stuffed pepper soup

Stuffed pepper soup is a brilliant comfort food favorite because it delivers all the savory, hearty flavors of traditional stuffed peppers—tender ground beef, sweet bell peppers, rice, and rich tomatoes—without the tedious hassle of coring, stuffing, and baking individual peppers.

Easy Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Yields: 6 servings

Ingredients:

• Meat: 1 lb lean ground beef or ground turkey
• Aromatics & Veggies:
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 bell peppers (a mix of red, green, and yellow), diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Tomatoes & Broth:
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed or diced tomatoes (with their juices)
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 4 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
• Grains: 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (rinsed). (Note: If you prefer brown rice, cook it separately and stir it in at the end, as brown rice takes longer to soften).
• Seasoning:
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a spoonful of salsa picante if you like a little heat.

Instructions:

1. Brown the Meat: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef (or turkey) and diced onions until the meat is fully browned and the onions are translucent (about 6 to 8 minutes). Drain any excess grease if needed.
2. Build the Veggie Base: Add the minced garlic, diced bell peppers, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the peppers start to soften slightly and the garlic becomes fragrant.
3. Simmer: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir well and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
4. Cook the Rice: Stir in the uncooked white rice. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the peppers are completely soft.
5. Adjust and Serve: Remove from heat, taste, and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Ladle hot into bowls.

Serving Suggestions:

• The Classic Topping: Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella cheese over the top right before serving so it gets deliciously melty.
• Bread Pairing: Serve with a side of crusty garlic bread or warm tortillas for dipping.