Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe: Warm and Hearty
Stuffed pepper soup is versatile and hearty, allowing for customization to suit your taste. By experimenting with different ground meats and spices, you can create a personalized culinary delight. Imagine the aroma of simmering bell peppers and savory broth filling your kitchen, inviting you to try new combinations. The secret to perfect consistency and flavor balance ensures every spoonful is satisfying.
Key Takeaways
- Combine ground beef, bell peppers, diced tomatoes, rice, and beef broth for a comforting stuffed pepper soup.
- Brown beef, sauté bell peppers, and simmer with tomatoes, rice, and broth for 20-25 minutes.
- Use lean beef and mixed bell pepper colors for optimal flavor and appeal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container, freeze up to three months.
- Reheat with extra broth for desired soup consistency and enhanced flavors.
Recipe
Stuffed Pepper Soup is an easy and comforting dish that captures the essence of traditional stuffed peppers in a simplified form. This delightful soup combines the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef with the sweetness of bell peppers, all simmered in a savory tomato base. Perfect for chilly evenings, this recipe isn't only satisfying but also straightforward, requiring just five main ingredients to bring warmth and flavor to your table.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, making it an ideal choice for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. The hearty combination of beef, bell peppers, and rice creates a filling meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family. With minimal prep and cook time, this stuffed pepper soup is a hassle-free way to enjoy a classic comfort dish.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef (1 pound)
- Bell peppers (2 large, any color)
- Diced tomatoes (28 oz can)
- White rice (1 cup)
- Beef broth (4 cups)
To prepare the stuffed pepper soup, begin by browning the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until fully cooked with no pink remaining. Add in the chopped bell peppers and sauté until slightly softened.
Next, pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir in the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking.
For the best results, choose lean ground beef (85/15) to minimize excess grease in the final dish. Feel free to mix and match bell pepper colors for added visual appeal.
As the soup naturally thickens over time, you can add additional beef broth when reheating leftovers to achieve the desired consistency. If storing for later, the soup can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months, making it a convenient meal option for busy days.
Cooking Steps
Get ready to create a bowl of comfort with this easy stuffed pepper soup recipe!
You'll start by browning lean beef to perfection, then soften those vibrant bell peppers for a burst of color and flavor.
As you add the tomatoes and broth, let it simmer with rice under a cozy cover, stirring occasionally to ensure everything cooks to deliciousness without sticking.
Step 1. Brown the Lean Beef
To start crafting your stuffed pepper soup, heat a large pot over medium heat and add the lean ground beef.
Let the beef sizzle and release its savory aroma as you break it apart with a wooden spoon. You'll want to stir occasionally to ensure even browning. The meat should be cooked until it's no longer pink, creating a rich, flavorful base.
Using lean ground beef keeps the soup light while still offering that hearty, satisfying taste we all crave. Don't rush this step; patience is key to developing depth in your soup.
Once browned, you'll notice a slight caramelization on the beef, enhancing its taste. This step sets the stage for the comforting warmth your stuffed pepper soup promises.
Step 2. Soften Chopped Bell Peppers
Once the ground beef is browned to perfection, it's time to focus on the bell peppers. Grab those vibrant, chopped beauties and toss them into the pot with the beef.
You'll want to cook them until they soften just a bit, releasing their natural sweetness and brightening the flavors of your soup. Stirring occasionally, let the peppers mingle with the beef for about 5-7 minutes over medium heat.
They'll start to soften, creating a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen. Be sure not to overcook them; you want just the right amount of tenderness for that perfect bite.
This step sets the stage for a truly hearty and comforting soup, making those bell peppers the star they deserve to be!
Step 3. Add Tomatoes and Broth
Next, you'll elevate the flavors by pouring in the diced tomatoes and beef broth. This step is where the magic truly begins, infusing your soup with a rich, savory base that envelops the other ingredients.
As you pour, watch how the pot transforms, the vibrant red of the tomatoes blending with the golden broth. It's a satisfying sight, a promise of the delicious meal to come.
Stir everything together, ensuring the broth and tomatoes coat the softened peppers and browned beef evenly. This mixture will soon become the heart of your soup, a luscious, aromatic blend that invites you to dive in.
Feel the warmth rising, as anticipation builds for the comforting, hearty flavors soon to unfold.
Step 4. Simmer With Rice Covered
Now that your pot's filled with the savory tomato and broth mixture, it's time to add the rice and let the magic unfold.
Carefully pour in the white rice, giving it a gentle stir to ensure it's well distributed. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer.
This is where the transformation happens—your kitchen fills with the delightful aroma of simmering spices and fresh vegetables. The rice slowly absorbs the flavorful broth, becoming tender and infused with all those rich, delicious flavors.
You'll find yourself eagerly anticipating that first warm spoonful. Allow it to cook for about 20-25 minutes, letting the ingredients meld together beautifully.
Your patience will soon be rewarded with a hearty, satisfying soup.
Step 5. Stir Occasionally to Prevent Sticking
As the soup simmers, frequently give it a gentle stir to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot. This simple action ensures your stuffed pepper soup remains smooth and evenly cooked.
You'll want to stir every few minutes, using a wooden spoon to gently scrape the bottom, preventing any rice from clumping or burning. By doing so, you maintain the delightful texture and flavor balance of your soup, allowing all the ingredients to meld beautifully.
This extra attention makes a big difference in your final dish, ensuring each spoonful is as delicious as the last. So, take a moment to stir with care and watch your soup transform into a warm, hearty masterpiece. Enjoy!
Final Thoughts
Stuffed pepper soup is a delightful twist on a classic dish, offering all the comforting flavors with much less fuss.
It's perfect for those nights when you crave something hearty but don't want to spend too much time in the kitchen.
You'll love how the sweetness of bell peppers melds with savory beef and tender rice, all wrapped in a rich tomato broth that's both warming and satisfying.
This soup isn't only easy to make but also versatile—ideal for meal prep or a quick family dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Absolutely, you can use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe!
It'll add a nutty flavor and more fiber, making your soup even heartier. Just keep in mind that brown rice takes a bit longer to cook, so you might need to simmer the soup for an extra 10-15 minutes.
Don't worry, the delicious aroma will fill your kitchen, and the wait will be totally worth it! Enjoy the wholesome goodness!
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Transform your kitchen into a haven of warmth by swapping the ground beef for hearty lentils or black beans.
These humble ingredients, like a cozy hug in a bowl, bring the same satisfying texture and protein. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and let the flavors dance together.
The result? A vibrant, vegetarian delight that'll make even the most die-hard meat lovers swoon. You won't miss the meat, promise!
What Other Proteins Can Be Substituted for Ground Beef?
You can easily switch up the protein by using ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a lighter, yet equally delicious twist!
Each option brings its own unique flavor, so don't be afraid to experiment. Ground turkey and chicken offer a leaner alternative, while plant-based crumbles make it vegetarian-friendly.
Just brown your preferred protein like you'd with beef, and let the rich flavors meld beautifully with the soup's hearty ingredients.
How Should I Store Leftovers for Optimal Freshness?
Imagine your kitchen filled with the comforting aroma of homemade soup.
To keep your leftovers fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions, allowing space for expansion.
When reheating, gently warm the soup on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain that delightful, hearty texture.
Enjoy each spoonful!
Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead of Canned?
Absolutely, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned! Just dice about 4-5 medium tomatoes, ensuring you remove the seeds for a smoother texture.
Fresh tomatoes add a vibrant taste that elevates the soup's flavor profile. Sauté them with the bell peppers to soften and release their juices, enhancing the soup's richness.
This small change brings a delightful freshness, making your dish even more satisfying and delicious. Enjoy the cooking adventure!
