools and Preparation
To create your delicious Stuffed Pepper Soup, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can streamline your cooking process and enhance your experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven: Ideal for browning meat and simmering soups evenly without burning.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping onions and peppers quick and effortless.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
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 Ground Beef
In a Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef while breaking up any clumps with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess grease if necessary. Season the beef with salt and pepper to taste before removing it from the pot and setting it aside.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
In the same pot, add one tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the diced yellow onion and chopped bell peppers until they are soft, which should take about five minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional thirty seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Stir in the cooked ground beef along with diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Season the mixture with Worcestershire sauce, optional sugar, and Italian seasoning. Taste test the soup; adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about fifteen to twenty minutes while stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Add Rice
If you do not plan on having leftovers, stir in cooked rice along with fresh parsley into the pot. Simmer together until heated through for about one to two minutes. If you anticipate leftovers, mix parsley into individual servings instead of directly into the soup.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Ladle servings into bowls hot off the stove. Optionally garnish each bowl with shredded cheese before serving.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Dig in! Enjoy your warm bowl of Stuffed Pepper Soup that’s sure to become a family favorite!
How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Soup
Serving stuffed pepper soup is all about enhancing its comforting flavors and making it a delightful experience. Here are some suggestions to elevate your meal.
Add a Fresh Salad
- Mixed Greens: Toss together fresh greens with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad complements the hearty soup perfectly.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Sourdough Bread: The tanginess of sourdough works well to soak up the rich broth.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread adds flavor and crunch, making it an irresistible addition.
Top with Cheese
- Shredded Cheddar: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top for a creamy finish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a savory kick that enhances the soup’s taste.
Customize with Toppings
- Chopped Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh parsley or cilantro brightens the flavors.
- Croutons: Crunchy croutons provide texture and make each spoonful exciting.
How to Perfect Stuffed Pepper Soup
To ensure your stuffed pepper soup is delicious every time, here are some helpful tips.
- Use Lean Meat: Opting for lean ground beef helps keep the dish hearty without excess fat.
- Experiment with Peppers: Try different bell peppers or even spicy peppers for added flavor.
- Simmer Longer for Depth: Letting the soup simmer longer allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Adjust Seasoning as Needed: Taste as you go; adding more salt or spices can enhance the overall taste.
- Add Rice Wisely: If you plan on leftovers, keep rice separate to maintain its texture.
- Incorporate Veggies: Add extra vegetables like corn or zucchini for more nutrition and color.
Best Side Dishes for Stuffed Pepper Soup
Pairing side dishes with stuffed pepper soup can enhance the meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery, these are perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy and cheesy, they complement the flavors of the soup wonderfully.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add a delightful sweetness that balances the savory soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables provides extra nutrients and flavor.
- Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad can serve as a cool contrast to the warm soup.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms offer an elegant touch that pairs nicely with the dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making stuffed pepper soup, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
- Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season your ground beef properly can lead to bland soup. Always add salt and pepper during cooking for the best flavor.
- Not using fresh ingredients: Using stale or old vegetables can impact the taste. Opt for fresh bell peppers and herbs for a vibrant dish.
- Overcooking the rice: If you add already cooked rice too early, it may become mushy. Wait until you’re ready to serve before stirring it in.
- Ignoring texture balance: A well-rounded soup needs various textures. Consider adding beans or corn for added crunch and variety.
- Forgetting taste testing: Not tasting your soup before serving can leave you with unbalanced flavors. Always taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
- Enjoy within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
- Freeze within two hours of cooking to maintain quality.
- Best if consumed within 2-3 months for ideal flavor.
Reheating Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Microwave: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about stuffed pepper soup.
What is Stuffed Pepper Soup?
Stuffed pepper soup is a hearty one-pot meal made with ground beef, bell peppers, rice, and a flavorful tomato broth.
Can I customize my Stuffed Pepper Soup?
Absolutely! You can add beans, corn, or different spices according to your preference.
How do I make Stuffed Pepper Soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of stuffed pepper soup, substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
What can I serve with Stuffed Pepper Soup?
Serve this cozy soup with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Stuffed pepper soup is not just comforting but also versatile. You can customize it easily by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting the spices. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for chilly nights and sure to delight everyone at your table!
Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 6 servings 1x
Description
Stuffed Pepper Soup is the ultimate comfort dish that combines the beloved flavors of classic stuffed peppers into a hearty, warming soup. This delightful one-pot meal features a rich tomato base infused with ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and aromatic spices, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Not only is this recipe easy to prepare in just 40 minutes, but it’s also highly adaptable to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you enjoy it as is or customize it with additional vegetables or proteins, Stuffed Pepper Soup is sure to be a hit at your table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cans (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups cooked long grain white rice
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese and fresh parsley
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a Dutch oven over medium heat; season with salt and pepper.
- Sauté onion and bell peppers in olive oil until soft; add garlic and cook briefly.
- Stir in browned beef, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth along with Worcestershire sauce and Italian seasoning.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes on medium-low heat.
- Add cooked rice just before serving; stir in fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve hot, garnished with cheese if using.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
