Let’s talk comfort food at its finest. Stuffed peppers are already a classic in many households, but what if you could capture all that deliciousness in a cozy, spoonable soup? That’s exactly what this Stuffed Pepper Soup with Ground Beef does. It’s hearty, rich, and brimming with flavors that feel like a warm hug on a chilly evening. The beauty of this recipe is that it takes all the best parts of a stuffed bell pepper-savory beef, sweet peppers, and a hint of tomato-and turns them into a versatile, satisfying soup. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or impressing guests with minimal effort.
This soup isn’t just tasty; it’s also a fantastic way to sneak in some vegetables, balance proteins, and serve something that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make. So grab your favorite pot and let’s dive into this culinary adventure!
Stuffed Pepper Soup With Ground Beef Recipe
This isn’t just any soup-it’s a full-flavored, savory, and slightly sweet meal in a bowl. Imagine tender chunks of bell pepper swimming in a tomato-beef broth, enhanced by herbs and spices that bring everything together. Each spoonful gives you that classic stuffed pepper taste, without the hassle of baking individual peppers. And the best part? It’s flexible-you can make it thick and hearty or lighter, almost stew-like.
Ingredients Needed
To make this soup truly shine, you’ll want fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
- Ground beef (1 lb / 450g): Choose lean for less grease, but a little fat adds flavor.
- Bell peppers (3-4 medium, mixed colors): Red, yellow, and green make it vibrant and sweet.
- Onion (1 medium, finely chopped): Adds a natural sweetness and depth.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Aromatic backbone of the soup.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14-15 oz / 400g): Provides the base for your broth.
- Tomato sauce (1 can, 8 oz / 225g): Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the soup.
- Beef broth (4 cups / 1 liter): Enhances richness and depth.
- Uncooked rice (½ cup / 90g): Optional, but gives the soup a classic stuffed pepper feel.
- Olive oil (1-2 tbsp): For sautéing onions and garlic.
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Seasonings
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Paprika (1 tsp) for subtle smokiness
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp) for herbaceous notes
- Red pepper flakes (optional, ¼ tsp) for a little heat
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish): Brightens the final dish
Cooking Instructions
Follow these steps for a delicious, foolproof soup:
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Prepare The Vegetables
- Wash and chop the bell peppers into bite-sized pieces.
- Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
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Cook The Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
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Sauté The Aromatics
- Add onions and garlic to the beef.
- Cook 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
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Build The Soup Base
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
- Add seasonings: salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.
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Simmer The Soup
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Add chopped bell peppers and uncooked rice.
- Cover and let simmer 20-25 minutes, until rice is tender and peppers are soft.
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Taste And Adjust
- Check seasoning and add more salt, pepper, or spices if needed.
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Serve
- Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
- Serve with crusty bread for an extra hearty meal.
Ingredient Insights
Every ingredient plays a role in making this soup special:
- Ground beef: Provides the savory, meaty base. Lean beef keeps it lighter, while fattier beef adds richness.
- Bell peppers: Red, yellow, or orange peppers give natural sweetness, while green adds a slightly bitter note to balance flavors.
- Rice: Creates a heartier texture, mimicking traditional stuffed peppers without stuffing each one.
- Tomatoes: A perfect balance of acidity and sweetness; canned tomatoes are convenient and consistent.
- Seasonings: Paprika and Italian seasoning elevate the dish with complexity and warmth.
Expert Tips
Here’s how to take this soup from great to unforgettable:
- Brown the beef thoroughly: Browning adds caramelized flavor that deepens the soup.
- Use a mix of pepper colors: Visual appeal matters-and different peppers add nuanced flavors.
- Simmer gently: High heat can make rice mushy. Low and slow ensures perfect texture.
- Add rice last if using pre-cooked: This prevents it from absorbing too much liquid and becoming mushy.
- Freeze in portions: This soup freezes beautifully, just avoid adding rice before freezing; cook it fresh when reheating.
Recipe Variations
You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs:
- Turkey or chicken: Substitute ground beef for lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Quinoa or cauliflower rice: For a low-carb twist, replace rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice.
- Spicy version: Add jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
- Cheesy version: Stir in shredded cheese before serving for a creamy touch.
- Vegetarian: Omit the meat and use hearty beans like black beans or kidney beans.
Final Words
This soup proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s satisfying, nutritious, and endlessly adaptable. It’s the kind of meal that warms your soul, impresses guests without stress, and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Plus, it stores well, making it a perfect candidate for meal prep or leftovers.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For Stuffed Pepper Soup With Ground Beef?
You will need ground beef, bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, rice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Optional ingredients include Worcestershire sauce and shredded cheese for topping.
Can I Make Stuffed Pepper Soup With Ground Beef In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can. Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables and rice are tender.
Is It Possible To Make This Soup Low-carb?
Yes. You can replace rice with cauliflower rice or omit it entirely. Ensure the other ingredients, such as tomato sauce, do not contain added sugars to keep the dish low-carb.
How Can I Make Stuffed Pepper Soup With Ground Beef Gluten-free?
Most recipes are naturally gluten-free, but ensure that the beef broth and any seasonings used are certified gluten-free. Avoid adding ingredients like soy sauce unless it’s gluten-free.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Or Chicken Instead Of Ground Beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef. Keep in mind that the cooking time may be slightly shorter since these meats cook faster and are leaner.
Should The Rice Be Cooked Before Adding It To The Soup?
You can use uncooked rice in the soup, but it must simmer long enough to fully cook. Alternatively, precook the rice and add it near the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.
How Long Does Stuffed Pepper Soup With Ground Beef Last In The Refrigerator?
When stored in an airtight container, the soup lasts 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Can I Freeze Stuffed Pepper Soup With Ground Beef?
Yes. Freeze the soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months. It is recommended to undercook the rice if you plan to freeze it, as it can become overly soft after thawing and reheating.
What Can I Add To Enhance The Flavor Of Stuffed Pepper Soup?
You can add fresh herbs like parsley or basil, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or grated Parmesan cheese before serving for added depth of flavor.
Is Stuffed Pepper Soup Suitable For Meal Prep?
Yes. This soup is excellent for meal prep because it reheats well and the flavors often deepen after a day or two. Portion into individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals.