Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup brings all the hearty flavors of traditional stuffed peppers into a warm, satisfying bowl. This comforting soup combines tender ground meat, sweet bell peppers, tomatoes, and rice in a savory broth that feels both nourishing and familiar. It captures everything you love about the classic dish but simplifies the process, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
The first time I made Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup, I was craving the rich taste of stuffed peppers but did not have time for baking and assembling each one individually. Turning it into a soup made preparation faster while preserving all the comforting flavors. As it simmered on the stove, the aroma of peppers and herbs filled the kitchen. I once added a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth, and it enhanced the dish beautifully. Whether served for a family dinner or prepared ahead for meal prep, this soup offers warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup is hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare in one pot. It combines protein, vegetables, and grains into a balanced meal. It is ideal for meal prep and reheats beautifully.
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Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup: A Comforting Twist on a Classic Favorite
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal inspired by classic stuffed peppers. It combines ground beef, rice, bell peppers, and tomatoes in a rich, savory broth for a satisfying family-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add diced onion and bell peppers. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- Stir in cooked rice and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Use uncooked rice by adding it with the broth and increasing simmer time by 15 minutes.
- For a low-carb version, replace rice with cauliflower rice.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground Beef
Ground beef provides rich flavor and hearty texture. Lean ground beef works well to reduce excess grease.
Bell Peppers
Chopped bell peppers add sweetness, color, and the signature flavor of classic stuffed peppers.
Onion
Diced onion enhances the savory base and adds depth to the broth.
Garlic
Minced garlic contributes aromatic richness and complements the tomatoes.
Diced Tomatoes
Canned diced tomatoes provide acidity and body, forming the foundation of the soup’s flavor.
Tomato Sauce
Tomato sauce thickens the broth and intensifies the tomato flavor.
Beef Broth
Beef broth creates a savory base that ties all the ingredients together.
Cooked Rice
Rice adds substance and makes the soup more filling, replicating the classic stuffed pepper texture.
Italian Seasoning
A blend of dried herbs enhances the overall flavor profile.
Salt
Salt balances the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances natural flavors.
Black Pepper
Freshly ground black pepper adds mild heat and complexity.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables and meat.
Directions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in chopped bell peppers and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender.
Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Stir in cooked rice and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or shredded cheese.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 6 people. Preparation time is 15 minutes, and cooking time is 30 minutes, bringing the total time to about 45 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the soup thickens. It can also be frozen for up to two months.
Variations and Customizations
Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup is highly adaptable. For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef. I once used ground turkey and added a touch of smoked paprika, which provided additional depth without increasing fat content.
If you prefer a low-carb option, replace rice with cauliflower rice. For a heartier texture, use brown rice instead of white rice.
Adding vegetables such as zucchini or carrots increases nutritional value and adds subtle sweetness. For a spicier version, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
To make the soup dairy-free, simply avoid cheese toppings. For added richness, stir in a small amount of shredded cheddar just before serving.
You can also prepare this recipe in a slow cooker by browning the meat first, then combining all ingredients and cooking on low for 4–6 hours.
These flexible options allow you to tailor the soup to your dietary needs and taste preferences.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Below is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
Values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Brown Meat Thoroughly
Proper browning enhances flavor depth.
Chop Peppers Evenly
Uniform pieces ensure consistent texture.
Simmer Gently
Allow flavors to develop without boiling aggressively.
Adjust Thickness
Add extra broth for thinner consistency.
Add Rice Last
Stir rice in toward the end to prevent overcooking.
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, it stores and reheats well for meal prep.
Can I use uncooked rice?
Yes, but add additional broth and simmer longer until the rice is tender.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to two months.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, replace beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.
Why is my soup too thick?
Rice absorbs liquid; add more broth when reheating.
Can I use different colored peppers?
Yes, red, yellow, and green peppers all work well.
Conclusion
Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup transforms a beloved classic into a convenient and comforting one-pot meal. With its hearty ingredients and balanced flavors, it offers warmth and satisfaction with minimal effort. Perfect for family dinners or meal preparation, this soup is a reliable addition to any home cook’s recipe collection.
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