Hearty Stuffed Peppers Soup Recipe: A Comforting One-Pot Meal

Stuffed Peppers Soup is a cozy and hearty dish that brings together all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers in a convenient, warm, and flavorful soup. This recipe is perfect for a cold day or when you’re craving something comforting yet simple to make. It’s a wonderful blend of beef (or turkey), bell peppers, tomatoes, rice, and herbs, all simmered to perfection.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of making this delicious soup, step by step. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or new to the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Peppers Soup

Stuffed Peppers Soup is a great way to enjoy the classic stuffed peppers without the hassle of actually stuffing the peppers. It’s a one-pot meal, so cleanup is a breeze. The soup is rich, full of flavor, and perfect for meal prepping. You can make a large batch, and it reheats wonderfully. Plus, it’s a flexible recipe—swap out ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.

What Makes This Soup So Special?

The combination of ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, and rice gives you a well-rounded, comforting meal. The use of dried herbs like basil and oregano infuses the soup with a beautiful aroma, while garlic and onion add depth to the flavor. The soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a light salad.

Now, let’s dive into the ingredients and how to make this savory Stuffed Peppers Soup.

Ingredients (with Quantities)

Before you start cooking, make sure you have all your ingredients ready. Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey): You can choose between beef or turkey, depending on your preference. Ground beef gives the soup a richer flavor, while turkey makes it lighter.
• 1 large onion, chopped: Onion provides a solid base flavor for the soup.
• 3 bell peppers, chopped: Use a combination of green, red, or yellow bell peppers for a colorful and flavorful mix.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic adds depth and enhances the overall flavor.
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes provide texture and a slight acidity that balances the richness of the beef and broth.
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce: Tomato sauce gives the soup a silky texture and enhances the tomato flavor.
• 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth): The broth is the backbone of the soup, giving it a savory base.
• 1 cup cooked white rice: Rice adds a hearty element to the soup and helps to thicken it slightly.
• 1 tsp dried basil: Adds a hint of sweetness and freshness.
• 1 tsp dried oregano: Brings an earthy, slightly bitter flavor that complements the tomatoes and beef.
• 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
• 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a little heat and depth.

Directions and Preparation Method

Now that you’ve gathered all the ingredients, let’s walk through the steps to make Stuffed Peppers Soup.

Step 1: Cook the Ground Meat

• Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 lb of ground beef (or ground turkey) to the pot. Cook the meat until it is browned and fully cooked through, which should take about 6-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to break up any large chunks.
• Once the meat is browned, drain off any excess fat to prevent the soup from being too greasy.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

• Add the chopped onion and chopped bell peppers to the pot with the cooked meat. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the onions to become translucent and the peppers to soften.
• After the vegetables have softened, add the minced garlic. Cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.

Step 3: Add the Tomato Base

• Next, add the 28 oz can of diced tomatoes and the 15 oz can of tomato sauce to the pot. Stir well to combine with the meat and vegetables.
• Pour in the 4 cups of beef broth (or chicken broth). Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Season the Soup

• Now, it’s time to add the herbs and spices. Add 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the soup. Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Step 5: Simmer and Let the Flavors Develop

• Once the soup is simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 25-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and deepen.
• Stir the soup occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Step 6: Add the Cooked Rice

• After the soup has simmered, stir in 1 cup of cooked white rice. Let the soup continue to cook for another 5 minutes to ensure the rice is heated through and well incorporated.
• At this point, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. You might want to add a little more salt or pepper based on your preferences.

Step 7: Serve

• Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it warm. This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a simple side salad.

FAQs

Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice in this recipe. Just keep in mind that brown rice has a chewier texture and a slightly nutty flavor. Also, brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to have it pre-cooked or adjust the timing accordingly if you’re cooking it with the soup.

Can I Make This Soup in a Slow Cooker?

Absolutely! To make Stuffed Peppers Soup in a slow cooker, follow these steps:

• Brown the meat in a skillet first, then transfer it to the slow cooker.
• Add the onion, bell peppers, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
• Stir in the cooked rice during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

How Long Can I Store Leftovers?

Stuffed Peppers Soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. When reheating, you may need to add a little extra broth or water if the soup has thickened too much in the fridge.

Can I Freeze Stuffed Peppers Soup?

Yes! This soup freezes beautifully. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop. If the rice absorbs too much liquid during freezing, you can add a little more broth when reheating.

Can I Use Ground Chicken or a Meatless Option?

Certainly! Ground chicken works as a lighter alternative to beef or turkey. For a meatless option, you could substitute the ground meat with plant-based ground “meat” or even lentils for a vegetarian version.

Conclusion

Stuffed Peppers Soup is a wonderful one-pot meal that brings all the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers into a hearty and comforting soup. It’s an easy, family-friendly recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. With simple ingredients like ground meat, bell peppers, tomatoes, and rice, you can create a flavorful dish that everyone will love.

This soup is highly customizable—swap out the ground beef for turkey, use different colored bell peppers, or even try a meatless version. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftovers, especially if you have cooked rice on hand. The best part? It’s ready in about 35 minutes!

Print