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Comforting Stuffed Pepper Soup
Stuffed pepper soup brings all the beloved flavors of traditional stuffed peppers into a warm, comforting bowl that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This hearty recipe transforms the classic dish into an easy one-pot meal that delivers the same satisfying taste with half the effort. Packed with tender bell peppers, savory ground meat, rice, and aromatic spices, this soup offers incredible nutritional value at an affordable cost of approximately $12-15 for four generous servings.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Budget-friendly comfort food that feeds a family of four for under $15 while providing complete nutrition
- One-pot simplicity that saves time on cleanup and makes weeknight cooking stress-free
- Customizable recipe that works with ground beef, turkey, or plant-based alternatives to suit dietary preferences
- Freezer-friendly meal prep option that tastes even better the next day and stores for up to three months
- Rich in vitamins A and C from bell peppers, plus protein and fiber for sustained energy throughout the day
Why This Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe Works
This stuffed pepper soup recipe succeeds because it builds layers of flavor while maintaining simplicity. The key lies in properly browning the meat first, which creates a rich foundation that enhances the entire dish.
The combination of mixed bell peppers provides natural sweetness and vibrant color, while the rice cooks directly in the broth, absorbing all the delicious flavors. This technique eliminates extra steps and ensures perfectly tender rice every time.
Unlike traditional stuffed peppers that require individual preparation, this soup version delivers the same comfort food satisfaction in a fraction of the time. The paprika and oregano create that familiar taste profile that makes this dish so appealing to families.
What You’ll Need for This Delicious Stuffed Pepper Soup
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity (approx) | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bell peppers (mixed colors) | 3 cups, diced | Main flavor base, provides sweetness and texture |
| Ground beef or turkey | 1 lb | Protein source, creates hearty foundation |
| Medium onion | 1, diced | Aromatic base, adds depth of flavor |
| Garlic cloves | 3, minced | Enhances savory profile |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 oz) | Adds acidity and richness |
| Vegetable or chicken broth | 4 cups | Liquid base for soup consistency |
| Uncooked rice | 1 cup | Provides substance and absorbs flavors |
| Paprika | 2 tsp | Signature stuffed pepper flavor |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp | Mediterranean herb complexity |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup | Optional garnish for richness |
Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large soup pot or Dutch oven | Main cooking vessel for browning and simmering |
| Wooden spoon | Stirring and breaking up ground meat |
| Sharp knife | Dicing vegetables efficiently |
| Cutting board | Safe surface for food preparation |
| Measuring cups and spoons | Accurate ingredient portioning |
How to Make Comforting Stuffed Pepper Soup
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Sauté aromatics | Heat large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant |
| Step 2: Brown the meat | Add ground meat to pot, breaking it up with wooden spoon. Cook until fully browned and no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes |
| Step 3: Add vegetables | Stir in chopped bell peppers and diced tomatoes. Cook for 5 minutes until peppers begin to soften |
| Step 4: Add liquid and rice | Pour in broth, add rice, paprika, and oregano. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce to simmer |
| Step 5: Simmer and finish | Cover and simmer for 20 minutes until rice is tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste |
| Step 6: Serve | Ladle into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers for the most vibrant color and complex flavor profile
- Don’t skip browning the meat properly – this step creates the rich, savory base that makes the soup exceptional
- Add rice directly to the pot instead of cooking separately to let it absorb all the delicious flavors
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end, as different broths contain varying amounts of sodium
- For thicker soup, simmer uncovered for the last 5 minutes to reduce liquid and concentrate flavors
Serving and Storage Tips for Stuffed Pepper Soup
Serving Tips
This stuffed pepper soup tastes best served immediately while hot, garnished with freshly shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese melts beautifully into the warm soup, creating creamy richness that complements the vegetables perfectly.
Pair this hearty soup with crusty bread or comfort food sides for a complete meal. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives make excellent finishing touches that add color and freshness.
For storage, refrigerate leftovers for up to four days in sealed containers. The flavors actually improve overnight, making this perfect for meal prep. Freeze portions for up to three months, though the rice texture may change slightly upon reheating.
Mistakes to Avoid while making Stuffed Pepper Soup
The biggest mistake when making stuffed pepper soup is rushing the browning process. Properly browning the meat creates essential flavor compounds that give the soup its rich, satisfying taste.
Another common error involves adding rice too early or using pre-cooked rice. Raw rice needs exactly the right timing to cook perfectly in the broth without becoming mushy or remaining hard.
Overcooking the bell peppers ruins their texture and color. They should retain some bite and vibrancy, not become completely soft and dull. Add them at the right moment for optimal results.
You Must Know
- Always brown meat completely before adding other ingredients to develop deep, rich flavors throughout the soup
- Use long-grain rice varieties like jasmine or basmati for best texture – they hold their shape better during cooking
- Don’t lift the lid frequently during simmering as this releases steam needed for proper rice cooking
- Adjust liquid levels if needed – some rice varieties absorb more broth than others during cooking
Suggestions for Perfect Stuffed Pepper Soup
Transform this basic recipe into something special by experimenting with different pepper varieties. Try adding poblano peppers for mild heat or sweet mini peppers for extra color and flavor complexity.
Consider protein variations based on your preferences and dietary needs. Ground turkey creates a lighter version, while plant-based alternatives work beautifully for vegetarian households. Each option brings unique flavors to explore.
Enhance the soup with additional vegetables like diced zucchini, corn kernels, or mushrooms. These additions increase nutritional value while creating more interesting textures and flavors in every spoonful.
For inspiration on other comforting one-pot meals, check out this classic stuffed pepper soup variation or explore other hearty dinner options that bring families together.
FAQs:
Yes! Brown the meat and sauté aromatics first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding rice during the last hour to prevent overcooking.
Long-grain white rice like jasmine or basmati works perfectly. Brown rice requires longer cooking time, so add extra broth and extend simmering by 10-15 minutes for proper texture.
Replace ground meat with plant-based alternatives, lentils, or extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for completely vegetarian results.
This usually happens when too much broth is added or the soup isn’t simmered long enough. Remove the lid and simmer for additional 5-10 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
Absolutely! This soup freezes well for up to three months. The rice texture may change slightly, but the flavors remain excellent. Thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Conclusion
This comforting stuffed pepper soup delivers all the beloved flavors of traditional stuffed peppers in an easy, budget-friendly format that’s perfect for busy families. With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can create a satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility and convenience. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a quick dinner solution, this soup adapts to your schedule while providing excellent nutrition and comfort food satisfaction.
Try this recipe tonight and discover why stuffed pepper soup has become a favorite in kitchens everywhere. The combination of tender vegetables, savory meat, and perfectly cooked rice creates a meal that’s both nourishing and deeply satisfying for any occasion.
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📖 Recipe Card
Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 for four generous servings 1x
Description
A hearty and comforting soup that captures all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers in a warm, satisfying bowl. This easy one-pot meal combines ground meat, colorful bell peppers, rice, and savory seasonings for the perfect family dinner.
Ingredients
- 3 cups Bell peppers (mixed colors), diced
- 1 lb Ground beef or turkey
- 1 Medium onion, diced
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced tomatoes
- 4 cups Vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup Uncooked rice
- 2 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté aromatics – Heat large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant
- Step 2: Brown the meat – Add ground meat to pot, breaking it up with wooden spoon. Cook until fully browned and no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes
- Step 3: Add vegetables – Stir in chopped bell peppers and diced tomatoes. Cook for 5 minutes until peppers begin to soften
- Step 4: Add liquid and rice – Pour in broth, add rice, paprika, and oregano. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce to simmer
- Step 5: Simmer and finish – Cover and simmer for 20 minutes until rice is tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste
- Step 6: Serve – Ladle into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot
Notes
- Use a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers for the most vibrant color and complex flavor profile
- Don’t skip browning the meat properly – this step creates the rich, savory base that makes the soup exceptional
- Add rice directly to the pot instead of cooking separately to let it absorb all the delicious flavors
- For thicker soup, simmer uncovered for the last 5 minutes to reduce liquid and concentrate flavors
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 385 calories
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: stuffed pepper soup, ground beef soup, bell pepper soup, one pot meal, comfort food, easy dinner recipe
