Description
This hearty Pepper Soup combines ground beef, brown rice, and a medley of fresh vegetables in a flavorful tomato broth seasoned with Italian herbs. Perfect for a comforting and nutritious meal, it simmers gently to develop rich flavors and is ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Grains
- ⅔ cup uncooked brown rice (can substitute white rice)
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
Vegetables
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 2 medium carrots, chopped into ¼-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped into ½-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped into ½-inch pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Canned Goods & Broth
- 15 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 15 ounce can tomato sauce
- 14.5 ounces low sodium beef broth
Seasonings
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the rice: Prepare the rice according to the package instructions until fully cooked. Set aside once done.
- Brown the ground beef: Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned throughout. Drain any excess grease to keep the soup light.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and red and green bell peppers to the pot with the browned beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds while stirring to release its aroma.
- Add tomatoes and seasoning: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and flavors meld together.
- Finish with rice and serve: Stir the cooked rice into the soup until well combined and heated through. Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when adding the seasonings.
- For gluten-free preparation, ensure the beef broth used is certified gluten-free.
- Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- White rice can be used in place of brown rice, but cooking times and texture will vary slightly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
