Stuffed Pepper Soup

Hearty Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe

Stuffed pepper soup is a delicious and comforting dish that captures the flavors of classic stuffed peppers in a hearty, easy-to-make soup. It’s packed with ground meat, bell peppers, tomatoes, and rice, making it a complete meal in a bowl. Here’s how to make this flavorful soup at home.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef, turkey, or sausage
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large bell peppers (any color), diced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 6 cups beef broth or chicken broth
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1-2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (optional, for added depth of flavor)
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Brown the Meat:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the ground beef (or turkey/sausage) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

• Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
• Add the diced bell peppers and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Add the Liquid and Tomatoes:

• Pour in the beef broth and add the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and tomato sauce.
• Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using.

4. Cook the Rice:

• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
• Stir in the uncooked rice, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender, stirring occasionally.

5. Adjust Seasoning and Serve:

• Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.
• Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Pepper Soup

1. Rice Options: You can use different types of rice such as brown rice, jasmine rice, or even quinoa. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
2. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
3. Make-Ahead: This soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
4. Freezing: This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
5. Toppings: Top with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.

Stuffed pepper soup is a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of the year. With its rich flavors and comforting ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!