Stuffed Pepper Soup

There’s something incredibly comforting about the flavors of stuffed peppers — sweet bell peppers, savory ground meat, hearty rice, and a rich tomato base — all wrapped up in one satisfying dish. But what if you could enjoy all those flavors without the hassle of stuffing and baking individual peppers? Enter Stuffed Pepper Soup, a cozy, one-pot meal that captures everything you love about stuffed peppers in a warm, hearty soup. Perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want a wholesome, family-friendly dinner that’s both easy and delicious.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Stuffed Pepper Soup is an absolute crowd-pleaser, combining the best parts of a classic stuffed pepper into a simple soup that’s ready in under an hour. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or simply craving something comforting, this recipe offers:

• Bold, familiar flavors: Sweet bell peppers, seasoned ground beef, and a tomato-packed broth come together beautifully.
• Hearty and satisfying: The addition of rice gives the soup substance, making it a filling meal on its own.
• Easy prep and cleanup: Everything cooks in one pot, saving time and effort.
• Flexibility: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Family-friendly: Mildly spiced and wholesome, it’s a hit with both kids and adults.

If you love the idea of stuffed peppers but want something quick and fuss-free, this soup is your new go-to.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (use lean ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter flavor)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

How To Make Stuffed Pepper Soup

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté the Vegetables

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink and starts to brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove excess fat if necessary. Add the diced onion and bell peppers, and sauté for another 5 minutes until the vegetables soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Seasonings and Tomatoes

Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the meat and vegetables evenly with the spices. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juices, mixing everything together.

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Add Rice

Add the beef broth to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir in the uncooked rice, reducing the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the soup has thickened slightly.

Step 4: Final Adjustments and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed — more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of chili flakes if you like heat. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or a light salad on the side.

Expert Tips

• For a deeper flavor, use homemade beef broth or stock if available.
• Rinse the rice before adding it to remove excess starch and prevent the soup from becoming too thick.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, use a short-grain rice or add a bit more rice and cook a little longer.
• To make the soup gluten-free, double-check your broth ingredients to ensure no gluten-containing additives.
• Don’t skip browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables — these steps build the foundation of flavor.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day once the flavors have melded together.

Variations and Customizations

• Meat alternatives: Swap ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or lamb depending on your preference.
• Vegetarian version: Replace the meat with hearty beans such as black beans or kidney beans and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Spice it up: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
• Cheesy twist: Stir in some shredded cheese just before serving for extra richness.
• Grain substitutes: Try quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a different texture or lower carb option.
• Herb variations: Swap out oregano for thyme or basil to change the flavor profile.

How to Store Leftovers

Stuffed Pepper Soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. If the soup thickens too much after refrigeration, add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it back up. This soup also freezes well; portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQ

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes! Brown rice works well but will require a longer cooking time — about 40-45 minutes instead of 20. You can add the brown rice earlier in the cooking process or cook it separately and add it to the soup at the end.

Is this soup spicy?

No, this recipe is mild and family-friendly. However, you can easily add heat by including chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños when cooking the vegetables.

Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the meat and sauté the veggies first, then add everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the rice during the last hour of cooking to prevent it from getting mushy.

What can I serve with Stuffed Pepper Soup?

This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, warm crusty bread, or garlic breadsticks for dipping.

Conclusion

Stuffed Pepper Soup is a delicious, comforting dish that brings all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers into a simple, easy-to-make soup. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you crave a warm, satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. With its hearty rice, tender meat, and vibrant bell peppers swimming in a rich tomato broth, this soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a bowl of cozy, wholesome goodness that feels like a hug in a bowl.