Here’s a and flavorful Stuffed Pepper Soup recipe that gives you all the comforting flavors of stuffed peppers—without all the stuffing and baking.
🫑 Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe
Serves: 6–8 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes
📝 Ingredients
For the Soup:
1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for a lighter version)
1 tbsp olive oil (if using lean meat)
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 large bell peppers, chopped (use red, green, or both)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for extra richness)
4 cups beef broth (or chicken/vegetable broth)
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
¼–½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
¾ cup uncooked rice (white, brown, or even cauliflower rice)
Optional Toppings:
Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, etc.)
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the meat
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add olive oil (if needed), then brown the ground beef.
Cook for about 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully cooked and no longer pink.
Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Sauté vegetables
Add chopped onion and bell peppers to the pot with the meat.
Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Add liquids and seasonings
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, tomato paste (if using), and broth.
Add all the seasonings: salt, pepper, oregano, basil, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
4. Simmer
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes to let the flavors meld.
5. Add rice
Stir in uncooked rice.
Cover and cook for another 15–20 minutes (longer for brown rice), stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until rice is tender.
🔥 Tip: If using pre-cooked or leftover rice, add it in the last 5 minutes of cooking to prevent it from getting mushy.
6. Adjust & Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning.
If soup is too thick, add more broth or water to reach desired consistency.
Serve hot with optional toppings.
🥣 Serving Suggestions
Crusty bread or garlic toast on the side.
A green salad with a tangy vinaigrette for balance.
Try adding shredded cheese and broiling for a “stuffed pepper casserole” effect in a bowl!
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Fridge: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
Rice tip for freezing: Cook rice separately and add when reheating to avoid soggy texture.