Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup brings the comforting flavors of stuffed peppers without the hassle of stuffing each individual pepper. It’s packed with savory beef, aromatic vegetables, and tender rice, making it a filling and flavorful meal. Plus, it’s a one-pot dish, making cleanup a breeze and allowing you to focus on enjoying your time with family or friends. It’s a warm, cozy meal that’s perfect for cold weather or any time you want a satisfying dish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers, diced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup rice (white or brown)
Directions
- Prepare: Dice all vegetables and set them aside for easier cooking.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell peppers and cook until softened. Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Push the vegetables to the sides of the pot and add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon, cover, and cook for a few minutes. Stir occasionally to mix the beef with the vegetables. Continue cooking until the beef is browned.
- Add the Liquid: Stir in the tomato paste and pour in the beef broth. Mix in oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then cover with a lid, leaving a small crack for ventilation. Cook for 20 minutes.
- Add the Rice: Stir in the rice, cover the pot again, and cook until the rice is tender, about 20 minutes more.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Additional Vegetables: Feel free to add mushrooms, carrots, kale, or green beans for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Rice Option: For a less mushy texture, cook the rice separately and add it to the soup when serving.
- Spices: You can adjust the seasoning to your taste. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat or swap in fresh herbs if you prefer.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a pot over medium heat, adding a little more broth if necessary to thin the soup.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef if you prefer a lighter version.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Use plant-based ground meat or just add more vegetables like mushrooms and beans to replace the beef.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day! Store it in the fridge and reheat before serving.
How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?
Cook the rice separately if you plan on storing leftovers. Add it only when serving the soup to keep the texture intact.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Can I add cheese to this soup?
Absolutely! Top your bowl with shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella for extra flavor.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free rice and check that your beef broth is gluten-free, this soup can be made gluten-free.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice works great but may require a slightly longer cooking time.
How can I make the soup spicier?
Add a bit of chili powder or red pepper flakes to increase the heat.
How do I know when the rice is done?
The rice will be tender and fully cooked after about 20 minutes of simmering in the soup.
Conclusion
Homemade Stuffed Peppers Soup is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines all the delicious elements of stuffed peppers into a comforting soup. Packed with vegetables, ground beef, and rice, it’s a hearty meal perfect for any night of the week. With minimal cleanup and lots of flavor, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy it as a cozy dinner on chilly evenings or as a meal prep option for busy days!
Homemade Stuffed Peppers Soup
This hearty Stuffed Peppers Soup is a deconstructed version of the classic stuffed peppers, packed with bell peppers, ground beef, rice, and tomatoes. It’s comforting, easy to make, and perfect for chilly evenings. Enjoy the classic flavors in a cozy soup form.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 bell peppers (diced)
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 pound ground beef
- Tomato paste
- Beef broth
- Oregano, basil, garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- ½ cup rice
Instructions
- Sauté onion and bell peppers in olive oil until softened.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart until mostly cooked through.
- Stir in tomato paste, then pour in beef broth and seasonings.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add rice and cook until tender.
Notes
- You can cook rice separately and add it later to prevent it from absorbing too much liquid.
- Add extra vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or kale for more flavor.
