Hearty Stuffed Pepper Soup: A Comforting and Flavorful Meal
Introduction
Stuffed pepper soup is a warm, comforting dish that captures all the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers in a hearty, satisfying soup. This recipe is perfect for chilly days when you’re craving something nourishing and filling.
Packed with ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, rice, and a medley of spices, this soup is not only delicious but also easy to make. It’s a one-pot wonder that brings together simple ingredients to create a flavorful, soul-warming meal that the whole family will love.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create this hearty stuffed pepper soup. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or preparing it ahead of time for easy lunches, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (you can also use ground turkey or chicken)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large bell peppers (any color), diced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 oz) tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 cup uncooked white or brown rice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is fully cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pot and set it aside. Drain any excess fat from the pot, leaving about 1 tablespoon behind.
Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
- Add the diced bell peppers and garlic to the pot. Continue to sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the peppers are tender and the garlic is fragrant.
Add the Tomatoes and Broth:
- Pour the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and tomato sauce into the pot. Stir to combine with the sautéed vegetables.
- Add the beef or chicken broth to the pot, stirring well to combine all the ingredients.
Season the Soup:
- Stir in the dried basil, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Return the browned ground beef to the pot, mixing it in with the vegetables and broth.
Cook the Rice:
- Add the uncooked rice to the pot, stirring to distribute it evenly throughout the soup.
- Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
Serve the Soup:
- Once the rice is cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If the soup is too thick, you can add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Storage:
- Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
- This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
Continue Reading in next page