STUFFED PEPPER SOUP ULTIMATE

Craving the comforting flavors of classic stuffed peppers but without all the work? Imagine a hearty bowl brimming with tender ground beef, sweet bell peppers, and savory tomato broth, all perfectly seasoned to create a symphony of flavors in every spoonful. This Stuffed Pepper Soup recipe delivers all that cozy goodness in an easy-to-make soup that will warm you from the inside out, I promise!

The Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Soup:

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat

For Garnish (Optional):

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Green onions, sliced

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the chopped bell peppers and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.

Step 3: Build the Soup

1. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes!

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

1. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to your liking. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Ladle the Stuffed Pepper Soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped fresh parsley, or green onions, if desired.
2. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Stuffed Pepper Soup Perfection

Making Stuffed Pepper Soup is pretty straightforward, but a few tricks can elevate it from good to *amazing*. Here are some things I’ve learned over the years:

• Beef Matters: While you *can* use ground turkey or even ground chicken, the flavor of ground beef really shines in this soup. Don’t be afraid to use a higher fat percentage for extra flavor – just make sure to drain off any excess grease.
• Pepper Prep: I like to chop my bell peppers into roughly the same size pieces so they cook evenly. You can use any color of bell pepper, but a mix of red, green, and yellow adds visual appeal and a variety of flavors.
• Rice Right: Pre-cooked rice is key for convenience. You can use leftover rice from a previous meal or cook a batch specifically for this soup. Both white and brown rice work well, but I find that brown rice adds a slightly nutty flavor that I enjoy. If you’re watching your carbs, you can even substitute cauliflower rice.
• Simmer Time is Key: Don’t rush the simmering process! This is where the flavors really come together and meld. The longer you simmer, the more flavorful the soup will be.
• Spice it Up (or Down): Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you’re not a fan of smoked paprika, you can leave it out. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Make it Ahead: Stuffed Pepper Soup is even better the next day! The flavors have more time to meld, and it’s a great way to meal prep for the week.
• Freezing for Later: This soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Variations to Make It Your Own

One of the best things about Stuffed Pepper Soup is how easily you can customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Unstuffed Pepper Soup Crockpot (Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe): For an even easier version, try making this in your slow cooker. Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as directed in the recipe, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients, stir well, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the cooked rice during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
• Stuffed Pepper Soup Healthy: To make this soup healthier, use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. You can also reduce the amount of rice or substitute it with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Load up on the veggies by adding extra bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
• Spice it Up: Add a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies for a Southwestern twist.
• Add Beans: Stir in a can of drained and rinsed kidney beans or black beans for added protein and fiber.
• Cheesy Goodness: Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese during the last few minutes of cooking for a cheesy, melty soup.

What to Serve with Your Soup

Stuffed Pepper Soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a side of:

• Crusty bread for dipping
• A simple green salad
• Cornbread
• Grilled cheese sandwich

More Delicious Soup Recipes to Explore

If you’re a soup lover like me, you’ll want to check out some of my other favorite soup recipes. For another deconstructed comfort food classic, you might enjoy this Unstuffed Pepper Skillet. Or, if you’re looking for something creamy and comforting, try my Outback Potato Soup or Chicken Gnocchi Soup. For a zesty and flavorful option, you can’t go wrong with Chicken Tortilla Soup. And if you’re a real stuffed pepper fanatic, be sure to check out my Taco Stuffed Peppers recipe and of course, the classic Stuffed Pepper Soup recipe!

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Stuffed Pepper Soup!

I hope you enjoy this Stuffed Pepper Soup recipe as much as my family and I do. It’s a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Happy cooking, and bon appétit!