Stuffed Pepper Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that brings all the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers into a warm, delicious bowl of soup. Perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave a bowl of comforting goodness, this soup is easy to make and sure to please.
INGREDIENTS
- Ground Beef: 1 pound (or substitute ground turkey for a leaner option). Provides a rich and savory base for the soup.
- Onion: 1, finely chopped. Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced. Gives the soup a robust, aromatic quality.
- Bell Peppers: 3 (red, green, or yellow), chopped. Adds vibrant color and a sweet, fresh taste.
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 can (28 ounces). Forms the tomato base of the soup.
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14 ounces). Adds texture and additional tomato flavor.
- Beef Broth: 4 cups. Provides a rich and hearty base for the soup.
- Cooked Rice: 1 cup (white or brown). Adds heartiness and texture to the soup.
- Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon. Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon. Provides a classic Italian flavor.
- Dried Thyme: 1/2 teaspoon. Adds a hint of earthiness.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Enhances all the flavors in the soup.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for added heat.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish. Adds a fresh, vibrant touch.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: For garnish. Adds a savory finish.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat. This step ensures the beef is fully cooked and adds a rich, savory base to the soup.
- Step 2:
- Prepare the Soup: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the cooked beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. Stir in the chopped bell peppers and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the peppers to soften slightly. This step builds the foundational flavors of the soup.
- Step 3:
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the pot. If you like a bit of heat, you can also add red pepper flakes to taste. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Step 4:
- Add the Cooked Rice: Stir in the cooked rice and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the rice is heated through. This step incorporates the rice, making the soup more filling and adding a pleasant texture.
- Step 5:
- Serve the Stuffed Pepper Soup: Ladle the hot Stuffed Pepper Soup into bowls. If desired, garnish each serving with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and freshness. Enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the Stuffed Pepper Soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and a touch of freshness.
- This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stove over medium heat until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
- If you prefer to freeze the soup, let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Helpful Notes
- You can use either white or brown rice in this recipe, depending on your preference.
- For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey for the ground beef.
- If you like a bit of heat, don’t forget to add red pepper flakes to the soup.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as zucchini or corn for added nutrition and variety.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Gordon Ramsay recommends using high-quality beef broth for the best flavor.
- Chef Ina Garten suggests adding a splash of red wine vinegar at the end for a touch of acidity that brightens the flavors.
- Chef Jamie Oliver advises using a mix of different colored bell peppers to make the soup more visually appealing and flavorful.