Stuffed Pepper Soup sounds like a cozy and flavorful meal! It’s essentially like having the delicious filling of stuffed peppers but in soup form—perfect for colder days or when you want something hearty without all the effort of stuffing peppers individually.
Here’s a simple recipe for Stuffed Pepper Soup:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for a lighter version)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 bell peppers (use a mix of red, green, and yellow for color), diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
- 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable/chicken broth for a lighter flavor)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the meat: In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté the veggies: Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell peppers to the pot with the meat. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the veggies soften.
- Add the liquids and seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, and broth. Add the oregano, basil, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything to combine.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 20-30 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Add the rice: Stir in the cooked rice and let it heat through, about 5 minutes. If the soup seems too thick, you can add a little more broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed—add more salt, pepper, or herbs if you like.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal!
Optional Add-ins:
- Cheese: Top with shredded mozzarella or cheddar for extra creamy goodness.
- Beans: Add a can of black beans or kidney beans for more protein and fiber.
- Vegetarian version: Skip the ground meat and use extra veggies, lentils, or a plant-based protein instead.
- Spicy: Throw in some chopped jalapeños or a bit of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
It’s a simple yet filling soup that really captures the flavors of stuffed peppers without all the fuss. Do you like your stuffed pepper soup more on the spicy side, or do you prefer to keep it mild?
