Ah, tomato soup-the ultimate comfort food. But let’s be honest, sometimes the classic version can feel a little… predictable. That’s where stuffed peppers tomato soup comes in. Imagine the vibrant, sweet flavor of bell peppers blended seamlessly with the rich, tangy essence of tomatoes, all simmered into a warm, hearty soup. This isn’t just any tomato soup; it’s a cozy, satisfying dish that tastes like a bowlful of sunshine with a dash of home-cooked nostalgia. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, lunch with friends, or even a solo indulgent treat.
This recipe takes inspiration from the classic stuffed bell pepper dish-minus the laborious stuffing and baking. Instead, all the flavors you love in stuffed peppers-savory beef or vegetarian filling, aromatic spices, and sweet roasted peppers-meld together beautifully in a creamy, luscious soup. The result? A bowl of comfort that’s as visually stunning as it is flavorful.
Stuffed Peppers Tomato Soup Recipe
This recipe is a delicious twist on traditional tomato soup, combining roasted bell peppers, tomatoes, and a blend of savory seasonings. The soup is hearty, healthy, and incredibly satisfying, with just the right balance of sweet and tangy.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to create this vibrant soup:
- Bell Peppers: 3-4 large, preferably red, yellow, or orange for sweetness and color
- Tomatoes: 6-8 ripe medium tomatoes, or 1 can (28 oz) of whole peeled tomatoes
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Carrot: 1 medium, peeled and diced (adds subtle sweetness)
- Celery: 1 stalk, diced
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing
- Vegetable or Chicken Broth: 4 cups, depending on how thick or thin you like your soup
- Ground Beef or Turkey (optional): ½ pound, browned (for a meaty version)
- Rice: ½ cup cooked, or substitute with quinoa for a healthier twist
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons for depth of flavor
- Herbs: 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, pinch of thyme
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Cream or Coconut Milk: ¼ cup for creaminess (optional)
- Fresh Parsley or Basil: For garnish
Cooking Instructions
Let’s get cooking! This is easier than it sounds, I promise:
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Prepare The Bell Peppers
- Wash, core, and dice the bell peppers into small chunks. For a deeper flavor, you can roast them in the oven at 400°F for 20 minutes until slightly charred.
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Sauté The Base
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Cook The Meat (Optional)
- If using ground beef or turkey, add it to the pot and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
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Add The Peppers And Tomatoes
- Stir in the diced or roasted bell peppers, chopped tomatoes (or canned tomatoes), and tomato paste. Mix everything well.
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Simmer With Broth And Rice
- Pour in the broth, add herbs, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked rice or quinoa.
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Blend For Creamy Perfection
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. For a chunkier texture, blend only half.
- If using cream or coconut milk, stir it in now for a silky finish.
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Serve
- Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and enjoy piping hot!
Ingredient Insights
- Bell Peppers: Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants; roasting enhances their natural sweetness.
- Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene, which is great for heart health. Ripe fresh tomatoes or high-quality canned ones make a big flavor difference.
- Garlic & Onion: Add aromatic depth and subtle sweetness.
- Rice or Quinoa: Adds texture and makes the soup more filling without overpowering the pepper-tomato flavor.
- Cream/Coconut Milk: Optional but adds a velvety richness that balances the acidity of tomatoes.
Expert Tips
- Roast Your Peppers: Roasting intensifies the flavor and adds a slightly smoky undertone.
- Layer the Herbs: Add some dried herbs early for depth and fresh herbs at the end for brightness.
- Texture Matters: Blend partially if you enjoy chunks; fully if you prefer a smooth, velvety soup.
- Adjust Sweetness: A pinch of sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes if needed.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add more rice, quinoa, or lentils for protein.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño during sautéing.
- Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or parmesan on top when serving.
- Smoky Flavor: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or use fire-roasted tomatoes.
- Low Carb: Skip the rice/quinoa and add extra vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower.
Final Words
Stuffed peppers tomato soup is more than just a meal-it’s a conversation starter. Each spoonful brings together the sweet, tangy, and savory flavors of a classic stuffed pepper in a comforting, slurpable form. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests. Plus, it stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day once the flavors meld together.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Stuffed Peppers Tomato Soup?
The main ingredients for a stuffed peppers tomato soup recipe typically include bell peppers, ground beef or turkey, rice, onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, seasonings such as basil and oregano, and grated cheese for topping.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Meat In Stuffed Peppers Tomato Soup?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian options like lentils or tofu, depending on your dietary preferences.
Can I Make Stuffed Peppers Tomato Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time. The flavors will actually improve if allowed to sit in the refrigerator overnight. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat before serving.
How Do I Make The Soup Spicier?
To add spice to the stuffed peppers tomato soup, you can include ingredients like diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce. Adjust the level of heat to your preference.
Can I Use Canned Tomatoes For Stuffed Peppers Tomato Soup?
Yes, you can use canned diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, or tomato sauce for convenience. Just be sure to choose unsalted versions to control the seasoning.
How Do I Prevent The Rice In Stuffed Peppers Tomato Soup From Becoming Mushy?
To prevent the rice from becoming mushy, cook the rice separately before adding it to the soup. If using uncooked rice, add it early enough so it has time to cook without over-softening.
Can I Use A Slow Cooker For Stuffed Peppers Tomato Soup?
Yes, you can use a slow cooker. Brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
Is Stuffed Peppers Tomato Soup Gluten-free?
Yes, the soup can be made gluten-free by using rice and ensuring that the broth, canned tomatoes, and any seasonings are also gluten-free.
What Can I Serve With Stuffed Peppers Tomato Soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple side salad. You could also top it with a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese.
Can I Freeze Stuffed Peppers Tomato Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up on the stove.