Description
This hearty Stuffed Pepper Soup combines all the delicious flavors of classic stuffed peppers in a warm, comforting soup form. Packed with ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, rice, and a perfect blend of spices, this recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy family meal. Customize it with your favorite toppings for an extra burst of flavor!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped (optional, for spicy)
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef (or use ground turkey)
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 (14-ounce) cans diced tomatoes (fire roasted recommended)
- 1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1.5 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup uncooked white rice (or more to stretch the meal)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spicy, or more to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Fresh chopped herbs
- Spicy chili flakes
- Crumbly white cheese
- Hot sauce
- Lime juice
- Any other favorite toppings
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and jalapeno pepper if using. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Add Garlic: Add the chopped garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Cook Meat: Add the ground beef to the pot and use a wooden spoon to break it apart. Cook for 7-8 minutes or until the meat is fully browned and cooked through.
- Add Spices: Stir in the paprika, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook everything together for about 1 minute to release the flavors of the spices.
- Add Liquids and Rice: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir in the uncooked white rice. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for at least 20 minutes to allow the rice to cook and flavors to meld. You can simmer for up to 1 hour for an even richer taste, stirring occasionally.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and offer a variety of toppings such as fresh herbs, cheese, chili flakes, hot sauce, or lime juice to customize each serving to taste.
Notes
- If you prefer a lighter soup, substitute ground turkey for ground beef.
- Using fire-roasted diced tomatoes adds a smoky depth of flavor but regular diced tomatoes work well too.
- The recipe is flexible: add more rice if you want a heartier meal or reduce rice for a soupier consistency.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeno and red pepper flakes to control the spice level to your preference.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and the soup freezes nicely for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American