Stuffed Pepper Soup: A Hearty, Comforting Meal for Any Day

Stuffed pepper soup brings together all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers, but in a soup that’s warm, hearty, and easy to make.

If you love the combination of bell peppers, ground beef, and rice in stuffed peppers, this soup is a great way to enjoy those flavors with less fuss. It’s also perfect for meal prep, as it stores well and can be frozen for future meals.

Let’s walk through why stuffed pepper soup is a great choice, how you can make it your own, and what you need to know to get the most out of this recipe.

Why Choose Stuffed Pepper Soup?

Stuffed peppers are a comfort food staple, but they require a bit of work. You have to prepare the filling, hollow out the peppers, stuff them, and then bake everything. Stuffed pepper soup takes those same flavors and makes them much more accessible. Instead of going through multiple steps, you can make this soup in one pot. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even meal prepping for the week.

This recipe also allows for flexibility. If you have dietary preferences or restrictions, there are plenty of ways to adjust the ingredients. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal that doesn’t leave you with a sink full of dishes—something we can all appreciate after a long day.

The Basics of Stuffed Pepper Soup

The core ingredients of this soup are simple: ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, rice, and broth. These elements are what give stuffed pepper soup its hearty, rich flavor. You can also tweak the seasoning to suit your preferences, but we’ll walk through the essentials first.

Ground Beef (or Your Protein of Choice)

Ground beef is the traditional protein used in stuffed pepper soup, and it adds a savory, rich flavor that complements the sweetness of the peppers. However, if you prefer a lighter option, ground turkey or ground chicken work just as well. For a plant-based version, you can substitute with crumbled tofu, lentils, or your favorite plant-based ground meat.

When cooking the beef (or other protein), make sure to brown it well. This browning adds depth of flavor, which is important since it forms the base of the soup. If you’re using a leaner meat like turkey, you may need to add a little olive oil to help with browning.

Bell Peppers

Bell peppers are the star of this soup, and you can use any color—red, yellow, orange, or green. Red and yellow peppers are sweeter, while green peppers have a slightly more bitter flavor. A mix of different colors not only makes the soup more visually appealing, but also adds a range of flavors.

You’ll want to dice the peppers into small, bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly in the soup. This step is easy and quick, and the peppers will soften nicely as the soup simmers.

Tomatoes and Broth

Tomatoes provide the rich base of the soup, while broth adds moisture and brings everything together. For the tomatoes, you’ll use a combination of canned diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. This combination gives the soup a nice balance of texture and flavor—diced tomatoes add small chunks while the tomato sauce thickens the broth.

For the broth, beef broth is typically used in this recipe because it adds a deeper, heartier flavor that complements the ground beef. However, chicken or vegetable broth can work just as well if that’s what you have on hand or prefer to use.

Rice

Rice is what gives this soup its heartiness and helps it feel like a complete meal. You can use either white or brown rice, depending on your preference. Brown rice takes longer to cook, so if you choose to use it, it’s best to cook it ahead of time and add it to the soup later. White rice cooks faster and can be added directly to the soup if needed.

If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice is a good substitute. Just be sure to add it toward the end of the cooking process, as it cooks quickly.

Seasoning the Soup

Seasoning is what brings all these ingredients together and makes the soup flavorful. For this recipe, we use Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and salt and pepper. The Worcestershire sauce adds a savory, umami flavor that complements the beef. Italian seasoning brings in a mix of herbs that pair well with the tomatoes and peppers, and smoked paprika adds a subtle, smoky flavor.

Smoked paprika is one of those ingredients that can transform a dish without overpowering it. If you don’t have smoked paprika on hand, regular paprika will work, but the smoked version adds a unique layer of flavor.

How to Make Stuffed Pepper Soup

Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s talk about the process of making stuffed pepper soup. This is a one-pot recipe, which means less cleanup and an easy, straightforward cooking process.

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Start by browning your ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternative) in a large pot over medium heat. This step is key to developing the flavor of the soup. Make sure to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks and drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Once the meat is browned, you’ll add the onions and garlic. Sauté these until they’re softened, about 3-4 minutes. This step helps to build the flavor and gives the soup a nice base. After the onions and garlic are softened, you’ll add the diced bell peppers and cook them for a few more minutes.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Next, you’ll add the canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth to the pot. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. This is where the soup starts to come together.

Step 4: Season and Simmer

Now it’s time to add the seasonings: Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together and the peppers to soften.

Step 5: Add the Rice

Once the soup has simmered, it’s time to add the rice. If you’re using cooked rice, stir it into the soup and let it warm through for a few minutes. If you’re using uncooked white rice, you can add it directly to the soup and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, until it’s tender. Keep in mind that rice will absorb some of the broth, so you may want to add a little extra broth if the soup becomes too thick.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

After the rice is cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or smoked paprika depending on your preferences. Once you’re happy with the flavor, your soup is ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

Stuffed pepper soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side if you want to round out the meal. A simple green salad or a slice of crusty bread would pair well with the soup. If you’re looking for something a little different, try serving it with garlic bread or cheesy biscuits.

You can also garnish the soup with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of shredded cheese. If you like a little heat, add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Storing and Reheating

One of the great things about stuffed pepper soup is that it stores well and reheats beautifully. If you have leftovers, let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened in the fridge, you can add a little extra broth or water to thin it out. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

Freezing Stuffed Pepper Soup

Stuffed pepper soup also freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep. To freeze the soup, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or portion it into individual servings. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to eat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat the soup from frozen—just place it in a pot on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through.

Making Stuffed Pepper Soup Your Own

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily customize the soup to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add more vegetables: While bell peppers are the star of the show, you can add other vegetables to the soup as well. Zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms would all be great additions.
• Make it spicy: If you like a little heat, add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the soup.
• Try different grains: While rice is traditional, you can also use quinoa, farro, or barley for a different texture.
• Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and use a plant-based ground meat substitute, or add extra beans like black beans or kidney beans for protein.

Final Thoughts

Stuffed pepper soup is a simple, hearty meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a flavorful soup that’s easy to customize and perfect for leftovers. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a meal prep solution, or a comforting dish to feed the family, stuffed pepper soup has you covered. It’s versatile enough to suit various dietary preferences and can be easily adjusted to fit your schedule. Make a large batch for the week, freeze portions for later, or whip it up on a busy night when you want something warm and satisfying without too much effort.

This soup brings all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers to the table, but with far less fuss, making it a go-to recipe you’ll keep coming back to.

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