Ultimate Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe: Comfort Food Made Easy

Transform the classic stuffed pepper into a soul-warming bowl of comfort with this incredible stuffed pepper soup recipe. This hearty, one-pot wonder captures all the beloved flavors of traditional stuffed peppers while offering the cozy satisfaction of a steaming bowl of soup. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Why This Stuffed Pepper Soup Will Become Your New Favorite

Stuffed pepper soup represents the perfect marriage of convenience and comfort food satisfaction. Unlike traditional stuffed peppers that require individual preparation and lengthy baking times, this soup version allows you to enjoy all those familiar flavors in a fraction of the time. The rich, tomato-based broth mingles beautifully with tender ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and perfectly cooked rice, creating a complete meal in every spoonful.

What makes this recipe truly special is its ability to deliver restaurant-quality results using simple, everyday ingredients. The soup develops incredible depth of flavor through proper layering of seasonings and allows the natural sweetness of bell peppers to shine through while the ground beef provides substantial protein and satisfying texture.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Stuffed Pepper Soup

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
• 3 large bell peppers (mix of red, green, and yellow), diced
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for serving)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until completely browned and no pink remains, approximately 6-8 minutes.
2. Add diced onions to the pot with the cooked ground beef and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. The onions should develop a light golden color and release their natural sweetness.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
4. Add diced bell peppers to the pot and cook for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften but still maintain some texture.
5. Pour in diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne if using.
6. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then add uncooked rice. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer covered for 18-20 minutes, or until rice is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
7. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
8. Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh parsley.

Stuffed Pepper Soup

Hearty, comforting soup with all the flavors of stuffed peppers in an easy one-pot recipe perfect for family dinners.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bowls

Course: Main Dish, Soup

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 285

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef 80/20 blend
• 3 large bell peppers mixed colors, diced
• 1 large yellow onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup white rice uncooked, long-grain
• 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz, undrained
• 1 can tomato sauce 15 oz
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings

• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional

For Serving

• 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
• fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Ladle
• Cutting board and knife

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking apart with wooden spoon, about 6-8 minutes.
2. Add diced onions and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add diced bell peppers and cook for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften.
5. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add all seasonings and stir to combine.
6. Bring mixture to a boil, then add uncooked rice. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer covered for 18-20 minutes.
7. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes.
8. Serve hot topped with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh parsley.

Notes

Soup can be stored in refrigerator for up to 4 days. For thicker consistency, let rest longer before serving. Can substitute ground turkey for lighter version.

Pro Tips for Extraordinary Results

The secret to exceptional stuffed pepper soup lies in the details. Choose bell peppers that are firm and colorful, as they’ll maintain better texture during cooking and provide visual appeal. Don’t skip the browning step for the ground beef – this caramelization creates a foundation of flavor that permeates the entire soup.

When adding the rice, resist the urge to lift the lid frequently during cooking. This allows the rice to steam properly and absorb maximum flavor from the broth. If you prefer a thicker consistency, let the soup rest off the heat for an additional 10 minutes before serving.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a diced jalapeño with the bell peppers or increasing the cayenne pepper. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability – adjust seasonings to match your family’s preferences.

Nutritional Benefits and Variations

This stuffed pepper soup provides excellent nutritional value with high-quality protein from ground beef, essential vitamins from colorful bell peppers, and complex carbohydrates from rice. Bell peppers are particularly rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, while the tomato base provides lycopene and additional vitamins.

For dietary modifications, ground turkey or chicken can easily substitute for beef, creating a lighter version without sacrificing flavor. Vegetarians can use plant-based ground meat alternatives or substitute with extra vegetables and beans for protein.

Consider these delicious variations: add corn kernels for sweetness, incorporate black beans for additional protein and fiber, or substitute brown rice for extra nutrition and nutty flavor. Each modification creates a unique twist while maintaining the soul-satisfying essence of the original recipe.

Storage and Meal Prep Magic

Stuffed pepper soup is a meal prep champion, storing beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually improve overnight as ingredients meld together, making leftovers even more delicious than the original meal.

For freezing, allow soup to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It will maintain quality for up to three months. When reheating, add a splash of broth if needed to achieve desired consistency, as the rice may absorb additional liquid during storage.

Conclusion: Your New Comfort Food Champion

This stuffed pepper soup recipe transforms a beloved classic into an easy, one-pot wonder that delivers comfort in every spoonful. With its rich, satisfying flavors and simple preparation method, it’s destined to become a regular rotation recipe in your kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving something warm and nourishing, this soup provides the perfect solution. The combination of tender vegetables, seasoned ground beef, and perfectly cooked rice creates a complete meal that satisfies both body and soul, proving that sometimes the best recipes are the ones that bring classic flavors together in new, convenient ways.