Stuffed Pepper Soup Is a Full Meal in a Bowl, Don't Lose this Recipe

 

🍲 Stuffed Pepper Soup — A Full Meal in a Bowl

All the flavors of classic stuffed peppers, simmered into a comforting, hearty soup that warms your soul.

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Introduction to Stuffed Pepper Soup (Approx. 350 words)

Stuffed peppers are a timeless comfort food — bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, tomatoes, and spices, baked until tender and delicious. This recipe transforms that beloved dish into a cozy, satisfying soup that’s easier to prepare, quicker to serve, and perfect for any season.

Stuffed Pepper Soup is a wonderful one-pot meal combining lean ground beef or turkey, diced bell peppers, aromatic onions, garlic, tender tomatoes, and rice simmered in a flavorful broth. It’s wholesome, packed with nutrients, and hits all the taste notes you love in stuffed peppers: savory, slightly sweet, tangy, and filling.

Unlike traditional stuffed peppers that require time to stuff and bake, this soup is ready in about 45 minutes and is easily scalable for family meals or batch cooking. It’s perfect as a main dish, especially on cooler days, offering warmth and comfort in every spoonful.

In this recipe guide, you’ll find detailed ingredient breakdowns, cooking instructions, tips for perfect rice texture, and ideas for customizing your soup to suit dietary needs or flavor preferences. Whether you want a classic version, a spicy kick, or a vegetarian take, this recipe can adapt to your needs.

If you love hearty soups that double as full meals, Stuffed Pepper Soup should be your go-to recipe. It’s nutritious, flavorful, and easy to make. Let’s get started!

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Ingredients Overview (Approx. 400 words)

Core Ingredients for Stuffed Pepper Soup:

• Ground Beef (or Turkey) — 1 lb: Choose lean ground beef (85/15) or turkey for a lighter option. The meat adds protein and rich flavor.

• Bell Peppers — 3 medium (red, green, or yellow): Use a mix of colors for sweetness and visual appeal. Dice finely for even cooking.

• Onion — 1 large: Adds a savory base note. Yellow or white onions work well.

• Garlic — 3 cloves: Minced or pressed to infuse deep flavor.

• Tomatoes — 1 can (14.5 oz) diced with juice + 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce: These provide acidity, sweetness, and body to the soup. Use quality canned tomatoes for best results.

• Beef or Vegetable Broth — 4 cups: Forms the soup base and adds savory depth. Use low sodium if you want better control over saltiness.

• Long Grain White Rice — ½ cup: Gives the soup its classic stuffed pepper texture and makes it filling. Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch.

• Worcestershire Sauce — 1 tablespoon: Adds umami and a subtle tangy complexity.

• Italian Seasoning — 1 teaspoon: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, thyme that complements the soup perfectly.

• Salt & Black Pepper — to taste: Enhances all the other flavors. Start with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper, adjust as you go.

• Olive Oil — 1 tablespoon: For sautéing veggies and beef.

Optional Add-ins and Garnishes:

• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For heat.

• Fresh Parsley or Basil: For freshness and color.

• Grated Parmesan Cheese: A finishing touch to add richness.

• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: For creaminess when serving.

• Hot Sauce: For an extra kick.

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Equipment Needed (Approx. 50 words)

• Large heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven

• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Knife and cutting board

• Ladle for serving

• Bowls for garnish and serving

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Step-by-Step Instructions (Approx. 900 words)

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

• Wash and dice the bell peppers finely — aim for roughly ¼-inch pieces so they cook evenly and integrate well into the soup.

• Peel and finely chop the onion.

• Mince or press the garlic cloves.

• Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear — this removes excess starch and prevents clumping.

Step 2: Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

• Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.

• Once the meat starts to brown but before it’s fully cooked, add the chopped onion and bell peppers.

• Cook until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth

• Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the tomato sauce.

• Stir in the beef or vegetable broth.

• Add Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

• Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Add Rice and Simmer

• Add the rinsed rice to the pot. Stir it into the mixture.

• Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.

• Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

• After the rice is cooked, taste the soup.

• Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed.

• For extra heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

• If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth or water to reach your preferred consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

• Ladle the soup into bowls.

• Top with freshly chopped parsley or basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

• Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess if you like.

• Serve hot with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a full meal.

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Why This Soup Works (Approx. 200 words)

Stuffed Pepper Soup is a masterclass in comfort food that brings the best of a classic stuffed pepper into a deliciously satisfying bowl. The combination of ground beef, sweet bell peppers, and tangy tomatoes captures the iconic flavor profile, while the rice adds a hearty, filling texture.

The simmering process melds the flavors beautifully — the beef broth provides a rich base, enhanced by the umami of Worcestershire sauce and the herbal notes of Italian seasoning. The garlic and onions add depth, rounding out the savory complexity.

Using canned tomatoes gives the soup a natural sweetness and acidity that balances the rich beef, while the rice absorbs the broth, becoming tender without turning mushy, which makes the soup both comforting and texturally appealing.

This recipe’s beauty lies in its simplicity and adaptability. You can customize the spice level, protein choice, or even turn it vegetarian by swapping meat for beans or lentils. It’s a one-pot meal that’s nutritious, easy to prepare, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

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Tips for Perfect Stuffed Pepper Soup (Approx. 250 words)

• Use fresh bell peppers: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, firm bell peppers. Mixing colors (red, green, yellow, orange) adds visual appeal and a range of sweetness.

• Rinse the rice: Always rinse rice before adding it to the soup to remove starch and prevent clumping.

• Don’t overcook the rice: Keep an eye on the rice’s texture; overcooked rice becomes mushy and can turn the soup too thick. If needed, add extra broth.

• Lean meat options: Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter soup. Adjust seasoning to compensate for the milder flavor.

• Sautéing aromatics: Don’t skip this step — cooking onions and garlic with the meat helps develop deep flavor.

• Adjust seasoning gradually: Start with less salt and spice and add more after simmering, as flavors intensify during cooking.

• Make it vegetarian: Substitute meat with cooked lentils, beans, or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth.

• Add more veggies: Zucchini, carrots, or celery can be diced and added with the peppers for extra nutrition and texture.

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Variations on Stuffed Pepper Soup (Approx. 300 words)

Spicy Stuffed Pepper Soup

Add diced jalapeños or 1 teaspoon chipotle powder to the sautéed vegetables for smoky heat. Top with hot sauce or sliced fresh chili.

Mexican-Style Stuffed Pepper Soup

Add 1 teaspoon cumin and 1 teaspoon chili powder to the base. Use black beans instead of rice or add them alongside the rice. Garnish with avocado slices and fresh cilantro.

Italian Stuffed Pepper Soup

Add ½ cup small pasta shapes (like ditalini or orzo) instead of rice. Stir in fresh basil and oregano at the end. Top with shredded mozzarella and serve with garlic bread.

Low-Carb Stuffed Pepper Soup

Omit rice and add extra diced vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.

Vegetarian Stuffed Pepper Soup

Replace meat with cooked lentils or chopped mushrooms. Use vegetable broth and increase seasoning to taste.

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Serving Suggestions (Approx. 150 words)

Stuffed Pepper Soup is a complete meal on its own but pairs beautifully with:

• Crusty bread or garlic bread: Perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.

• Simple green salad: Fresh greens with a light vinaigrette balance the hearty soup.

• Grilled cheese sandwiches: Classic pairing for comfort food lovers.

• Roasted vegetables: Adds more veggies and texture contrast.

• Toppings: Sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado slices, fresh herbs, or hot sauce to customize each bowl.

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Storage and Reheating Tips (Approx. 150 words)

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• The rice may absorb more broth overnight; add water or broth when reheating to loosen the soup.

• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals.

• This soup also freezes well — freeze in individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, adding broth if needed.

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Nutrition Information (Approx. 150 words)

Per serving (approximate, recipe makes 6 servings):

• Calories: 300-350

• Protein: 25g

• Carbohydrates: 30g

• Fiber: 3g

• Fat: 10g

• Sodium: 600mg (varies based on broth and added salt)

This soup provides a balanced meal with lean protein, fiber from vegetables and rice, and moderate fats. It’s nutrient-dense and satisfying, ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner.

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Final Thoughts (Approx. 150 words)

Stuffed Pepper Soup is a delicious, comforting, and easy-to-make dish that transforms a classic stuffed pepper into a warming bowl perfect for any occasion. It’s flexible, nutritious, and full of flavor — a true all-in-one meal that doesn’t skimp on taste or satisfaction.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting friends, this soup will impress with its hearty texture and rich flavor profile. The ease of making it in one pot means less cleanup and more time to enjoy.

Try the variations, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy this soul-warming dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. Don’t lose this recipe — it will become a staple in your home!