Description
A hearty and comforting Stuffed Pepper Soup featuring ground beef, rice, and a medley of bell peppers simmered in a flavorful tomato and beef broth base. This 40-minute recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy the classic stuffed pepper flavors in a warm, satisfying soup perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or wild rice)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for added depth of flavor)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Sauté Onion: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
- Cook Garlic and Ground Beef: Add the minced garlic and ground beef (or turkey) to the pot. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, for 5-6 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through, infusing the soup with rich meat flavor.
- Add Vegetables and Liquids: Stir in the chopped bell peppers, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat to blend the flavors.
- Incorporate Rice and Seasonings: Add the cooked rice, dried basil, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes if using, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 20-25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the vegetables to become tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed by adding more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce to suit your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option with less fat.
- Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version.
- For added heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Cook rice ahead of time or use leftover rice to save on prep time.
- Garnish with fresh herbs to enhance flavor and presentation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
