This cozy stuffed bell pepper soup is like a warm hug on a chilly day! It’s loaded with bell peppers, ground meat, rice, and spices, bringing all your favorite flavors together in one pot.
Making this soup is super easy, and your house will smell amazing! I love serving it with a sprinkle of cheese on top—it’s the best part, isn’t it? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef adds robust flavor, but you can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you’re vegetarian, you can use lentils or a bean mix to give protein and texture.
Bell Peppers: A mix of red, green, and yellow peppers gives great color and flavor. If you can’t find all three, just choose your favorite color. The sweetness of red peppers can be especially nice!
Broth: Beef broth deepens the soup’s flavor, but vegetable broth is a great choice for a lighter or vegetarian version. Adjust seasoning as needed to make up for less richness.
Rice: White rice is commonly used, but brown rice or even quinoa adds a nutty flavor and extra nutrition. If you’re watching carbs, skip the rice altogether or use cauliflower rice.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor in My Soup?
Building layers of flavor is key! Start with sautéing the onions and garlic until they’re soft; this forms the base. After adding the ground meat, browning it well will add depth. Don’t rush it!
- Cook the onions until translucent and aromatic before adding garlic.
- Brown the meat completely, which will enhance the overall flavor.
Finally, let the soup simmer to let all the ingredients meld together. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors will be!
Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 bell peppers, diced (mix of red, green, and yellow)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes to whip up this cozy bowl of goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Base Flavors:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it’s softened and translucent.
2. Add Garlic:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Keep an eye on it so that it doesn’t burn!
3. Brown the Meat:
Now, add the ground beef (or turkey) to the pot. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Stir until browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, feel free to drain some out.
4. Cook the Peppers:
Stir in the diced bell peppers and let them cook for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to soften a little but still hold some crunch!
5. Add Tomato and Spices:
Time to add the tomato paste, turning the mixture to coat the meat and vegetables. Then, pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the broth. Stir everything together!
6. Bring to a Boil:
Add the oregano, basil, smoked paprika (if you’re using it), and season with salt and black pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle boil.
7. Let It Simmer:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This will let all those lovely flavors mingle together nicely!
8. Add the Rice:
Finally, stir in the cooked rice and heat through for another 5 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro on top. Enjoy every cozy spoonful of your Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup!
Happy cooking!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well. For a vegetarian version, consider using lentils or a mix of beans instead of meat.
What Can I Substitute for Rice?
If you want to skip the rice, you can use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Both will work well in the soup without compromising flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead! Just follow the recipe, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.