This hearty and flavorful Stuffed Pepper Soup captures all the deliciousness of stuffed peppers in a warm and comforting soup form. It’s packed with ground meat, rice, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and seasonings, simmered in a rich tomato broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup is easy to make and can be customized to your liking.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)
- Optional: Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions:
- Brown Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (undrained), and beef broth (or vegetable broth).
- Add Rice and Seasonings: Add the cooked rice, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the flavors have melded and the soup has thickened slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired. Serve hot.
Tips and Notes:
- Meat Choice: You can use ground beef, ground turkey, or even ground sausage for this soup.
- Rice Choice: Use any type of cooked rice you prefer. You can also use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or zucchini.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your taste.
- Broth Flavor: Use beef broth for a richer flavor or vegetable broth for a lighter option.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well. Store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Stuffed Pepper Soup!